An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CE Airmen answer Army’s call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq --  Who does the Army call when they need something built in a hurry to accomplish their mission or to improve their quality of life? The Airmen assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, that's who.

More than 50 combat-trained engineers, assigned to the 732nd ECES Det. 3, can provide a variety of engineer services at the drop of a hat.

"Our team here was brought in to help the Army's Construction Battalion, and we can provide the vertical asset they need, which basically means we provide everything that goes above ground to include electrical, water and heating and cooling support," said Capt. Rebecca Corbin, 732nd ECES Det. 3 commander .

Not only are these Airmen working with the Army, in some cases filling Army civil engineer positions but they have adjusted their operation so they can provide construction and support services in a true expeditionary mission mindset ... anytime, anywhere.

"We partner up, plan out projects, get all our materials together, do our designs and then go out to a remote location and build up a base so that like in many cases, the Army can be partnered up with the Iraqi army so they can work together," said Captain Corbin, who is deployed from Dover Air Force Base, Del., and is a native of Waunakee, Wisc.

This team includes Airmen with plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electrical, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning skills. It also includes heavy equipment operators, vehicle maintainers and logistics or supply Airmen, all doing their jobs, sometimes in dangerous areas within Iraq.

"Many times we are out doing projects wearing our body armor and helmets with our guns strapped to our backs," the captain said. "The actual impact we are making for these Soldiers is great and they really appreciate the support we provide."

While each rotation of engineers may provide similar services, each one has a signature project that defines their deployment. That is exactly the case as these Airmen will leave behind a legacy that will ultimately last well into the future, according to Captain Corbin. That project for her team is Operation Flint Hills, a simple stretch of highway that these Airmen repaved and made the densely used road safer for military and civilian travelers alike.

"It's only every so often that a project comes along that will impact the local population so much that people literally across the country are interested in the progress and outcome," the captain said.

The project includes a robust convoy checkpoint which allows the civilian traffic complete freedom of movement, something these residents have not seen since the beginning of hostile operations.

"The scope of the project kept us positive," said Staff Sgt. Richard Hellyer, 732nd ECES heavy equipment operator." I feel like we increased the local quality of life as well as the safety for everyone who will now drive on that stretch of road." Sergeant Hellyer is deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., and is a native of Gilchrist, Ore.