477th Civil Engineer Squadron Deploys to Iraq

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rhiannon Willard
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Turn off the lights, close the door and secure the building. 

The 477th Civil Engineer Squadron did just that Monday night as 28 members left for a six-month tour to Iraq in support of the war efforts. This was the first group to leave and six additional members will leave later next week. 

"We have made this happen as a team. For many of you this will be the high point of your career," said Colonel Eric Overturf, 477th Fighter Group Commander, as he said farewell to the unit. "This is our chance to bring hope to the Iraqi people and promote stability in the CENTCOM AOR." 

Col. Overturf will be joining the unit in the upcoming weeks to serve as the 506th Air Expeditionary Group Commander in Kirkuk. Additional members of the 477 FG leadership team will accompany Col. Overturf to include the Executive Officer, Capt. Lisa Reaver, First Sergeant , Chief Master Sgt. Mike Davis and the 477 CES Commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Thomas. 

"We are all looking forward to deploying as a unit and having our group leadership there with us. It will allow us to be more successful in our mission," said Senior Master Sgt. Tim Zellar, Structures Flight Superintendent. 

During their deployment, the Airmen of the civil engineer squadron will be in charge of sustaining the base at their deployed location. This includes day-to-day infrastructure maintenance and responding to any mortar or rocket attacks from enemy combatants.
This is the first time an Alaskan Reserve unit has been mobilized and the first mobilization of the CE squadron since it helped rebuild Hickam AFB after the attack on Pearl Harbor in WWII. 

The 477 CES was previously assigned as the 804th Civil Engineer Squadron. They were the only Air Force Reserve unit in Alaska until they were absorbed by the 477 FG in October 2007. In April 2008 the 477 CES deployed to Northwest Field, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, for their annual tour to support PACAF's top-priority airfield construction project. Since then, they have been marked for success to deploy to the AOR. 

"I am so proud of all of them. They have come a long way and I expect great things from them in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Kevin Thomas. Lt. Col. Thomas will be joining the group of engineers in the weeks to come as he serves as the Deputy Group Commander in Kirkuk. 

For many of the Reservists this is their first deployment. 

"This is the first time I have deployed," said Senior Airman Rachel Loftus. "I have been in the unit three years since I joined as a non-prior service member. I'm looking to gain experience in project management while I'm in Iraq." 

Others are enthusiastic about going as a unit. Many of these Reservists have known each other for over 10 years. 

"We are very lucky to be going as a unit," said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Lytle, 477 CES. "I have previously been to Kirkuk on an individual deployment. I'm looking forward to seeing what has changed and even reunite with contractors that are still working there." 

As the bus drove away and remaining members saluted, the 477 CES deployed. They will return in six months as a unit, a more experienced and with stories to tell.