EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. – Airmen from the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) are preparing to go to Portugal for a two-week temporary duty (TDY) assignment aimed at enhancing operational readiness and infrastructure at Lajes Field, a strategic U.S. Air Force installation in the Azores.
One of the squadron’s main tasks will be construction projects, including the demolition of two buildings and the interior buildout of a room within an existing warehouse. These projects align with key training metrics for the Airmen and allow them to apply their expertise in real-world conditions.
“The buildout of a large interior room within a warehouse requires the skillsets of multiple trades working together. Construction of new walls and the addition of water, electric and HVAC systems provide an opportunity for multiple trades to hone their core competencies,” said Lt. Col. Robert T. Hudson, 188th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “Heavy equipment operators will also have the opportunity to conduct building demolition.”
The TDY serves a dual purpose: ensuring members complete required annual training and providing additional construction capabilities for base projects. These enhancements support the Air Force’s force projection capabilities because of the location of Lajes Field.
“Lajes is a strategic location when it comes to staging and potential movement into Europe,” Hudson said. “This mission not only supports base improvements but also strengthens our partnerships and interoperability with our allies.”
Lajes Field has been pivotal in U.S. military operations since World War II. The base was a key refueling and logistics hub, facilitating transatlantic operations. It remained a critical asset for the U.S. throughout the Cold War by supporting airlift, reconnaissance and rapid response missions.
Lajes Field remains vital in projecting the Air Force’s power across multiple theaters. This deployment gives the 188th CES a chance to test its mettle globally and enhances the squadron’s ability to operate as a cohesive unit in a deployed environment. Many Airmen have never traveled on military orders outside the United States, making this an invaluable experience in mobility and logistics.
“The ability to deploy as a unit is a positive by-product,” Hudson said. “It takes significant effort to pack bags, load onto a plane, and arrive at a target location six to seven time zones away. The experiences gained just from that are tremendous. This mission strengthens the overall effectiveness of our squadron and prepares our Airmen for future deployments.”
The improvements at Lajes Field also contribute directly to the Air Force’s global strategic posture. The 188th CES will play a role in maintaining readiness for agile combat employment and rapid global mobility, which are two of the Air Force’s priorities. The work ensures that U.S. forces will have the facilities to sustain operations in contested environments.
The mission also cements the 188th CES' legacy as a team ready to deliver engineering prowess wherever the Air Force demands. From strengthening infrastructure that powers global operations to mastering the demands of deployed environments, these Airmen are building the skills and grit to excel in future missions, ensuring they remain a resilient cornerstone of readiness in an unpredictable world.