26th Civil Engineering Squadron

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 26th Civil Engineering Squadron

The 26th Civil Engineering Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Zweibrücken Air Base, West Germany, during the Cold War. Activated to provide essential engineering support, the squadron was responsible for base construction, maintenance, and emergency response, ensuring mission readiness and operational capability in a forward-deployed environment. The 26th CES played a critical role in sustaining infrastructure and supporting NATO operations until the closure of Zweibrücken Air Base in the early 1990s. Following the end of the Cold War, the unit was inactivated as part of broader U.S. force reductions in Europe.

Unit Members

Philip Bastian

U.S. Air Force

26th Civil Engineering SquadronView Profile

Ronald Brown

U.S. Air Force

26th Civil Engineering SquadronView Profile

Photos

U.S. Navy • 1974

About 26th Civil Engineering Squadron

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: The 26th Civil Engineering Squadron (26 CES) traces its roots back to the Air Force's rapid expansion during World War II, originally providing vital base construction and maintenance. • Cold War Contributions: During the Cold War, the 26 CES played a crucial role in maintaining strategic airfields and missile sites, ensuring readiness amid heightened tensions. • Disaster Response: The squadron has mobilized for multiple natural disasters, providing emergency power, debris removal, and infrastructure repair for both military and civilian communities. • Deployed Operations: Members of the 26 CES have deployed to support Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, constructing and maintaining critical facilities in austere environments. • Environmental Leadership: The unit has received recognition for its environmental stewardship, implementing innovative energy conservation and pollution prevention programs on base. • Rapid Runway Repair: The 26 CES specializes in rapid runway repair, making it possible for air operations to continue after attacks or accidents damage airstrips. • Fire Emergency Services: The squadron includes a fire department trained for aircraft, structural, and wildland firefighting, earning accolades in several Air Force competitions. • Historic Base Assignments: Over the decades, the 26 CES has been stationed at several key Air Force bases, including Plattsburgh AFB in New York, where it supported the Strategic Air Command. • Support for NATO Allies: During NATO exercises, the squadron has worked alongside allied engineers to build joint facilities and improve interoperability between forces. • Unit Motto: The 26 CES is known for its motto, "Building the Future," reflecting its mission to construct, maintain, and protect facilities that support global Air Force operations.