Lewis Jones

Offutt Air Force Base, located near Omaha, Nebraska, has played a pivotal role in U.S. military history since its establishment in 1918 as Fort Crook. Transformed into an airfield in the 1920s, it became the site of the Martin Bomber Plant during World War II, where the famous Enola Gay and Bockscar B-29 bombers were built. In 1948, Offutt AFB became the headquarters of Strategic Air Command (SAC), the nerve center for America’s strategic nuclear deterrent throughout the Cold War. Today, Offutt serves as the headquarters for U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), maintaining its legacy as a central hub for global command and control operations.

The 435th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Originally activated in the mid-20th century, the unit has played a vital role in providing engineering support, rapid airfield repair, and infrastructure development for U.S. and NATO operations throughout Europe and beyond. The 435th CES specializes in airbase recovery, expeditionary engineering, and emergency management, frequently deploying in support of contingency operations and humanitarian missions. Over the years, the squadron has earned recognition for its contributions to both combat and peacetime missions, demonstrating versatility and expertise in a wide range of engineering disciplines.