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.

Air Guard civil engineers are lead unit in Baghdad

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Nancy Reid
  • 141st Air Refueling Wing
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Approximately 25 civil engineers from the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard are engaged in their mission to construct, maintain and repair the airfield and base operating support facilities for Sather Air Base, Iraq.

Sather is located at the Bagdad Airport and is known as the "Gateway to Baghdad and beyond." More than 100,000 people and 40,000 tons of material have passed through the Sather terminal since the beginning of the Global War on Terror.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to lead such a great group of airmen," said Lt. Col. Mike Nester, 447th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

Colonel Nester, who is deployed to Iraq from the 141st, said that the Airmen, especially in the power plant and HVAC shops, are in high demand. With summer temperatures reaching120-plus, they work to keep buildings safe and to make improvements for the next team. Their "to do" list includes running the water plant, maintaining the aircraft hydrant fueling systems, upgrading the electrical systems, constructing new roads and facilities, and bedding down new functions.

"The environment is tough on people, equipment and vehicles; we are in the process of completing a series of quality-of-life improvements: volleyball court, lighting the basketball court, and constructing a recreation center," the colonel said. "These little touches mean a lot for the deployed members."

The 447th ECES is a large and dynamic squadron, with guardsmen, reservists and active-duty Airmen from more than 50 different units. In addition to the facility maintenance mission, they are responsible for fire services, explosive ordinance disposal and emergency management.

"Morale is excellent; the importance of the mission keeps people focused. We make sure that the war fighter is supported," Colonel Nester said. "The mission here is real, and every day we see concrete evidence of our work contributions."

The civil engineers are expected to return to Washington in October. These volunteers add to the other 140 members of the 141st currently serving around the globe.