SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For two weeks, more than 40 Air Force reservists with the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington State, are currently assisting the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron with several engineering projects.
The reservists have been working on projects such as maintaining equipment, replacing boilers, fixing roof leaks and more.
“We offer a great opportunity for the 446th CES to integrate with us and utilize their annual training days for training opportunities they wouldn’t normally have during their drill weekends,” said Lt. Col. Andrew DeRosa, 50th CES commander. “So far, they have been great and truly allow us to do more with less. Total force integration is extremely important overall across the services and this is how we get tasks done home station and down range with support from the guardsmen and reservists.”
Members of the Rainier Wing have also been helping in the 50th CES back shops.
“For our annual tours, we usually go somewhere to build something and work on a big project as a group,” said Master Sgt. Douglas Seekins, 446th CES water fuels systems maintenance shop NCO in charge. “Being here is a new thing, to come in and backfill the shops of an existing active duty squadron it’s a new, but great experience.”
Many of the reservists have found the work and new opportunities at Schriever to be very rewarding.
“I’m used to running a shop and turning wrenches,” Seekins said. “Now, I’m managing personnel and taking accountability for the entire team. It’s been a big adjustment and a great learning opportunity. Many of our guys are also getting great experience being in this environment. As a reservist, the majority of the time, we do computer-based training during our drill weekends; being here is different. It’s always rewarding to do what we have been trained to do.”
For the newer members of the 446th CES, this has been an opportunity to become more proficient in their job and comply with the Status of Resources and Training System.
“This is my first annual tour,” said Airman Travis Yager, 446th CES. “I’m picking up on a lot. I have exchanged air filters, maintained motors in the air conditioning units and assisted in installing a steam-to-steam boiler. Working with the 50th CES has been a fantastic experience and we are glad to be here helping them.”
In total, the reservists will have completed 1,144 hours of labor and $484,000 worth of projects.
“The 446th CES members bring a wealth of knowledge from the civilian sector, as well as the skills we are looking for,” DeRosa said. “To have them integrate with our squadron and give us perspective on things we may not be up to speed on, is always a plus. This is a win-win for both sides.”