Redirecting...

Prime BEEF: 23d CES builds up to deploy

  • Published
  • By Airman Eugene Oliver
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs

Airmen from the 23d Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) participated in a Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force (BEEF) training day, Feb. 15, here.

The Prime BEEF day was geared toward preparing Airmen for wartime tasks that they could be called to perform while in a deployed environment.

“It’s important that we maintain a proficiency in those tasks because we could be called to rapidly deploy at a moment’s notice and we need to be ready.”   said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Vaden, 23d CES superintendent. “If those types of war plans are executed, then our engineers will not have the time to train and prepare (there) that’s why we’re doing it now.”

When CES Airmen deploy they face austere conditions which can hinder operations, but Vaden said being able to perform despite those circumstances is what makes his Airmen special.

“Our engineers are critical to establishing, sustaining and operating an airbase anywhere in the world,” said Vaden. “This training boosts the confidence of our Airmen, which in turn elevates their competence to perform well in a deployed environment.”

While continuing their day-to-day operations at Moody making extra time to prepare for deployments is key to accomplishing the Air Force’s overall mission.

“Most of our engineers do not have the opportunity to focus on their contingency requirements on a day-to-day basis,” said Vaden. “Prime BEEF days provide our engineers the time they need to focus on the extra tasks they will be called to perform while deployed.”

When deployed, CES Airmen are called to perform multiple overall duties such as: mobile aircraft arresting systems, environmental control units, airfield lighting, power generators, water purification units and tents.

Airman 1st Class Brendan Brown, 23d CES horizontal construction engineer, added to Vaden’s remarks, saying training days like this also give less experiences Prime BEEF members a chance to run-through their deployed roles and learn from Airmen who've already done them downrange.

“Working with all the guys in our shop and taking some of the experience and wisdom they have from their prior deployments is crucial,” said Brown. “Getting the opportunity to practice and observe the duties we’ll perform downrange helps build my confidence even more.”

From Vaden’s experience, he knows that taking advantage of the time to train in garrison is vital, so that when called upon his team is ready to meet the mission.