6th CES

• Origins: The 6th Civil Engineer Squadron (6th CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force based at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Its lineage dates back to the origins of the 6th Bombardment Group during World War II, but as an engineering squadron, it was reactivated at MacDill in 1994. • Mission: The 6th CES provides engineering support for base infrastructure, emergency management, and environmental stewardship, ensuring operational readiness for MacDill AFB and its tenant units. • Rapid Response: The squadron is responsible for emergency response during natural disasters such as hurricanes, which are frequent threats to the Tampa Bay area where MacDill AFB is located. • Support to CENTCOM and SOCOM: MacDill AFB is the headquarters for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The 6th CES plays a critical role in ensuring these commands’ facilities and infrastructure are mission-ready. • Environmental Stewardship: 6th CES has received recognition for its innovative environmental programs, including energy conservation and protection of local wildlife and wetland habitats around the base. • Deployment History: Members of the 6th CES have deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other contingency operations around the world, providing engineering support in austere environments. • Disaster Recovery: After Hurricane Irma in 2017, the 6th CES played a pivotal role in restoring power, clearing debris, and making MacDill AFB operational in record time. • Fire Protection: The squadron includes a fire department that protects over 4,000 acres of base property, including runways, aircraft, and critical command facilities. • Heritage: The 6th CES is part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, inheriting a legacy that traces back to the Army Air Forces’ 6th Bombardment Group, which flew B-17s and B-29s during WWII. • Community Engagement: The squadron regularly participates in local community projects, such as Habitat for Humanity and environmental cleanups, strengthening bonds between the base and the Tampa community.