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    Where's this place at again?

    Where's this place at again?

    Photo By Sgt. Aaron Ellerman | Army engineers with the 1223rd and 955th Engineer Companies deconstruct building at...... read more read more

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

    02.26.2014

    Story by Spc. Aaron Ellerman  

    1st Theater Sustainment Command

    KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan—Walking through Kandahar Air Field chances are one might notice some ongoing construction and realize some buildings aren’t located where they used to be, or anywhere at all now for that matter. Part of the reason for this is the efforts of the South Carolina National Guards’ 1223rd Engineer Company. Through the unit’s efforts they are helping to continually reshape KAF and other bases to better fit the local needs.

    Comprised of horizontal and vertical engineering elements the unit can construct and deconstruct virtually anything, and they have done just that throughout Afghanistan during their deployment.

    “I like to build things, but deconstruction is always fun; I’ve learned a lot about the other jobs while doing it,” said Spc. Shaharazad Byrd a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 1223rd Eng. Co.

    “Building is always more interesting for me because I like to see what I’ve created at the end of the day, but there is no better stress reliever than tearing something down,” said Spc. Kyre Cox a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 1223rd Eng. Co.

    The 1223rd Eng. Co. has deconstructed over 1,000 structures during their deployment and has been vital in aiding with the closure and transfer of numerous bases.

    “I’ve really enjoyed getting out and visiting the other bases and seeing more of the country, it has really made the time fly,” said Byrd a Greenville, S.C. native.

    “It’s great to be able to see the direct impact that we are having here by helping making the area and base better,” said Cox.

    The soldiers of the 1223rd have operated at an accelerated pace during their deployment while consistently maintaining a high focus on safety.

    “Safety is a top priority for us, before we begin any deconstruction project we always survey the site and identify all the possible hazards,” said 2nd Lt. Thomas Kaiser 1223rd Engineer Company, 1st Platoon leader.

    Soldiers must take everything out of a structure in order for it to be considered ready for tear down. The process includes removing everything that contains metal, all plumbing elements, and all insulation. Upon sterilizing the site heavy equipment is used to tear the building completely down. Materials are hauled off to recycling facilities, and the lot is then picked and polished to look as if nothing was ever there.

    “A typical deconstruction project will usually take us anywhere from two to three days to complete. However, two story buildings and structures lying in tight spaces can take longer because the machines can’t do as much of the work,” said Thomas an Eglin, S.C. native.

    According to Kaiser the base closures his teams are assisting with are an integral part of the positive transition back to normalcy for the local area.

    As of January there has been nearly 290 bases closed and fewer than 80 bases remain open.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.26.2014
    Date Posted: 02.26.2014 12:35
    Story ID: 121191
    Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF

    Web Views: 416
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN