SEWARD, Alaska — Airmen with the 163d Civil Engineer Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., refined critical civil engineering skills while improving infrastructure and facilities during a deployment for training (DFT) at Seward Military Resort, August 10-28, 2026.
A DFT provides service members an opportunity to sharpen their occupational skills while operating under conditions different from those at their home station. For the 163d CES, the geographically isolated location provided Airmen an environment designed to replicate some of the challenges they could encounter during a deployment.
“We are in a geographically separated location to put members in a non-threatening environment to give them trade skills, training and leadership training,” said Master Sgt. Lucas Wilkins, 163d CES water, fuels and systems maintenance specialist. “This allows junior supervisors to take on more leadership roles and other junior technicians to train proficiency in their classification.”
During the DFT, five civil engineering shops worked together to complete two primary projects and two secondary projects. The work included construction, concrete work, metal wrapping and electrical installation. The hands-on training allowed Airmen to expand their technical skill sets and gain experience performing tasks outside their primary specialties.
“We're here in Alaska doing two major projects. One is a pole barn, the other is a maintenance shed, as well as a few other miscellaneous projects,” said 1st Lt. Michelle Weston, officer in charge of the 163d CES. “Primarily, this DFT is meant to give operational training to members in their job while improving the infrastructure of Seward Military Resort.”
Airmen at every level received on-the-job and cross-training opportunities that strengthened their technical skills, expanded their ability to perform multiple roles and enhanced the squadron's ability to sustain infrastructure in a deployed environment.
“This DFT has allowed me not only to work on my skill set, but also help out where I'm needed. Right now, I am working on a concrete pad, getting my hands dirty,” said Senior Airman Anthony Perez, 163d CES pavement and construction technician. “Our mission is to finish the construction of different areas and make sure all of the different areas are operational and safe to use.” Thirty-nine CE members representing seven different Air Force Specialty Codes participated in the DFT. Throughout the exercise, Airmen had the opportunity to sharpen skills within their respective career fields while gaining valuable hands-on experience in other areas of civil engineering.
Staff Sgt. Darrell Fleig, a power production craftsman assigned to the 163d Civil Engineer Squadron, typically specializes in generator operations. During the DFT, Fleig expanded his skill set by routing electrical power to buildings under construction, gaining valuable hands-on experience outside his normal duties. This kind of experience increases Airmen’s confidence in their ability to deploy and support the mission in multiple ways.
“I am now confident that not only can I perform on the power production side, but I can definitely perform on the electrical side in a deployed location,” said Fleig.
The 163d CES is the fifth National Guard unit to participate in this exercise. The work accomplished during the DFT would not have been possible without the combined efforts and support of the units involved.
The DFT allowed the 163d CES members to strengthen mission-ready skills while improving Seward Military Resort (SMR). SMR is a morale, welfare and recreation facility designed for supporting veterans, service members and their families. Through the project, Airmen gained valuable hands-on experience while giving back to those who served, enhancing both their readiness and ability to execute the mission.