CE escorts oversee base construction

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  While some sleep, select Airmen and civilians here prepare to carry out the mission before sunrise.

The 509th Civil Engineer Squadron Escort Pool office is responsible for escorting contractors into restricted-areas, giving restricted area briefings and keeping a vigilant eye while contractors accomplish their construction work, thus reducing reportable helping hands said Mr. John Orcutt, 509th CES escort supervisor.

A helping hand is a report of an unusual incident, possibly hostile.

The 509th CES escort pool office currently staffs 17 military members and two civilian personnel here.

"The escort office coordinates with squadrons to ensure the escort pool is properly staffed to assist in the plan for zero cost overruns for lost wages due to delayed construction starts," Mr. Orcutt said. "Escorts are tasked to work extended hours and weekends in support of short-notice construction efforts, due to distinguished visits or other projects."

There are 50-60 on-going construction projects, totaling $210 million, on-base at any given time, thus contributing in contractors being escorted into the restricted area said to Mr. Orcutt.

According to Mr. Orcutt, the escort office currently has extended 5,432 man-hours, escorting 156 contractors throughout base property in the fiscal year.

In addition, escorts have inspected 18,193 loads of concrete, asphalt, rock and dirt material prior to gate entry in the last year.

"This procedure increases the efficiency of the construction deliveries while decreasing the risk of a terrorist incident and prevention of security violations," he said. "The escort office is also tasked with escorting deliveries to and from construction sites. This assists the contractors in a smooth transition of construction materials."

According to Mr. Orcutt, escorts are expected to watch over the contractor while they perform their construction related duties and assist in the delivery of construction materials and supplies.

As most of Whiteman waits for the start of the day, the Airmen and staff of the CE escort office dispatch their first team.