Laying the foundation for a better base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- --  Imagine tending to everything from a clogged and overflowing toilet at the Airman's dorms to maintaining and building infrastructure, like a new gym. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron both accepts and rises to the challenge at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

"We work with anything facility related," said Gina Lavender, the deputy base civil engineer with the 436 CES. "We handle everything from the infrastructure of a building to the heating, ventilation and air condition, plumbing and electricity."
Lavender fills in for the commander as the senior civilian employed with 436 CES. She manages personnel, assists in the organization of projects and sustains the work flow.

"I bridge the gap from the people that are making it happen, to the leadership," said Lavender.

CES is comprised of seven major flights. They are: operations, programs, explosive ordnance disposal, fire and emergency services, readiness, resources and asset management. They are on call and prepared to react 24 hours a day.

The operations flight includes planning, budgeting, executing, equipping and training to ensure an effect organization.

The programs flight is responsible for design, repair, maintenance and environmental management.

EOD detects, identifies and disposes of explosive devices deemed unsafe.

Fire and emergency services are versed in fighting various fires from buildings, aircraft, hazardous materials and grass. They are educated and proficient in rescue principles.

Readiness handles logistics planning, vehicle management operations and directs the distribution of cargo containing supplies.

Resources maintain daily flight mission data, validate aircrew members have met their requirements and assist in establishing schedules.

Asset management optimizes assets to gain their maximum performance.

The 436 CES receives calls 24 hours a day. They had a stand-by force acting during Hurricane Irene.

There was minimal damage inflicted on the base and only $3,000 worth of damage following an assessment after the hurricane, said Lavender.

"If you turn Dover upside down and shake it everything that doesn't come loose is what CE does," said Lavender.