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WAI’ANAE, Hawaii – The Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron (152 CES) strengthened the 152nd Airlift Wing’s commitment to readiness and community engagement by taking part in the Innovative Readiness Training “Aloha Lives Here” project during their annual training from July 28 to Aug. 8, 2025.
“The IRT program is about building partnerships and preparing our Airmen for real-world operations,” said Maj. Nathaniel Thornton, IRT project lead. “This isn’t just training–this is readiness in action. Our Airmen gain hands-on experience, and the community receives lasting infrastructure that will benefit generations.”
The 152 CES was tasked with building permanent housing for residents of Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae, a Hawaiian village known for its resilience and community spirit.
On Oahu’s west coast, Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae has become a sanctuary for families who were once without permanent housing. Led by activist Twinkle Borge, the village symbolizes resilience and cultural preservation. In partnership with the state, residents raised nearly $10 million to purchase land and build sustainable housing, gaining national attention in the process.
To bring their vision to life, the community partnered with the Department of Defense’s IRT program, which links military units with local projects that deliver mutual benefits: strengthened military readiness and meaningful public service. For the 152 CES, based in Reno, Nevada, the mission not only reinforced the warrior ethos but also helped restore trust in the military.
“Our Airmen are able to sharpen their skills and apply their technical expertise while giving back to Hawaii’s local community,” said Capt. Doug Del Porto, engineer officer assigned to the 152 CES. “This project was designed to help reduce the houseless population by five percent. Efforts like this not only strengthen the purpose behind our training but also reflect the heart of our mission--serving people. We hope this initiative lays the foundation for similar projects across the nation.”
Throughout the project, the 152 CES deployed heavy equipment operators, operations managers, power production and structural maintenance technicians, engineering assistants, HVAC specialists, and water and fuel systems technicians. Working side by side, they carried out tasks that closely mirror expeditionary missions—site preparation, laying foundations, and assembling modular homes.
“For many of our Airmen, this is more than just a training exercise; we’re seeing firsthand how our work changes lives,” said Master Sgt. Meagan Castro, first sergeant of the 152nd Mission Support Group, Nevada Air National Guard. “You can feel the gratitude from the community, and that motivates us to give our best every day.”
A major milestone for the squadron was pouring the concrete foundations that will anchor the village’s new housing. They also played a central role in assembling modular and container homes, ensuring the units were built efficiently, safely, and ready for families to move in. Partnering with a local contracting company accelerated progress on the project, bringing the community closer to its vision of sustainable, long-term housing.
“The experience was both a challenge and an opportunity to grow,” said Senior Airman Adan Ayala, a structural maintenance specialist, assigned to the 152 CES. “I’ve worked with metal and structures before, but learning to pour concrete was something entirely new.”
The effort directly supports the 152nd Airlift Wing’s command priorities of “ready Airmen,” “global presence,” and “community engagement.” By tackling complex construction projects in challenging conditions, the squadron honed the skills essential for worldwide deployments. At the same time, the mission highlighted the Guard’s ability to build strong connections both at home and abroad.
“This project showed us that global presence begins with the locals,” said Del Porto. “We’re proud to be part of something that will last for decades, and we know our team is far more prepared.”
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2025 19:11 |
| Story ID: | 546564 |
| Location: | WAI'ANAE, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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