About this Unit
A Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), is a specialized unit of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers renowned for its expertise in electrical power generation and distribution. Activated in 1994, the company has provided critical prime power support for both military operations and disaster relief missions worldwide. Its soldiers have deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, restoring vital infrastructure and power systems in austere environments. Additionally, A Co 249th has responded to domestic emergencies, such as hurricane and disaster recovery, supplying emergency electrical power to essential facilities across the United States.
Historical Facts
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Prime Power Experts: A Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) is the U.S. Army’s premier unit for deploying military-trained power generation specialists who provide commercial-level electrical power in support of military and disaster missions.
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Origins in World War II: The 249th Engineer Battalion traces its lineage back to 1943, when it was constituted during World War II to support combat operations in Europe.
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Reactivation for Modern Needs: The battalion was reactivated in 1994 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to address growing demands for technical electrical expertise in both military and humanitarian operations.
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Hurricane Katrina Response: In 2005, A Company played a critical role in restoring power to vital infrastructure along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, including hospitals and water treatment plants.
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Global Deployments: Soldiers from A Co. have deployed worldwide, including to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia, providing prime power and electrical assessments for U.S. and allied operations.
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Support to the White House: Members of A Co. have supported high-profile federal missions, including providing backup power for Presidential Inaugurations and other National Special Security Events.
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Specialized Training: All soldiers in A Company are graduates of the rigorous U.S. Army Prime Power School, where they learn to operate and maintain large-scale power plants and complex electrical systems.
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Disaster Relief Expertise: The unit is often among the first responders during domestic emergencies, working alongside FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore power after hurricanes, floods, and ice storms.
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Critical Role in Afghanistan: During Operation Enduring Freedom, A Co. soldiers installed and maintained power systems for forward operating bases, enabling sustained military operations in austere environments.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia features a gold lightning bolt, symbolizing the unit’s mission to deliver power rapidly wherever needed, and the motto “Build, Support, Sustain.”
