AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European Command operations area of responsibility.
The training, held at Aviano Air Base, also was done while supporting real-world construction projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and infrastructure at the base.
The 156th CES’s primary mission during the Deployment for Training, or DFT, was to establish a dedicated workspace and secondary warehouse for the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron, or CES. The mission aimed to reduce travel time for material transportation and increase the availability of supplies, thereby augmenting productivity through improved operational management.
“One of our main goals was to help the 31st CES increase day-to-day efficiency,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jose Trinidad, the 156th CES operations flight commander. “By building out a dedicated workspace and improving access to tools and materials, we helped to cut down on delays and made it easier for their team to get the job done, which goes a long way for mission support.”
During their first week of DFT, the 156th CES electricians rewired the building’s electrical system, including critical updates to the main panel, while HVAC and refrigeration specialists installed six mini-split air conditioning units to improve climate control. Power production teams conducted essential maintenance on the on-site generators. At the same time, water and fuel systems operators connected potable water lines and installed drainage systems to support the facility’s operational use.
“Our team hit the ground running. From rewiring the main panel to installing new [air conditioning] units and restoring key utilities, every shop played a part in making this facility fully operational,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ismael Rodriguez, the 156th CES operations flight superintendent. “These upgrades directly support Aviano’s infrastructure by improving reliability, safety and comfort for the teams who work here every day.”
While completing their final training week, heavy equipment specialists with the 156th CES supported construction efforts and a Rapid Airfield Damage Repair, or RADR, exercise. They staged and maintained vehicles, saving thousands of dollars and ensuring operational continuity.
“Supporting the RADR exercise was a key part of our mission here,” Rodriguez said. “Our heavy equipment team made sure vehicles were ready and in place, which saved valuable resources and ensured we could respond quickly and keep ground operations moving.”
The engineering team finalized fire evacuation plans, updated utility diagrams and refined AutoCAD site drawings in coordination with electrical and plumbing teams. Simultaneously, firefighters conducted rope rescue drills and participated in Fire Officer I and Mobile Water Supply Driver Operator evaluations, which qualified and enhanced readiness for participating Airmen.
“Finalizing fire evacuation plans and running live rescue drills go hand in hand,” Trinidad said. “Our engineers and firefighters worked from different angles to achieve the same, keeping people safe and prepared. Whether it’s updating site drawings or qualifying in advanced fire training, it all builds readiness and ensures we’re ready to respond when every second matters.”
This DFT provided the 156th CES Airmen with a valuable opportunity to apply and expand their technical skills in an operational setting, thereby strengthening partnerships and increasing readiness across the force.