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“This reorganization reduces overall costs and manpower while optimizing operational support,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen, 886th CES programs NCOIC.
As part of the Air Force-wide civil engineer transformation initiative, the 886th CES was inactivated along with several other changes to organizations and processes throughout the 86th Civil Engineer Group and Air Force civil engineer community.
The fire emergency services flight and orderly room staff will join the 86th CES, which comprises the construction and housing elements of CE and falls under the command of Lt. Col. Jarrett Purdue. The readiness and emergency management and explosive ordnance disposal flights will join the 786th CES, which primarily conducts operations under the command of Lt. Col. Tiffany Warnke.
The 886th CES was initially reorganized when the Air Force initiated the first spiral of civil engineer transformation. The 435th realigned from a dual-squadron group under the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing to a three-squadron group under the 86th Airlift Wing.
This is intended to bring the 86th CEG into line with the preferred two-squadron structure.
“I look forward to these changes,” said Col. Scott Warner, 86th CEG commander. “They are a team of responders that are constantly prepared for any emergency situation.”
The 835th CES was originally established Sept. 11, 2007, as one of the only emergency services squadrons in the Air Force and was later renumbered to the 886th on July 16, 2009.
“The 886th had a short history, but was hands down one of the best emergency squadrons there ever was,” Warner said.
The 886th CES has accomplished a lot, earning awards and accolades. The emergency management flight was consecutively awarded the 2011 and 2012 U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Colonel Fredrick J. Riemer Award as outstanding readiness and emergency management flight.
In addition, the explosive ordnance flight has provided superb mission support for more than 23 missions protecting very important people such as the U.S. president, secretary of state and many foreign dignitaries.
The 886th has reached the end of its road but will continue on as part of the bigger picture with their new home with the 86th CES.
During the farewell to what Warner considered one of the best emergency response groups, Master Sgt. Jason Higgins, 886th CES superintendent, ended the ceremony with a quote from Dr. Seuss.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
