Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Flynn | Air Force Senior Airman Ryan Pinno, a member of the 474th Expeditionary Civil...... read more read more
Subscribe
Although much is reported in the media about the uncertainty of Joint Task Force Guantanamo and the legal status of the detainees, Airmen with the Base Emergency Engineer Force assigned to the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, consisting of Air National Guard units from several different states, continue to provide support to the Expeditionary Legal Complex. The 474th is responsible for construction and sustainment of Camp Justice and the ELC in support of military commissions at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
This dedicated engineering squadron helped establish a tent city named Camp Justice.
The 474th was instrumental in providing engineering support to the state-of-the-art ELC, erected to accommodate these military commissions.
The courtroom protects highly-classified information and provides state-of-the-art technology usually found in federal courts. For each commission, this highly-sensitive process must ensure that the courtroom and other utilized buildings on Camp Justice are operational and efficient, while ensuring operational security issues are addressed. Used by the legal staff, judges and detainees, this environment is often witnessed by national and international media, complementing the JTF mission of legal and transparent care and custody of detainees. Additionally, a media center within the complex provides journalists with Internet access and closed-circuit television viewing of the hearings.
The 474th provides various engineering duties and general maintenance services, including maintaining generators and electricity, preventive maintenance to heating, ventilation and air conditioning and electrical units, pest control, carpentry skills and heavy equipment operation.
"Working in this joint environment has been an exceptional experience," said Senior Master Sgt. Tim McConnell, a member of the 474th ECES. "We receive tremendous cooperation in getting the job done. I'm proud of our team and their hard work and professionalism."
Additionally, when commissions are not happening at Guantanamo, the 474th continues to work closely with U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay on various public works projects throughout the base, improving conditions for service members and their families.
The 474th was instrumental in the changeover from generators to shore power, ensuring that the legal staff has ability to work and conduct commissions and enhance the physical location at this facility, while reducing the chance of a power outage.
"I have learned a great deal about engineering and preventive maintenance," said Senior Airman Ryan Pinno. "Additionally, this assignment has provided me the opportunity to work with such talented people during this historic time."
Another significant improvement made by the 474th includes the installation of trailer-style living units for attorneys and their staff. This allows the legal staff, when on the island for commissions, privacy and comfort while working and living in this environment.
JTF Guantanamo will continue to provide services, enhancing detention facilities and improving quality of life for service members and detainees until the last detainee leaves the island.
| Date Taken: | 01.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2010 09:01 |
| Story ID: | 43763 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 168 |
This work, Keeping the legal process going, by PO1 Edward Flynn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT