An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

It's been a busy year for the 315th Civil Engineer Flight

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jimmy Wood
  • 315 AW CEF
CHARLESTON AFB S.C. --  This commentary was submitted by Major Jimmy Wood, 315th Civil Engineer Flight Commander, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

Wow . . . what a year! In January of 2009, the 315th Civil Engineer Flight began to operate autonomously from the 315th Civil Engineer Squadron, which would ultimately transform into the 560th RED HORSE Squadron. Comprised of the former squadron flights of the Fire Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and one Emergency Management subject matter expert, the 315th Civil Engineer Flight became an official unit with the Flight Stand-up Ceremony in March, one year ago this month . . . and what a year it's been! During that year, a bunch of type-A; macho firefighters, first responders, and bomb techs were put to the test of creating, manning, and maintaining a ready-to-fight organization that has remained at the forefront of the Global War on Terror.

To start with, this "new organization" required, well, a new organization. I had been the EOD Flight Commander with the 315th CES since 2001 and was asked to command the new organization. With little to no experience working issues relevant to USAF Fire Departments, I set off to attend the USAF Fire Marshal's Academy at Goodfellow AFB, TX to help prepare for this dynamic and important "half of the team." CMSgt Kelvin Turner was new to the unit having come over from Dobbins AFB in December, and MSgt Alex Pelaez was promoted to Senior Master Sergeant and appointed to the position of Deputy Fire Chief. The "new" fire department was off and running.

Changes to the EOD construct were numerous as well. To start with, CMSgt Michael Schmiege, who had been with the 315th EOD Team since its inception in 1995, retired after 22 years of service and three combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. MSgt Willie Clemmons was recently promoted to the position of EOD Flight Chief, and has been with the 315th EOD Team since its inception, as well, with too many combat deployments to count. Added to this realignment and reorganization, MSgt Mark Johnson was hired as the unit's AGR, shortly after his return from combat duty in Baghdad, Iraq and currently serves as one of only two AGRs stationed at Charleston Air Force Base. His responsibilities include the day-to-day management and training continuity of the EOD Team and serves as the training mentor for all skill-level upgrades and advancements of the assigned EOD technicians.

As mentioned earlier, the unit managed to maintain one Emergency Management professional from the reorganization. MSgt Clay Coleman expertly serves in this capacity, not only for the Flight, but for the Airlift Wing as a whole. In addition, MSgt Coleman serves as the 315 CEF Air Reserve Technician, responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the overall Flight functions to include budgeting, manning and training forecasts, scheduling, and SORTS reporting.

Our last, but certainly not least, new addition to the command structure of this new unit came to us after realizing the challenges that we faced with the programs and management duties that are typical of the office of a First Sergeant. When our UMD was finalized for the stand-up of the new unit, the Air Force had not given us a First Sergeant. So, after some crafty politicking and nasty emails, the 315 CEF is proud to announce one of the newest First Sergeant to the 315 Airlift Wing; MSgt (Diamond Wearer) Tony Winstead. MSgt Winstead is a law enforcement officer in Mount Pleasant in his civilian career and has done a tremendous job in stepping into this new unit and provides expert advice in career counseling, mentorship, and leadership to subordinate airmen and NCOs.

In addition to all of the restructuring, promotions, and just plain figuring out what we're doing, there's a mission to complete - one that the 315 CEF takes very personally and seriously. Since March of last year, our unit has provided a constant supply of full-time support to 437th / 628th, as well as direct support into the combat zones of Iraq and / or Afghanistan.

Our Firefighters and EOD Technicians continue to demonstrate their expertise and sacrifice daily to assist in backfilling critical shortfalls within the Active Duty operational arena. Recently, our Firefighters assisted in providing operational support to the joint warfighter in Operation CORONET OAK, conducted in Puerto Rico. This mission provides theater airlift support for the U.S. Southern Command. CORONET OAK provides United States Southern Command with logistic and contingency support throughout Central and South America.

The EOD Team returned two weeks ago after using their Annual Tour to provide backfill support to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. Due to a higher-than-average operations tempo affecting PACAF, the Hickam AFB EOD Flight was in dire need of backfill support to assist in the maintenance and repair of base support EOD response equipment; explosives account management; and training program management. During the two week annual tour, MSgt Will Clemmons and his team brought every aspect of Hickam's EOD program back to its correct configuration, while simultaneously maintaining currency on annual training requirements.

On top of all the operational support, deployments, and unit reorganization, this team of professionals also saw us through a command-level UCI in May, and performed with outstanding results. Job well done! But it doesn't stop there . . .

Although one complete year has come and gone, the horizon shows no sign of getting any closer. This year, we will be deploying a team of our EOD operators into the war zone for yet another deployment. For some, this will be a return trip; for others, their first. So please remember them in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare and deploy into harm's way.

In a few months, we will be deploying a select team of our firefighters for an AEF deployment into the combat theater as well. They too, will need your support and your prayers.

It makes us proud to know that as the "littlest" unit at Charleston Air Force Base, we continue to contribute so much to the war. So please make sure when you pass these airmen and NCOs on the base, and you see that USAF Firefighter badge or that EOD badge on their uniform; stop and shake their hand or give them a pat on the back and say, "job well done guys, and good luck." I know I often take for granted what they do for us on a daily basis, but I think I can speak for all of us when I say, "315th Civil Engineer Flight, thank you for all that you do, and God's speed. I am honored and humbled to serve as your commanding officer. "