Civil engineers train for contingencies

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Megan E. Acs
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airmen from the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron began construction on a new entomology facility at the beginning of January 2015 which fulfills their annual hands-on contingency training requirement.

"The primary objective of this project is training and not completion of the project. Our Airmen are learning the correct way to do things, versus the expedient method that is not up to code," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joe Tison, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy repair superintendent.

The estimated completion date for the project is currently scheduled for November, but ultimately depends on weather, training and other duty requirements.

"We're taking the time to do it right, from scratch and making sure the Airmen are getting the right training," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Konen, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of the structures shop.

The project is being done completely by CE, with every shop playing a crucial role in the construction.

"This includes design, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, just like you would see in any other building on base," said Tison.

These annual projects provide Airmen training they may not normally receive during daily operations and helps prepare them for tasks during exercises and deployments.

"Downrange, we're expected to construct a lot of buildings, but here we don't get the chance to do that very often," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brooke Byerley, who is the lead draftsman for the project. "Here we do a lot of renovations and general upkeep. This is a chance to actually get our hands on constructing a building from start to finish. It's the first time I've done something like this."

Additionally, this new structure will provide an up-to-code workspace for the 97th CES entomology shop. Currently, the entomologists share a room with two other shops which does not meet their needs.

"Since entomology is a part of civil engineering, we're actually helping our own with this project," said Tison. "It's not often we do that. The majority of our work is catered toward taking care of everyone else on base."

While this project is still months from completion, the 97th CES is already looking to future projects.

"In the next fiscal year, you'll see us doing another base project. Currently we're in the planning and design phase of the next project, even as this one is still in the construction phase," said Tison. "We're already looking forward to the next twelve months of training."

The next construction project will help keep the Airmen proficient in their primary duties, and prepare form for real-world contingencies and deployments.

"This has been an outstanding training opportunity for all the Airmen involved. We are sharpening our skills in order to be more productive Airmen in the greater scheme of things," said Konen.