About this Unit
The 249th Engineer Detachment is a specialized unit within the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Established to provide vital engineering support, its missions have included construction, infrastructure repair, and technical assistance in both combat and peacetime operations. Over the years, the 249th has been deployed to various theaters, supporting operations in disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and overseas contingency operations. Renowned for their technical expertise and adaptability, the 249th Engineer Detachment continues to play a crucial role in supporting Army and joint force missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
• Specialized Mission: The 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), often referred to as the 249th Eng Detachment, specializes in providing commercial-level electrical power and distribution support for military operations and disaster relief worldwide.
• Prime Power Expertise: The unit is unique in the U.S. Army, with soldiers trained as Prime Power Production Specialists (MOS 12P), capable of installing, operating, and maintaining electrical power plants and distribution systems.
• World War II Roots: The 249th was originally constituted in 1943 during World War II and has undergone several activations, inactivations, and redesignations since then.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 249th played a crucial role in supporting military operations in Iraq by restoring power to key facilities and infrastructure following the 2003 invasion.
• Disaster Relief: The unit is frequently called upon for domestic disaster relief, including major responses to hurricanes such as Katrina (2005), Maria (2017), and other natural disasters, restoring power to critical facilities and communities.
• Presidential Support: The 249th has provided electrical power and technical support for presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and other national events in Washington, D.C.
• International Impact: Members of the 249th have deployed to countries around the globe, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and the Philippines, supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
• Highly Selective Training: Soldiers selected for the 249th undergo rigorous training at the U.S. Army Prime Power School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, one of the most technically demanding courses in the Army.
• Critical Infrastructure Support: The unit is often tasked with assessing, repairing, and upgrading military and civilian power grids, both in the U.S. and abroad, following combat or disaster-related damage.
• “Black Lions of Power”: The battalion's nickname, “Black Lions of Power,” reflects both its mascot and its critical role in delivering reliable, high-voltage electrical power in challenging environments.
