15 engineers ready to deploy Sunday

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A 15-member team from the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron is scheduled to deploy from Malmstrom to Ft. McCoy, Wisc., Sunday. The team will spend six weeks training in Wisconsin to hone necessary skills before deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom later this year. 

The team has spent the past weeks preparing for the deployment by conducting physical training five-days-a-week and attended required classes in order to prepare for the mission they will conduct while overseas. 

"We'll be conducting runway and structural repairs in our area of responsibility," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Carter, an NCO preparing to deploy with the team. "We'll be doing things from fixing aircraft parking areas and taxiways, to building storage facilities and whatever else we're called to do." 

Typically, runway repair is not something Malmstrom Airmen get to practice on-the-job since Malmstrom does not have a flying mission, however the team is prepared and 
confident they will be able to get the job done. 

"I'm excited to go because of the change-of-pace between what we do at normally and what we'll be doing in the AOR," said Senior Airman Ryan Beaverson, 341st CES. "We'll get to do some heavy construction projects and I'll get to use the training I've received at technical school too, it's nice to get to experience different parts of the mission." 

While the team is in Wisconsin, they will receive Army combat skills training to learn how to conduct urban-warfare operations and how to operate convoys, according to Sergeant Carter. 

"Most of our guys are pretty seasoned so they have an idea of what to expect," he added. "Our guys are well-trained and they've got their stuff together. We're good to go." 

While deployed, the 15-member team will meet up with other CES members from across the Air Force, and combined with RED HORSE Airmen, will serve as part of the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron. 

"Diversity is such a great tool and is really the key to the whole Air Force," said Sergeant Carter. "We'll have so many different people from different personal and professional backgrounds coming together. Each person has something different to bring to the team to accomplish the mission." 

"Preparing for the deployment has been a great experience for me," said 2nd Lt. Luke Donovan, who will be deploying for the first time Sunday. "I'll be looking to my Airmen and NCO's to draw on their expertise and guidance from deployments they've been on in the past." 

Lieutenant Donovan will be the officer-in-charge of the team and in the AOR will assume command of more than 40 Airmen. 

"It's a large responsibility, but I'm already surrounded by outstanding people," added Lieutenant Donovan. "I have no doubts that our members will do a great job." 

In addition to the team deploying Sunday, the 341st CES has deployed many of its members earlier this year and many others are preparing to deploy before the end of 2006. 

"Our squadron is putting a strong force forward every year in support of the Global War on Terrorism," added Lieutenant Donovan. "Our leadership has been outstanding, making sure that we have every piece of gear and protective equipment we'll need." 

Members of the team also note the amazing support they have received from their family and friends as they prepare to deploy. 

"My wife and I have been together for 13 years now so she's a veteran of the whole process," said Sergeant Carter. "She has always been amazing and it's awesome to have that support from my family."