Prime BEEF is sizzling in Gallup

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph E. Bridge
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
GALLUP, N.M. --  Walking through a warehouse here in Gallup, N.M., the sound of saws, nail guns and screw guns abound in every direction like a symphony hall with maybe just a bit of bad acoustics. Airmen of every rank move about with an ease of knowing what to do, and a sense of urgency of what needs to be done.

Members of the 911th Airlift Wings' Civil Engineer Squadron, more commonly known as Prime BEEF (Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force), are here participating in Operation Footprint, building homes for the local Navajo Nation in what can only be described as a bee-hive of activity, with every member doing whatever is necessary.

There are heating and ventilation specialists "mudding" dry-wall, a heavy equipment operator hanging insulation, and a pregnant commander working in the rafters trying to help complete the sub-roof. She finally comes down from the rafters only after being convinced to slow down due to the pregnancy.

"We truly have a great, solid team here that is always willing to go the extra mile and do what is necessary to complete the mission," said Capt. Robyn Froehlich, commander of the 911 CES. "The group we have makes me proud to be a part of this squadron."

After a morning safety briefing, it's almost as if a switch has been turned on and it's go time. Most of the Airmen get so busy they have to be reminded that it's lunch time.

Although Airmen are trained in certain specialties, it doesn't mean that's all they do.

"Every person in the squadron knows, or is trying to learn everyone else's job," said Master Sgt. Frank Monacelli, a structures specialist with the 911 CES. "At most deployed locations, you are either Mr. Fix It, or really want to help out the other guys who are waiting for things to be built. Things that are essential, like fixing showers or hooking up generators so they have electricity, are important to know. Who wants to tell those guys, 'sorry I've only been trained in heavy equipment, I don't do showers,'" said Monacelli.

It is evident that more than work is being accomplished. A passing of the torch, so-to-speak, through teaching, mentoring, and instructing, all seem to be a part of the work day when CES punches the clock to start the day.

"It's great that we could be here to get the valuable training and cross-training that takes place on AT missions like this because it's all hands-on, and there is no better way to learn than just getting in there and doing it," said Staff Sgt. Jason Yallery, a structures specialist with the 911 CES.