116 Air Control Wing Public Affairs
6/28/2013 - June 28, 2013 -- The 116th Air Control Wing's civil engineer squadron has been chosen among a select group of Air National Guard CE units throughout the nation to take on an additional mission that will bolster their ability to respond to disasters in the Southeast United States.
To meet this mission, the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force, or Prime Beef unit, took delivery of two route clearance kits Thursday at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
"During Hurricane Katrina, which we responded too, Domestic Operations found that getting to a location hit by a disaster could be time consuming because of debris," said Chief Master Sgt. David Fite, superintendent of the 116th CES.
"Whether it's trees on the road, overturned cars, or piles of rubble, this equipment will give us the capability and skill set to clear the way for emergency operations personnel to respond," shared Fite.
Located in the heart of FEMA Region 4, the 116th CES will use the multi-purpose Kubota tractors with buckets, grappling hooks and brooms to provide Guardsmen a mobile and versatile tool set to respond quickly to disasters that strike their region, according to 116th CES Prime Beef Manager, Senior Master Sgt. James Love.
"The addition of route clearance kits to the 116th CES' equipment listing provides a tremendous capability to the Georgia Air National Guard to assist our civilian partners in times of disaster and ensures the 116th Air Control Wing will play a vital role in protecting the citizens of Georgia," said Col. Greg McCreary, 116th Mission Support Group commander.
Having the equipment in their own backyard will provide more opportunity for drill status Guardsmen to get the training they need at home, added Fite.
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