127 CES return from Silver Flag

Forty five airmen of the 127th Civil Engineer Squadron returned to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., from a week-long Silver Flag exercise at Tyndall AFB, Fla., on July 12, which focuses on combat and survival skills. Training includes chemical warfare operations, base recovery after attack, runway repair, and various other essential training.

127th Civil Engineers return from Silver Flag

Published July 17, 2008
By A1C Annamarie Wyant
127th Public Affairs

July 12, 2008 -- Stepping out of a KC-135 into sweltering heat and a moderate drizzle, 45 tired Airmen couldn't have been happier. After five and a half days of an intense Silver Flag exercise at Tyndall AFB, Fla., airmen from the 127th Civil Engineer Squadron were welcomed back to Selfridge Air National Guard Base July 12.

Before deplaning, however, the civil engineers aided the 171 Aerial Port Flight in offloading baggage from the plane. Forming a train, the airmen anxiously passed bags from the rear of the plane to a 25K loader until all their luggage was removed from the aircraft. This was easy work compared to what they endured for Silver Flag.

Silver Flag entails training in a bare base setting where participants are able to learn hands-on. Formulated specifically for Civil Engineers, Services, and Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, the exercise focuses on combat and survival skills. Training includes chemical warfare operations, base recovery after attack, runway repair, and various other essential training.

Tyndall AFB, Fla., has been home to Silver Flag for 23 years, though training was also formerly held at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and Eglin AFB, Fla. The 823rd Red Horse Squadron, which is in charge of Silver Flag operations, trains approximately 5,600 Airmen, Soldiers, and mariners annually.