CES Structures preserves a strong foundation for Team Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Air Force Base, formerly Barksdale Field, was established in 1933. Many of the buildings have been around just as long and have been upgraded and remodeled along with new structures being built.

Airmen from the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Structures have helped maintain, and bring new life to these historic buildings.

"We maintain the base by making sure all of the buildings are safely repaired from natural and human caused damages," said Airman 1st Class Tevin Tolver, 2 CES structural apprentice.

Responsible for more than 900 facilities to include more than 400 buildings, the 28-Airman shop must have a vast knowledge of construction related skills.

"We train on everything from welding, carpentry, masonry to painting, sheet-metal fabrication and locksmithing," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Barrow, 2 CES locksmith.

Additionally, they are trained to construct buildings from the ground up, to include the concrete foundation that it's built on, all of the utilities and ventilation systems and dry wall.

"Our job influences the base in every way possible," said Tolver. "We maintain all of the facilities here. If a roof caved in or a lock needed to be fixed we'd go out and repair them."

Everyday repairs and construction aren't the only things these 2 CES Airmen have a hand in. Structures Airmen have worked on building a set of stair covers for the Global Strike Challenge, upgrading dormitory locks and installing shelves, painting the Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters and fixing hand rails at the Child Development Center.

"Many aspects of our job go unseen by the base populous, but our job has a huge impact on everything around Barksdale," said Tolver. "Everyone needs structures. You wouldn't be able to work efficiently without us to help preserve and repair the facilities. It's pretty awesome knowing that I can fix anything that could go wrong, structurally, with a building."