207th engineers help community of Old Harbor in a joint-service airfield expansion project

Courtesy Photo | Pvt. Brodie Smith (left) walks ahead of Pvt. Lamara Lainei, both heavy equipment operators with the 207th Engineer Utility Detachment, as she maneuvers a vibrating compacter while moving dirt to fill for the airfield expansion project completed for the town of Old Harbor, Alaska, during their annual training in June. The project, which extended the current airstrip by 2,000 feet, was federally funded under the innovative readiness training program, which is meant to afford training and readiness for the military in conjunction with providing services to underserved communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo/Released)  

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

07.15.2015

Story by Sgt. Marisa Lindsay 

Alaska National Guard   

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 207th Engineer Utility Detachment traveled to Old Harbor to assist with a joint-forces airfield expansion project as part of their annual training last month.

The project to extend the current airstrip by 2,000 feet for safety and expanded services, is federally funded under the innovative readiness training program. IRT helps afford training and readiness for the military in conjunction with providing a service to underserved communities.

The recipient of the assistance was the rural town of Old Harbor, which is home to more than 200 residents, a large portion whom belong to the Alutiiq tribe, and sits on the southeastern coast of Kodiak Island.

“It’s really an epic win, being able to help Alaskans in remote communities, support mission partners like the Marine Corps, Navy, and Army Reserves, and allow our Soldiers to gain additional experience in their military career fields,” said Maj. Mark Kelliher, the 208th Construction Management Team commander that houses the 207th EUD. “This joint experience will help us both with our state mission to support the people of Alaska in times of need, as well as our mission to defend America when called upon.”

The Soldiers worked alongside the Navy and Marines in a rare joint-service exercise mission and utilized equipment and machinery that are typically unavailable in their Anchorage-based training environment.

“The training our Soldiers received during this IRT project was unmatched — even in comparison to the schoolhouse in regards to real-world experience — and is more than our engineers could have asked for,” said Sgt. 1st Class Seth Gordon, the readiness NCO for 207th EUD and a project participant. “Particularly with the multiservice relationships that our newer Soldiers were exposed to, on top of their one-on-one equipment training— the value is unmatched.”

Along with on-the-job training during this mission, there are hopes the expansion project will provide an economic boost for the citizens of the remote town.

“Our community heard about IRT work in other areas of the state and applied for the program,” said Rick Berns, mayor of Old Harbor. “We have had great cooperation with the military and the community on the project. We appreciate their participation in the airport construction and the additional contributions to the community on their own good will.”

Old Harbor has held potlucks for the service men and women, providing local traditional foods, in appreciation for their work within the community.

“I can’t think of a better use of Alaska Guard engineers than to go out and assist fellow Soldiers, Marines and Sailors in making this project a reality for the town of Old Harbor,” Kelliher concluded.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2015
• Date Posted: 07.16.2015 13:58
• Story ID: 170138
• Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US