Friday, November 02, 2012

Langley civil engineers join Hurricane Sandy recovery operations

by Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez
Air Combat Command Public Affairs


11/2/2012 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.  -- The 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., sent a team of eight members along with two water pumps and equipment for approximately 30-days to New York, Nov. 2, in support of Hurricane Sandy relief operations.

"In any emergency event were on call and always available 24/7," said Master Sgt. Charles VanPelt, 633rd Civil Engineer Operations Support superintendent.

In less than a 24-hr period, the Air Combat Command unit stood ready with personnel and equipment. The team of eight consists of two structural experts, an electrician, entomologist, heavy equipment operator and three water and fuel specialists. They transported the pumps to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and met with the 331st Air Expeditionary Group to travel to New York and help with recovery operations as needed.

"We bring all our assets and our Airmen fully equipped and ready to go," VanPelt said. "With the training we have, we are able to integrate with any unit to ensure the mission is a success."

The preparation of equipment and personnel is fundamental to making a successful journey to New York, or anywhere the team may be needed.

"It's very important that we can supply any location in order to fly, fight and win no matter what the mission," VanPelt said. "We make sure our team is fully functional and able. Whether it is a natural disaster such as this or our normal Air Force mission."

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