Week One on Guam a Success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madeleine Richards
  • 146AW
The first work week here at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam is complete for the members traveling on TDY from the 146th Airlift Wing.

Here's an overview of what all has been going on: HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning/ refrigeration), plumbing, electrical and structures all fall under the Civil Engineering Squadron and are working towards the same mission on the trip. Their mission is to start to build an indoor firearms training simulator range for Security Forces at Andersen Air Force. The Heavy Equipment, or as they like to be called, the Dirt Boys, who also fall under the Civil Engineering Squadron, are working to fill in a hole estimated to need 360 thousand tons of dirt. The space needs to be filled in and leveled so that the 554th Red Horse Squadron can utilize the space for future projects. Of course, we cannot forget the Force Support Squadron that traveled with us from the 146th Airlift Wing provides all meals to keep these Airmen fueled for their long workdays.

The first workday started out a little rough. They quickly realized not everything had been set up for them to start working to their full potential. So instead of building things right away they had do things like sand the pipes down and put primer on them to be ready to install, and scrub the rust off of old tools before they could use them. It was a minor set back for the members of the 146th Airlift Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron. They figured out what they needed to do and they did it.

My good co-worker and admin Senior Airman Tiffany Maston was able to speak to Chief Master Sgt. Kirk Rhame, the Chief Enlisted Manager of the Civil Engineering Squadron. "It's going pretty well. The guys are motivated. They're getting things done," Rhame stated. "We are overcoming the small hiccups we had in the beginning, showing that we are capable of handling all situations as they come."

Maston was also able to speak to Senior Airman Betsaida Martinez who has been assisting Staff Sgt. Joe Bridges in operations. "Being in the Guard, we only see each other once a month," explained Martinez. "During drill weekend, we don't all get together because usually everyone is trying to rest after a long day of work or prepare for a physical fitness test. Some even study for school. But while TDY, we all have the time to get to know one another."

The work environment between the all of Airman is amazing. I never hear any complaining or see anyone not pulling his or her weight on this project. Leadership does a great job keeping things organized and keeping their Airmen motivated. I think everyone is ready for the next two days off. I've heard a few people getting groups together for snorkeling. Don't worry, I'll take lots of pictures of their adventures this weekend. As the locals would say, its time to "hang loose"!!

Week One on Guam a Success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madeleine Richards
  • 146AW
The first work week here at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam is complete for the members traveling on TDY from the 146th Airlift Wing.

Here's an overview of what all has been going on: HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning/ refrigeration), plumbing, electrical and structures all fall under the Civil Engineering Squadron and are working towards the same mission on the trip. Their mission is to start to build an indoor firearms training simulator range for Security Forces at Andersen Air Force. The Heavy Equipment, or as they like to be called, the Dirt Boys, who also fall under the Civil Engineering Squadron, are working to fill in a hole estimated to need 360 thousand tons of dirt. The space needs to be filled in and leveled so that the 554th Red Horse Squadron can utilize the space for future projects. Of course, we cannot forget the Force Support Squadron that traveled with us from the 146th Airlift Wing provides all meals to keep these Airmen fueled for their long workdays.

The first workday started out a little rough. They quickly realized not everything had been set up for them to start working to their full potential. So instead of building things right away they had do things like sand the pipes down and put primer on them to be ready to install, and scrub the rust off of old tools before they could use them. It was a minor set back for the members of the 146th Airlift Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron. They figured out what they needed to do and they did it.

My good co-worker and admin Senior Airman Tiffany Maston was able to speak to Chief Master Sgt. Kirk Rhame, the Chief Enlisted Manager of the Civil Engineering Squadron. "It's going pretty well. The guys are motivated. They're getting things done," Rhame stated. "We are overcoming the small hiccups we had in the beginning, showing that we are capable of handling all situations as they come."

Maston was also able to speak to Senior Airman Betsaida Martinez who has been assisting Staff Sgt. Joe Bridges in operations. "Being in the Guard, we only see each other once a month," explained Martinez. "During drill weekend, we don't all get together because usually everyone is trying to rest after a long day of work or prepare for a physical fitness test. Some even study for school. But while TDY, we all have the time to get to know one another."

The work environment between the all of Airman is amazing. I never hear any complaining or see anyone not pulling his or her weight on this project. Leadership does a great job keeping things organized and keeping their Airmen motivated. I think everyone is ready for the next two days off. I've heard a few people getting groups together for snorkeling. Don't worry, I'll take lots of pictures of their adventures this weekend. As the locals would say, its time to "hang loose"!!