Photo By Staff Sgt. Austen Adriaens | U.S. Air Force airmen from the 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron, St. Paul, Minn., and...... read more read more
RAYMOND, Maine – U.S. Air Force airmen from the 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron, St. Paul, Minn., and U.S. Marines from Bridge Company A, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, Battle Creek Mich., work and train on multiple construction projects taking place at Camp Hinds Boy Scout Camp and within the local community during Innovative Readiness Training.
The airmen from the 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron, Minnesota Air National Guard, are part of the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force (Prime BEEF). These specialized airmen have the capability to rapidly deploy, construct and maintain the beddown efforts of military personnel and equipment to multiple locations across the globe. The Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) at Camp Hinds combined with projects within the city of Raymond, Maine, gives these airmen an opportunity to exercise and develop their skill sets while giving something back to the local community. The type of construction work required aligns extremely well with these airmen’s core capabilities. It gives command and control the opportunity to select project leads and junior non-commissioned officers to act as deployed non-commissioned officers in charge fostering future mission essential leaders.
The joint service IRT at Camp Hinds also includes U.S. Marines from Bridge Company A, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, two U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsmen and three Royal Engineers from the British Army 24 Commando Engineer Regiment. They are given their own projects to complete around Camp Hinds and even tasked with the construction of a small cabin at Camp Bomazeen Boy Scout Camp in Belgrade, Maine. After returning from Camp Bomazeen, they were encouraged to work together with members of the U.S. Air Force. The integration of service members from the U.S. Air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the British Army helps airmen better understand how other entities of the military work and operate. This collaboration during IRT cultivates diverse mission ready airmen.
The 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron requested support from two Engineer Assistants from the 122nd Fighter Wing and 157th Airlift Wing. These airmen were essential to completing on-site measurements and elevation readings in order to continue the construction process. There is additional support from 133rd Public Health and 133rd Force Support Squadron who also benefit from the IRT. These individuals are exposed to the same kinds of real-world working conditions and equipment that they may encounter when deployed. The three airmen from the 133rd Force Support Squadron partner with two members of the duration staff from the 143rd Force Support Squadron to make sure meals are provided to service members each workday. Senior Airman Zachary Muth stated that this was his first time working in a Disaster Relief Mobile Trailer (DRMKT). Being exposed to this unique equipment during the IRT will help this airman gain the experience he needs to advance in his military career.
“Even though there is not a project for every individuals' Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) skill level, excellent cross training opportunities have been accomplished. This allows for a very diverse, flexible and resilient workforce in a contingency environment,” said Maj. Scott Beeman, officer in charge for the 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron.
These service members are the fourth rotation out of nine that will come through Camp Hinds to complete the construction projects this year. Each rotation is two weeks in duration and each one has its own set of construction goals it must achieve within that time. The duration staff oversees all the on-going projects and makes sure project deadlines are met.
“They were extremely well prepared, took initiative, and made great suggestions. The group accomplished far more than what was expected and exceeded our expectations,” said Lt. Col. Eric Neumann, duration staff site officer in charge from the 245th Civil Engineer Squadron for Camp Hinds.
The camp is currently poised to be one of the nicest Boy Scout Camps on the east coast upon completion. It will boast a brand new dining facility, athletic field, cabins and multiple shooting ranges. Service members are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the camp throughout the extent of their stay. This includes, but is not limited to, kayaking, skeet shooting and zip lining. These activities strengthen friendships, build camaraderie and enhance overall morale amongst both Boy Scouts and service members alike.
The work is arduous and often very physically demanding. Nevertheless, these service members remain resilient and work side-by-side often in high temperatures and rain for a common goal. The service members that participate in IRT are receiving great training while bettering the community and leaving behind a legacy that will be appreciated by future Boy Scouts for years to come. The real-world training environment at Camp Hinds proved instrumental in furthering these service members’ ability to deploy, construct and maintain a base. These service members will be better prepared if and when they are needed to deploy to a combat environment or provide aid in disaster relief.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2015 21:56 |
| Story ID: | 166913 |
| Location: | RAYMOND, MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 367 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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