354th CES TAC

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 354th CES TAC

The 354th Civil Engineering Squadron, Tactical Air Command (354th CES TAC), was a vital support unit within the U.S. Air Force, primarily tasked with providing engineering and emergency services for tactical air operations. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron was closely associated with the 354th Fighter Wing, supporting various deployments and exercises at home and abroad. Its responsibilities included airfield maintenance, rapid runway repair, facility construction, and disaster response, ensuring operational readiness of air assets under Tactical Air Command. Throughout its service, the 354th CES TAC played a crucial role in enhancing base infrastructure and mission capability, contributing to the overall effectiveness of U.S. airpower during the Cold War and beyond.

Unit Members

Ferrell Smith

U.S. Air Force

354th CES TACView Profile

Roman Bernal

U.S. Air Force

354th CES TACView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About 354th CES TAC

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: The 354th Civil Engineering Squadron (Tactical Air Command), or 354th CES TAC, traces its roots back to support elements of the 354th Fighter Wing, established during the Cold War era. • Deployment: The 354th CES TAC has participated in numerous overseas deployments, supporting operations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. • RED HORSE Integration: Members of the 354th CES TAC have trained alongside the Air Force’s elite RED HORSE units, specializing in rapid airfield construction and repair. • Arctic Operations: Stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, the 354th CES TAC developed expertise in extreme cold weather engineering, constructing facilities capable of withstanding subzero temperatures. • Disaster Response: The squadron has provided vital disaster relief, notably deploying to assist in the aftermath of earthquakes and hurricanes both in the U.S. and abroad. • Innovative Engineering: The unit pioneered snow removal techniques and heating system innovations for military installations in arctic environments. • Prime BEEF Missions: The 354th CES TAC regularly contributes teams to “Prime BEEF” (Base Engineer Emergency Force) missions, responding to urgent engineering needs worldwide. • Runway Repairs: During exercises, the squadron demonstrated the ability to repair bomb-damaged runways in under 12 hours, ensuring air operations could resume quickly. • Environmental Stewardship: The 354th CES TAC led projects to minimize environmental impact, including hazardous waste management and wildlife preservation at Eielson AFB. • Honors and Awards: The squadron has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its excellence in engineering support and mission accomplishment.