AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Airmen assigned to the 184th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard, completed a deployment for training at Aviano Air Base, July 1-11, 2025. The mission allowed Airmen to sharpen their skills while supporting real-world projects that strengthen partnerships with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO allies.
The main project focused on renovating a warehouse on the main base that will serve as material control for the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron, which is currently stationed off base.
“The challenge the 31st CES is having here in Aviano is that they are located about 10 minutes off base, while the majority of work is being done on the main base,” said Lt. Col. Paul Weskalnies, commander of the 184th CES. “This renovation will address that challenge. It will allow them to convert this warehouse into material control, so they don’t have to drive off base if they forget or need a part.”
U.S. Air Force Airman Carsen Girton, 184th Civil Engineer Squadron, installs tiles in a warehouse bathroom during a deployment for training at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 1-14, 2025. The two-week TDY provided the 184th CES with hands-on training, infrastructure support and an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dan Munoko)
The project primarily involved the structures and electrical shops, which were responsible for completing bathroom tiling, installing a ceiling and fitting doors. Other shops, including HVAC, water and fuels management, and heavy equipment, also contributed by installing air conditioning units in the warehouse offices, finishing plumbing and connecting a boiler in the bathroom, and completing concrete work to prevent water infiltration.
When not directly working on the warehouse, Airmen from the 184th Civil Engineer Squadron’s various shops assisted the 31st CES with construction and maintenance projects across Aviano Air Base.
“One of the things that stands out is early in our rotation, the power production team was able to help the 31st CES diagnose an ongoing issue with an automatic transfer switch,” said Weskalinies. “One of our guys came in, and in under an hour, got the ATS up and running again.”
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 184th Civil Engineer Squadron’s heavy equipment unit pose for a photo after completing a digging project during a deployment for training at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 1-14, 2025. The project was one of several maintenance efforts the 184th CES supported for the 31st CES during the two-week TDY. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dan Munoko)
“Besides bringing different skill sets to Aviano, the 184th CES gained real-world experience in a deployed environment — especially for younger Airmen who recently graduated from basic training and technical school,” said Chief Master Sgt. John Ives, senior enlisted leader, 184th CES.
“This specific deployment for training aligns with the wing’s vision of preparing our people to deploy,” Ives said. “It gives them the confidence and experience needed so that when they go downrange, they’ve already done it and seen it.”
For Capt. Rhiannon Hancock, officer in charge, this was her first deployment for training with the 184th CES since joining the unit a few months ago. She said the experience gave her a valuable opportunity to get to know her Airmen and watch them take on more responsibility.
“I actually got to see some of their personalities come out a little bit,” Hancock said. “With the daily safety briefings, a few Airmen have been called out, and it’s been awesome to see them take it seriously.”
The two-week training gave the 184th CES the chance to apply and expand technical skills in an operational setting, strengthen partnerships and camaraderie within the unit, and increase readiness across the force.
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 184th Civil Engineer Squadron pose for a picture during a deployment for training at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Jul. 1-14, 2025. The two-week TDY provided the 184th CES hands-on training, infrastructure support, and an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dan Munoko)