169th, 143rd Civil Engineer Squadrons strengthen combined readiness
The exercise required Airmen to complete technical tasks while responding to simulated attacks and other disruptions, testing their ability to maintain accountability, communicate and continue essential mission tasks.
For U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Antonelli, unit deployment manager and Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force manager assigned to the 143rd Civil Engineer Squadron, the training showed how the two squadrons integrated under realistic conditions.
“My vision for this week was to really see the shops integrate with one another, work with one another and get to know each other on a personal level,” Antonelli said. “Over the last two days, that’s all that I’ve witnessed. It’s just, ‘Here’s the task. Let’s get after it no matter what.’ They’ve exceeded my expectations thus far.”
Airmen trained across several civil engineering specialties, including rapid airfield damage repair, emergency airfield lighting, mobile aircraft arresting systems, water and fuel systems maintenance, structures, firefighter swift-water rescue training, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response.
“This is an integrated readiness exercise developed by both units,” Antonelli said. “We’re assessing how well our Airmen and shops work together across our core capabilities.”
Evaluators introduced realistic disruptions to test communication, accountability and decision-making as conditions changed.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Benjamin Douglass, deputy base civil engineer assigned to the 169th Civil Engineer Squadron, said the hands-on environment built on previous exercises.
“We’ve already done a couple of tabletop exercises with the Rhode Island Guard unit, but when you’re out here on the ground, actually going through the friction factors, the stress, the heat and the sleep deprivation, you can get a real feel for how well your team is going to work together,” Douglass said.
The exercise allowed Airmen to identify strengths, refine processes and build working relationships across both squadrons.
Rapid airfield damage repair highlighted the teams’ ability to work together under pressure. Airmen cleared simulated debris and placed asphalt to restore the training surface while coordinating personnel, equipment and technical expertise.
“Our job is to sustain and recover air bases, and that’s exactly what we trained for here this week,” Antonelli said. “Both teams got a taste of both: sustain in garrison and recover after attack.”
After several days of training, Airmen from both squadrons departed with stronger working relationships and increased confidence in their ability to operate as an integrated team.
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