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Chiefs get dirty with the Dirt Boyz

  • Published
  • By A1C Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Shaw leadership participated in a 20th Civil Engineer Squadron monthly Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force training day Aug. 25, here.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten III, Ninth Air Force command chief and Chief Master Sgt. Christopher McKinney, 20th Fighter Wing command chief took part in the training to show support of the 20th CES mission to "Build, Sustain, and Protect ... Here and Anywhere," and see firsthand the mission that shapes Shaw into what it is today.

Throughout the day, the chiefs explored the mechanics and executed the procedures needed to operate machinery with the 20th CES pavement and construction unit, otherwise known as the "Dirt Boyz."

From the operation of the Volvo EW180C excavator which transports dirt and debris from one location to another, to the JCB 3CX backhoe which functions as a bulldozer and an excavator, the chiefs were able to learn more about not only the equipment that the 20th CES utilizes to complete its task, but also its mission.

"It is important for me to get out in the wing to get to know Airmen on 'their turf,'" said McKinney. "This allows me to better understand the work environment and challenges they face so I can advocate as needed.  It also allows me to connect with them on a personal level."

Although operating heavy machinery can present several challenges, the chiefs learned that sometimes weather can be the biggest obstacle.

"They work in very challenging conditions, especially since we are in the south in the summer," said McKinney. "The weather wasn't terribly hot the day I went out, but I can imagine how unforgiving the environment could be in 90 plus degree weather with high humidity.  This causes me to respect them even more as they get the job done regardless of the conditions."

In order to Build, Sustain, and Protect, 20th CES Airmen must be able to endure the struggles that come with the workload, rain or shine. The chiefs experienced this with a hands-on day in the life of the 20th CES Dirt Boyz.