Photo By Airman 1st Class Spencer Hanson | U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Ryan Coker, right, and Jose Villasmil-Velasco, 354th...... read more read more
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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – As the seasons progress, both the time and weather start to change in Alaska. These changes are where the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron thrive, constantly adapting to the rapid shift subarctic weather has on environmental conditions.
Keeping the water flowing on base is one of the primary objectives during the transition into winter, and a recent water break in the housing area highlighted the critical role of timely maintenance in preserving
mission capability and readiness..
“All French Creek housing utilities are directly buried all the way up the house,” said Staff Sgt. Tristan Keeling, 354th Civil Engineering Squadron utilities systems NCOIC. “What that means’ of course’ is that
they are directly exposed to all of the underground elements of Alaska.”
The exposure, combined with aging infrastructure, has led to frequent water line breaks’ specifically in the French Creek housing area.
“The pipes in French Creek are almost over 20 years old, but due to Alaska’s harsh conditions they end up being treated closer to 40-50 years in terms of quality,” said Senior Airman Christopher Haynes, 354th CES water and fuels and maintenance lead exterior technician. “On top of age the pipes are also
exposed to freezing temperatures, earthquakes and general corrosion from being in the ground.”
This battle, combined with all of those conditions’ is where the 354th CES bolsters real-time on the job experience, each fix putting to the test the skillset and experience of the various Airmen that make up the squadron.
“When these leaks occur, we make sure our team coordinates with the necessary agencies required for the job, locating utilities, excavating and replacing any necessary damaged sections,” said Keeling. “Once we get to the exposed piping, we locate the specific section that is leaking, cut it out, and install new piping with repair clamps, once that is done we then bring the water back to either the main or service line for the housing unit.”
Each repair requires time and manpower, with combined efforts showcasing previous digs taking roughly 20 hours from start to finish, involving a team of various equipment operators and oversight from various shops both within the squadron and from outside sources.
Roughly 35 to 40 leaks have been repaired in the French Creek area over the past few years, with each one demonstrating the commitment the 354th CES has for maintaining base infrastructure and operations in Alaska’s demanding climate.
“Everything in our shop and our career field relates to the continued maintenance of this installation,” said Haynes. “As a whole we are extremely vital towards the success of the mission, and capabilities showcased here on Eielson Air Force Base.”
| Date Taken: | 11.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 19:02 |
| Story ID: | 550641 |
| Location: | EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 194 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 354th CES repairs water leaks strengthening mission readiness, by SrA Colin Perkins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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