AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar –
The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group manages and executes construction missions across U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, and thanks to the group’s logisticians, or “loggies,” equipment and engineers are able to move downrange.
“Loggies” assigned to the group’s 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron, are vital in ensuring mission success at more than ten deployed locations throughout the region.
“The ECEG supports the vertical and horizontal construction at numerous locations throughout CENTCOM. We provide the means of sustained support through vehicle maintenance, supply, air transportation, services and log planning,” said Capt. Corbin Aldridge, 557th ERHS Mission Support flight commander. “Without us, we would have work stoppage throughout the AOR and wouldn’t have the right capability to meet project completion.”
From procuring flights for cargo and passengers to prepping assets for air transport, the logistics support team is essential in the ECEG’s far reaching mission.
“We’re responsible for intra-theater movement,” said Senior Airman Vondeeshia Humphries, 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron logistics planner. “We are vital because without us you wouldn’t be able to move around. You wouldn’t know when assets come in or go out.”
“Our job is mission support,” added Tech. Sgt. Alexander Nunez, 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron air transportation NCO in charge. “Whatever RED HORSE, PRIME BEEF, or the ECEG need, we support them, period.”
The support these logisticians provide to engineers downrange enable the construction of assets. This includes permanent buildings and taxiways, with in-transit visibility and accountability of people and equipment being a major focus.
“They are so crucial in keeping situational awareness on the status of vehicles, the procurement of them, the gear issue for personnel … you name it,” said Aldridge. “There’s so much responsibility on these young Airmen, it’s amazing.”
Aldridge said “loggies” were vital in the completion of more than 400 construction missions across the CENTCOM Theater during a six-month period.
“There’s no need that can’t be met or fulfilled with the right teamwork, communication and attitude,” said Aldridge. “It’s truly been a great tour with this team. They’re sharp and innovative enough to make it happen.”
Editor's note: The original story can be viewed on the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing website.