Jeremy Gerlach –
A pipe bursts, fl ooding the street with water. Roads crack from San Antonio’s heat and wear and tear from traffic. Birds in- terfere with aircraft’s fl ights. Air condition- ing systems falter during summer’s high temperatures. The 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron address these types problems, sometimes solving them before they become an issue.
"Some of 502nd CES’s fi nest work goes entirely unnoticed, which is all according to plan," said Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander.
This summer, the 502nd CES has "busted hump" to counter four sewer and water main breaks, repaired storm-damaged facilities at JBSA-Canyon Lake and reduced the dangers of bird strikes to training aircraft while also completing several scheduled renovations on time. Most people might not have noticed the difference – because each one of these projects has nipped potential engineering and service problems in the bud.
"Our civil engineering pros are pro- viding outstanding support across JBSA-Lackland," LaBrutta said in an email. "Aside from working in extreme summertime temperatures, our ‘Black Knights’ are making facility and infrastructure repairs that maintain uninterrupted service for all of our 266 mission partners."
The commander went on to praise the unit’s "stellar work," which has included multiple projects, such as repairing three water main breaks. They fi xed a 10-inch line servicing Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, a 12-inch line servicing permanent party dormitories and a 10-inch line at Truem- per and Kenly, the "busiest intersection" at JBSA-Lackland.
"Our teams worked through the night and into the weekend of July 15 to prevent severe water loss to the installation," LaBrutta said. "The 502nd CES ended up isolating all the main breaks and made permanent repairs to the Truemper and Kenly intersection July 17."
In addition, they countered a separate 15-inch sewer main break at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston near the Jimmy Brought Fitness Center. The 502nd CES utility and heavy equipment teams excavated the area, found the break and continue to make repairs. Another project they tackled was the repairing and repaving of Sultan Road at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
"Fencing was also installed alongside the road to provide anti-terrorism and force protection to facilities there. Additionally, it will ensure a safe route for the 63rd Regional Support Command Reserve Unit," LaBrutta explained.
A third project that was completed was the renovation of the plumbing; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and painting for a series of 37th Training Group dormitories at JBSA-Lackland. "These upgrades will improve the quality of life for our technical training students," LaBrutta said.
There was also work done at JBSA-Randolph. Crews installed a bird radar and repaired failed asphalt, which will im-prove drainage issues. Teams also cleared unwanted vegetation from ditch lines on site.
"Bird-related collisions have been a concern for the fl ightline this summer, so removing plant and water obstacles that attract birds reduces the risk of these accidents," LaBrutta explained.
The 502nd CES crews even journeyed to JBSA-Canyon Lake, a recreational loca-tion for Department of Defense employees and their dependents, to repairing storm-damaged facilities and roads after a series of summer fl oods. The engineers, LaBrutta noted, fi nished these repairs in time for Independence Day.
"Civil engineering professionals are hard at work providing exceptional support to us and to our mission partners," Labrutta added. "They inspire me every day. So, as you travel across JBSA, if your busy schedule allows, takea moment to stop, give them a pat on the back, shake their hands and expressthanks for their hard work and dedication. Despite all the challenges, they continue to build strong."