Active May 7, 1980 – present Type Civil Engineer | Branch Air National Guard | |
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Role USSOUTHCOM combat support | ||
The United States Air Force's 285th Civil Engineering Squadron (285 CES) is an Air National Guard civil engineering unit located at St Croix ANGS. It is in a two-year transition period from combat communications to a Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force mission.
Contents
History
On 7 May 1980 the 285th Combat Communications Flight (CMBTCF) was established, creating the first unit of the Virgin Islands Air National Guard. The flight was upgraded to a squadron in 1996 and made a name for itself following the devastation of Hurricane Hugo to the region in 1989, when the unit and its installation became the heart of recovery operations for St. Croix.
Over the years, the unit has been involved in several contingency operations, to include Joint Endeavor, Uphold Democracy, Joint Forge, and both Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
On 3 March 2012 the unit was redesignated a Civil Engineer Squadron after losing its communications mission.
Major command/gaining command
Wing/group
Previous designations
Bases stationed
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award