96th CES

• Origins: The 96th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is part of the 96th Test Wing, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and has a legacy dating back to World War II-era units that supported airfield construction and base operations. • Mission: The squadron's mission is to provide engineering, emergency management, fire protection, environmental, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) support, enabling the 96th Test Wing’s testing and operational capabilities. • Hurricane Response: The 96th CES is renowned for its disaster response capabilities, playing a crucial role in recovery and base restoration after hurricanes, including major efforts after Hurricane Michael in 2018. • EOD Excellence: The squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight is one of the most active in the Air Force, regularly supporting bomb threat responses, range clearance, VIP protection, and international training missions. • Environmental Stewardship: The 96th CES manages one of the Air Force’s largest environmental programs, overseeing 724 square miles of land and hundreds of miles of shoreline, protecting endangered species and sensitive habitats. • Base Infrastructure: Responsible for maintaining more than 2,000 facilities, the squadron ensures Eglin AFB’s infrastructure supports over 20,000 personnel and a wide range of test and operational missions. • Fire Department: The Eglin Fire & Emergency Services, part of 96th CES, is one of the largest and most advanced in the DoD, responding to hundreds of emergencies annually and supporting both military and local communities. • Innovation & Technology: The squadron has been a leader in integrating new technologies, including energy-efficient infrastructure and advanced airfield repair methods, supporting the Air Force’s energy and resilience goals. • Deployment History: 96th CES personnel have been deployed worldwide in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other contingency operations, providing critical engineering expertise in austere environments. • Community Involvement: The squadron is active in community outreach, participating in STEM education, environmental cleanups, and hosting public safety demonstrations, building strong ties with the Florida Panhandle region.