Civil engineers immerse in training, prepare for deployment

Jan. 30, 2010 -- Airmen from the 108th Civil Engineer Squadron out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., traveled to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., in early December to conduct immersion training as they prepared for their deployment to the Middle East.

During the week-long training provided by Detachment 1, 823rd Red Horse Squadron, the 108th CES personnel learned how to build and maintain bare-base operations at forward-deployed operations.

Training is conducted at the 1,200 acre Silver Flag Exercise site, which is located east of Panama City, Fla.

Their training consisted of water purification, runway repairs, electrical systems, aircraft and structural firefighting, and personnel rescue.

"The training is excellent and the cadre put you through real world troubles," said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth R. Knowles, a civil engineer with the 108th CES and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system technician in his civilian job.

Knowles, who is from Bayville, N.J., said his wife and infant son will be waiting for his safe return in six months.

Having military and civilian experience in HVAC systems, makes him the go to guy in the shop, said Knowles. "This prepares me for the equipment and troubles I will see over there."

With the training received at Tyndall AFB, the 108th CES Airmen are better prepared to complete their mission overseas.