US Air Force Civil Engineers

Infrastructure Wins Wars 🏗️ If the base cannot survive an attack, the aircraft never leave the ground. At Ebbing ANGB, AR, Airmen from the 186 ARW, Key Field ANGB, MS, trained at the 188 CES Regional Training Site to sharpen the expeditionary skills required to sustain air operations in high-threat environments. From HVAC/R and electrical systems to excavation, grading, compaction, water purification, and forward structure construction, the training strengthened the CE capabilities that keep combat airpower moving. Modern precision strike makes runways, fuel systems, power grids, and command and control nodes prime targets. Dispersal alone is not enough. Airfields must be designed, repaired, and operated by Airmen trained to absorb an adversary’s first punch and sustain combat power. HVAC/R stabilizes mission systems. Electrical power production sustains critical infrastructure. Water and fuel systems maintenance protects essential utilities. Pavements and construction equipment restore the surfaces aircraft need to launch, land, and fight. Leveraging the full strength of the Total Force, CE Airmen are turning technical skill into a strategic advantage. Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Engineers bring the depth, speed, and expertise needed to sustain, protect, and recover installations when the fight reaches the base. That is how CE keeps airpower in the fight. USAF 📸 by TSgt Patricia Teare @186arw I @188thwing I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Defending the Deterrent 🛡️ At Malmstrom AFB, MT, 341 CES firefighters conducted multi-day active-threat response training to prepare for asymmetric challenges against one of the nation’s most critical installations. Working alongside Security Forces and local emergency responders, CE Airmen rehearsed threat suppression, initial response actions, and post-incident care through realistic, scenario-driven exercises. This training extends beyond emergency response. At an installation directly tied to the nation’s strategic deterrent, every second of coordination is critical. By integrating with military and civilian partners, CE firefighters strengthen the layered defense required to protect personnel, safeguard mission-critical infrastructure, and maintain control during complex incidents. Their ability to respond effectively under pressure is essential to installation security and the continuity of one of the Air Force’s most vital missions. USAF 📸 by A1C Teniya Caldwell @malmstromafb I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Limited Visibility, Clear Mission 🔦 At Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians from the 4 CES executed nighttime tactical rescue operations during a Field Training Exercise, proving their ability to move through explosive hazards, clear safe paths and extract isolated personnel under the cover of darkness. In a contested environment, adversaries may use area-denial weapons, unexploded ordnance and sabotage to isolate forces and slow recovery. EOD Airmen train for that reality. Their ability to operate in low visibility and hazardous conditions helps ensure no Airman is cut off when the environment is rigged against them. By clearing the path for rescue and recovery, these CE warfighters directly support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and strengthen mission assurance when the fight reaches the installation. When explosive threats are meant to stop the mission, EOD clears the way. USAF 📸 by Amn Daryl Briscoe @sjafb I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Forged by Fire, Built by Iron 🏋️ At MacDill AFB, FL, firefighters from the 6 CES transform the gym into a proving ground for the fight that could reach the flight line, where the airfield itself is a target. This training goes far beyond passing a fitness test—it prepares Fire Protection Airmen to operate in a contested environment under real-world threat conditions. Every lift builds the power needed to force entry, move heavy equipment, and pull Airmen from danger. Every rep develops the stamina to push through smoke, heat, and chaos after an incident, attack, or strike. In a peer conflict, firefighters may be called to extract personnel, protect aircraft, respond to munitions fires, and help recover critical areas of the installation while the mission continues. Their strength is part of the Air Force’s combat endurance. As CE warfighters, they help protect people, preserve mission assets, and keep the installation ready to generate airpower when it matters most. USAF 📸 by Amn Alexis Adams @macdillafb I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

In a contested environment, readiness is non-negotiable—and it starts with taking care of our most valuable weapon system: our Airmen. At Aviano AB, a safe and functional dorm isn’t a luxury; it’s a strategic imperative. Through the Barracks Task Force, the 31 CES is improving dorm conditions with repairs and upgrades that directly impact how Airmen live, recover, and reset. From restoring hot water to addressing HVAC and infrastructure challenges unique to Italy’s environment, every fix strengthens readiness by improving morale and day-to-day performance. When Airmen aren’t battling leaky pipes or broken HVAC systems, they can focus fully on the mission. Investing in our Airmen is a direct investment in combat capability. 🏠🛠️ USAF 🎥 by HAF AF/A4C Warfighter Communications @avianoairbase | #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Alaska Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and State of Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighters conducted a controlled burn training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 11, 2026. The multi-agency effort brought together personnel from the AKANG’s 176th Civil Engineer Squadron, the USAF’s 673d Civil Engineer Squadron and 611th Civil Engineer Squadron, alongside the AK DFFP’s Gannett Glacier Fire Crew to proactively reduce wildfire risks ahead of Alaska’s fire season. The controlled burn provided firefighters and emergency personnel the opportunity to coordinate operations, strengthen interagency communication, and rehearse wildfire mitigation tactics in a realistic training environment. Working side by side enhanced interoperability between military and civilian agencies while reinforcing partnerships critical to protecting personnel, infrastructure, and surrounding communities during wildfire response operations. Alaska National Guard 📸 by Alejandro Peña @jber_official | #airforce #airnationalguard #alaska #fireprotection #wildlandfirefighter

Synchronizing Strengths 🔐 Cratered runways won’t stop the mission. At Yokota AB, Japan, the 374 CES partnered with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) for a bilateral field training exercise focused on generating combat airpower from installations under attack, a critical component of deterrence in today’s threat environment. The exercise tested integrated capabilities to survive and operate in a contested environment. U.S. and JASDF personnel jointly assessed simulated runway damage, cleared hazards, restored mission capability, recognized unexploded ordnance, conducted chemical checks, and practiced Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). Each scenario strengthened core CE competencies tied to Integrated Base Response and Recovery, Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery, infrastructure protection, and allied interoperability. This bilateral training sends a clear message: our airfields are not just bases; they are strong power projection platforms. Together with our allies, CE Airmen are ready to operate through any threat, create dilemmas for potential adversaries, and ensure combat airpower remains available in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. USAF 📸 by A1C David S. Calcote @jasdf_pao_e I @yokotaairbase I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Where Readiness Meets Reality 🫡 To validate their ability to generate and sustain airpower under direct threats, the 155th Air Refueling Wing conducted a dynamic Combat Readiness Inspection at the Nebraska National Guard AB, NE. The exercise brought together Civil Engineers, Security Forces, and other squadrons, beginning with processing personnel through a deployment function line where Airmen received gear and were cleared for a simulated wartime mission. The inspection quickly intensified, presenting a series of complex, overlapping challenges. A simulated drone attack created a mass casualty scenario, requiring Airmen to provide Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) under fire while medical teams triaged and evacuated patients. The training also stressed operations in hazardous conditions, with Airmen executing MOPP exchanges to refine decontamination procedures. By testing performance across all wing functions, from generating aircraft in cold weather to defending the base, the 155th ARW confirmed it is ready to deploy, operate, and succeed in a contested, degraded environment. USANG 📸 by SSgt Noah Carlson @nenationalguard I @155arw I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

The 2026 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team of the Year (ToTY) competition at Camp Williams, UT, pushed elite Airmen to their limits, testing the precision, adaptability, and grit required in real-world missions. Through a series of high-pressure scenarios, competitors showcased technical expertise, sharp decision-making, and the physical and mental strength essential to the EOD mission. From delivering lifesaving care and coordinating a medevac after a simulated blast injury to locating, identifying, and safely neutralizing hazardous ordnance, every challenge demanded excellence. EOD technicians take on some of the Air Force’s most dangerous assignments in complex and unpredictable environments around the globe. At EOD ToTY, these Airmen proved they are mission-ready, equipped to protect lives, safeguard property, and confront evolving threats head-on. Congratulations to all who competed... and a well-earned win to this year’s champions, Team Seymour Johnson! 💣💥🏆 USAF 📸 by A1C Luke Bellows @sjafb | #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

High Heat, Higher Standards 🔥📈 Live-fire aircraft rescue training immersed Team Travis firefighters in high-pressure, realistic scenarios designed to sharpen decision-making, coordination, and rapid response during aircraft emergencies. Conducted at Travis AFB, CA, the training enabled crews to operate side by side while rehearsing the tactics, communication, and teamwork critical to effective emergency operations. The 60 CES partnered with San Francisco International Airport firefighters during the multi-agency exercise, strengthening interoperability between military and civilian emergency responders. These aircraft rescue and firefighting drills also supported Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements for SFO personnel while reinforcing partnerships that expand collective emergency response capabilities. Training together enhances the ability to effectively protect personnel, aircraft, and mission-critical infrastructure when it matters most. USAF 📸 by A1C Ashley Rowell @travisafb | #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Forged in the Field 🪖 Combat readiness begins long before deployment. At Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, the 916 CES conducted a four-day field training exercise designed to prepare Airmen for operations in contested environments. Operating from a simulated deployed location, Civil Engineers set up expeditionary tents, executed tactical road marches and convoy operations, and endured near-freezing overnight conditions to replicate real-world challenges. The exercise honed both technical expertise and warfighting readiness. Airmen suppressed live fires, administered Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), and collected simulated hazardous materials, all while operating in full MOPP 4 gear. By developing multi-capable expeditionary warfighters, the 916th CE Flight strengthens the foundation that sustains airpower. Purposeful investment in training boosts mission assurance, reinforces installation reliability, and ensures Airmen are ready to establish, sustain, and recover combat operations wherever the mission demands. USAF 📸 by A1C Hudson Steiner @sjafb I #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow

Every mission is built on a strong foundation, and for so many Airmen, that foundation begins at home. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we honor the spouses who keep families grounded through deployments, frequent moves, long days, late nights, and everything in between. Your support enables our Civil Engineers to stay ready, focused, and connected to what matters most. To our CE spouses, thank you for your sacrifices, your strength, and the vital role you play in building a strong Air Force community. Today, we celebrate you. ❤️ USAF 📸 by HAF AF/A4C Warfighter Communications @usairforce | #CEAirmen #AirmenEngineers #ReadyAF #USAFCE #USAirForce #MissionReadyAirmen #ReadyTodayReadyTomorrow