Civil Engineer Squadron Powers HAFB

Airmen from the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production shop reassemble a barrier on the flightline, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2020. The Airmen’s daily responsibilities include inspecting and servicing items across base such as the power supply to buildings, anti-vehicle barriers and aircraft arresting system barriers. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)

By Staff Sgt. Christine Groening, 49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

With a mirage looming and mountains peeking through the landscape in the distance, Airmen soak up beaming rays of light while droplets of sweat and oil bead on their skin as they tighten the nuts and bolts of an aircraf safety barrier.

The 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production shop supports Holloman’s missions by providing power supply to buildings and maintaining aircraf arresting systems on the fightline, as well as the anti-vehicle barriers found across the base.

“About 97 to 98% of our job is preventative maintenance,” said Senior Airman Jacob Cleveland, 49th CES electrical power production technician. “A lot of it (includes) inspections. We’re checking to make sure that our equipment is in operational status (all year round).”

The shop services approximately 50 generators across the base, ensuring the mission would continue in the event of a blackout.

These Airmen are currently enabling the 49th Medical Group’s mission of providing trusted care to base personnel and their families by generating power for the contingency facilities outside of the main building.

“By providing a generator for the pharmacy tent

Senior Airman Wyatt Andrews and Airman 1st Class Curtis Mark, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production technicians, perform weekly maintenance and inspections on a BAK-12 Aircraft Arresting System on the flightline, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2020. During weekly inspections, Airmen bleed brakes of air and ensure hydraulic pressure is applied to slow down an aircraft safely in an emergency. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)

Airman 1st Class Curtis Mark (left) and Airman 1st Class Sharn Lucas (right), 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production technicians, reassemble a front sheave housing plate on the flightline, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2020. In addition to ensuring barriers are functional, they maintain power supply to buildings, as well as the anti-vehicle barriers found across the base. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)