DVIDS – News – 188. Squadry engineer Squadron will go to Portugal to obtain the basic strategic improvement

Ebbing Air National Guard Base, ARK.FLIEGER from the 188th civil engineer Squadron (CES) are preparing to go to Portugal for a two-week Temporary Duty task (TDY) in order to improve both the operational readiness and the infrastructure at Lajes Field, a strategic US air gun facility in the Azores.

One of the main tasks of the squadron will be to take on important construction projects, including the demolition of two buildings and the interior of a room in an existing warehouse. These projects correspond to the most important training metrics for the airms so that they can apply their specialist knowledge under real conditions.

“The establishment of a large interior within a warehouse requires the skills of several trades that work together. The construction of new walls and the addition of water, electromic and HLK systems offer the possibility that several shops improve their core competencies,” said Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Hudson, 188. Squadron Squadron Commander. “Operators of heavy equipment also have the option of breaking down buildings.”

The TDY serves a double purpose: make sure that the members complete the required annual training and at the same time offer additional building opportunities for basic projects. These improvements directly support the Force projection skills of the Air Force, since Lajes Field serves as a critical location for the company in the European Theater.

“Lajes is a strategic place when it comes to staging and potential movement to Europe,” said Hudson. “This mission not only supports basic improvements, but also strengthens our partnerships and our interoperability with our allies.”

Lajes Field played a crucial role in the US military operations from the Second World War. The basis was used as an important tank and logistics center, which facilitates transatlantic operations. Throughout the Cold War, we had a critical asset that supported the air bridge, educational and fast reaction missions.

Today Lajes Field serves an important way to project the air force's power supply in several theaters. On the 188th Ces, this mission builds the chance to test her mette on a global stage. This TDY also improves the skywader's ability to work as a coherent unit in an environment. Many of the planes have never traveled with military orders outside the United States, which makes this invaluable experience in mobility and logistics.

“The ability to provide a unit is a positive by -product,” said Hudson. “It requires considerable efforts to pack bags, load them in an aircraft and reach a destination of six to seven times away. The experiences are only enormous. This mission strengthens the overall effectiveness of our squadron and prepares our airms for future missions.”

Apart from the promotion of camaraderie and the development of technical skills, the influence of the mission itself extends far beyond the squadron itself.

The improvements at Lajes Field contribute directly to the global strategic attitude of the Air Force. By improving an important logistics and staging hub, the 188th CES plays a role in maintaining the willingness to agile employment and fast global mobility – two of the air force priorities. These efforts ensure that the US armed forces have institutions that are necessary to maintain operations in controversial environments.

While the 188th Ces is doing this Tdy on Lajes Field, they make more than a critical center upgraded up to cement their own legacy as a combat team and serve to deliver technical skills wherever the air force requires. From the strengthening of the infrastructure that global operations takes over to the control of the requirements of the environments used, these aviators build up the skills and the Grit in future missions to ensure that they remain a resilient foundation for the willingness in an unpredictable world.