Reserve CES repairs World War II era airfield

by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

6/13/2013 - CLARKSDALE, Miss.  -- More than 50 Reservists from the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron completed repair work on a World War II era airfield during their annual tour May 27 - June 8.

Fletcher Field in Clarksdale, Miss. was opened July 5, 1942. It was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a contract basic flying training airfield. It was operated by the 2154th Air Base Unit, Contract Elementary Flying School, Clarksdale School of Aviation. Students were trained on the Fairchild PT-23 and the Boeing-Stearman PT-17 trainers. When the last class graduated Oct. 14, 1944 the airfield was turned over to civil authorities. Since 1944 Fletcher Field has been used as the Clarksdale Municipal Airport.

Every year the members of the 477th CES use their annual tour to support an Innovative Readiness Training project. Last year they rebuilt a tornado-ravaged school in Tennessee while this year's IRT provided an opportunity to give back to the city of Clarksdale while also training together as a unit.

"The purpose of the IRT is to improve military readiness while simultaneously providing quality services to communities throughout America," said Lt. Col. Michael Forcht, 477th CES commander. "These programs are in keeping with a long military tradition, leveraging training to benefit both units and their home communities. They are strongly supported by the Department of Defense, Congress, the states and communities."

During the IRT the 477th CES was responsible for building a flight business office and a 10-bay aircraft hangar. While severe thunderstorms in the area delayed the project, causing standing water conditions at the hangar site the 477th CES along with Reservists from Civil Engineer Squadrons from Tinker AFB and Maxwell AFB were successful in completing their portion of the project. The entire projected is expected to be completed in August 2013.

"IRT provides hands on AFSC-specific training for unit members," said Forcht. "It allows members to get training requirements signed off and to obtain contingency vehicle licenses while also increasing camaraderie within our unit."