CES deploys half of military workforce, makes changes to continue mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. J. BIERMANN
  • 56 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Of the nearly 250 Luke Air Force Base Airmen deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, almost 55 are assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, which means adjustments have to be made by the squadron that completes nearly 80 work orders daily. 

Those deployed are scattered across several sections, including fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal, readiness, design and construction programs, and operations and maintenance. Each has suffered an average 50 percent workforce loss. 

"When a squadron or office is running at only 50 percent you've got to change something or frustrations are going to run high while everyone burns out," said Chief Master Sgt. Kerry Taylor, 56th CES chief enlisted manager. "Some taskings have hit one-deep positions, leaving other sections to pick up the duties." 

Several changes to affect the way CES does business include suspension of the work order priority program, approving more contract-by-requester and self-help projects, and funding service contracts to perform labor-intensive routine maintenance. CES has also put more accountability on commanders and their appointed facility managers by encouraging them to have a more active role in their building's health. 

"Facility managers and users are being asked to take more ownership and perform walk-throughs in their buildings and identify and report problems," said Hugo De La Sancha, 56th CES customer service technician. "Historically, CE performed this function. We found issues on our own and repaired them. But we can't do that anymore." 

Civil engineers are responsible for much more than completing work orders. 

"We're charged with maintaining all of Luke's $4.7 billion infrastructure assets as well as the 1.7-million-acre Barry M. Goldwater Range in Gila Bend," Chief Taylor said. 

"There's a lot more work and even more coordination to be done during a manning decrease like this. We've made these changes to see that we stay true to our squadron mission - sustainment of Team Luke, while supporting the overall wing mission - training the best pilots in the world. Also, we're not just finishing work orders to finish work orders. We do what we do with the Air Force core values in mind and we take great pride in that." 

And, the unit does a good deal more. 

Nearly every day firefighters and EOD readiness Airmen respond to on- and off-base emergencies. The programs flight works on plans for future base development and
oversees the design and construction of base assets. The operations flight is out in force providing maintenance and repair service for water and electric utility systems,
air-conditioning equipment, pavements, pest control and many other tasks. 

During this time of high deployment, Luke members can help CES by following theses tips: 

· Be vigilant. If something is broken, report it. If it's easily fixed, fix it. 

· Report facility problems or suggest improvements to the facility manager. 

· If a problem threatens life, assets or the mission, call CES customer service directly. 

"This is just the best way to get the mission accomplished," the chief said. "But as always, in an emergency, call 9-1-1."