ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed in support of multiple overseas operations July 9 and 12.
The Airmen are deploying to 10 different countries in the U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of operation, making this the largest deployment the squadron has been involved with in over 10 years.
“I think the young Airmen who are deploying for the first time are excited,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Higginbotham, the unit deployment manager assigned to the 28th CES. “I believe that engineers think it is a privilege to deploy. They get to do new things and see new places around the world. They are anxious to show their leadership downrange what they are made of and show that they can do the job no matter what.”
The 28th CES is supporting the Air Force’s infrastructure needs, which includes but not limited to heating and cooling systems, airfield repair and rubber removal.
“The main mission they are doing is the airfield repair and rubber removal,” Higginbotham said. “They are going to forward operating bases and overhauling their runways to support current and future Air Force missions.”
The civil engineers will be repairing neglected areas which will enable units operating in these locations the ability to conduct missions vital to the success of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel.
“The 28th CES provides good training so we can do our jobs [in a contingency environment],” said 1st Lt. Conor Favo, officer in charge of operations engineering. “There is always something to do and they prepare us to accomplish the mission.”