VAVUNIYA, Sri Lanka—U.S. Airmen, Marines and Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) engineers worked together to improve schools during Pacific Angel (PAC ANGEL) 18-4 at Anuradhapura and Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, from Aug. 13-18.
Throughout the engagement participants completed seven engineering civic action projects, sharing their knowledge, equipment and accomplishments with one another.
“We have never had an opportunity to use the kind of equipment like the kind the U.S. has brought with them,” said Leading Aircraftman Somatnilana Ednisingne, SLAF. “We are very happy to gain this experience and to work with our U.S. counterparts.”
School buildings in the local area were the primary focus of the engineer’s projects. The group installed and repaired lights, fans, roofs, ceilings, water pumps and more, ensuring children in the community had facilities conducive to learning.
“Our projects will affect the community here for years to come,” said U.S. Air Force Staff. Sgt. Clifford Raphael, 254th RED HORSE Squadron structural engineer. “The students here will have better lighting and facilities, and cooler classrooms, to complete their education.”
Collectively, the civil engineering team of 16 U.S. service members and 10 SLAF members easily integrated to successfully complete their projects and mission.
“These men are really good craftsmen.” Raphael said. “We were surprised at how well we were able to integrate together and get the job done.”
Now entering its 11th year, PAC ANGEL ensures the region’s militaries are prepared to work together to address humanitarian crises. The engagements have impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people by providing health services ranging from dental, optometry, pediatrics, and physical therapy, to civil engineering programs, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and subject matter exchanges.
“We are very happy the U.S. came here,” Ednisingne said. “Together we can do anything.”
This is the third of four PAC ANGEL 18 humanitarian assistance engagements. Later this summer, Pacific Air Forces Airmen will conduct the last PAC ANGEL 18 in Vietnam.
| Date Taken: |
08.16.2018 |
| Date Posted: |
08.21.2018 14:29 |
| Story ID: |
289233 |
| Location: |
LK |
| Web Views: |
54 |
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0 |
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This work, Civil engineers give schools a make-over during PAC ANGEL 18-4, by TSgt Heather Salazar, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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