27 SOCES: Dedication of the Dirtboyz

link U.S. Air Force photo: Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Corey Masquef, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and construction equipment apprentice, utilizes a motor grader to clear areas of the main gate Jan. 5 at Cannon Air Force Base. Pavement and construction equipment Air Commandos have the critical task of constructing and maintaining concrete and asphalt runways, roads, operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment such as, loaders, graders, dozers, dump trucks, transporting construction equipment and materials, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.

The primary mission of the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group is to provide combat support and base sustainment services to ensure the mission readiness of the 27th Special Operations Wing.

These support services and activities include everything from providing housing, fire protection and environmental management, to explosive ordnance disposal, food service, law enforcement and security, and communications to more than 6,500 military personnel, civilian employees, families and over 4,000 retirees.

Focusing on one of the six dynamic squadrons that make up the group, much of the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron’s efforts are geared toward the design, construction, maintenance and protection of all base infrastructure. This included buildings, roadways, airfield pavements, utility services such as water, gas, sewage treatment and electricity, and the surrounding base environment.

Cannon’s pavement and construction equipment Air Commandos, commonly referred to as “Dirtboyz,” have the critical task of constructing and maintaining concrete and asphalt runways, roads, operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment such as, loaders, graders, dozers, dump trucks, transporting construction equipment and materials, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.

“My team has been working 24-hour shifts since Friday evening to ensure base operations were not impeded by the amount of snow we received here,” stated Tech. Sgt. Paul Anderson, 27 SOCES heavy equipment operator. “Our top priority has been clearing the airfield to enable our flying operations; base roads and facilities are next on our list so our personnel and families can safely maneuver on the installation.”

Members of the 27 SOW should remain patient while this on-going effort continues by the 27 SOCES team, and maintain vigilance while exercising caution during commutes.