Wyoming Air National Guard "Dirt Boyz" continue to train

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Natalie Stanley
  • 153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Oberammergau, Germany --  The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Civil Engineer heavy equipment operators donned their hard hats and revved up heavy equipment Aug. 13, 2012, during their annual training in Oberammergau, Germany.

Over the next two weeks, the heavy equipment operators will work on multiple projects around the NATO School including: leveling dirt for a recreation center patio, laying asphalt and building a parking lot for NATO School residents.

The heavy equipment operators, better known as the "Dirt Boyz", are trained to handle a number of heavy equipment machines to include: loaders, dozers, back hoes, graders, excavators and pavers.

The 153rd CES Dirt Boyz receive their initial technical school training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Once at home station, they stay current on machinery with up to 60 hours per machine hands-on training and bi-annual training in Fargo N.D., the regional training site for equipment operators.

Dirt Boyz' jobs can vary and include pavements, asphalts and concretes said Master Sgt. Chad Holmes, 153rd CES pavement and equipment supervisor.

"Our main mission in the Air Force is rapid runway repair or field damage repair," said Holmes. "We make sure the air field is operational so the planes can take off."

The annual training gives the "boyz" the opportunity to sharpen their skills with real-world jobs while coming together as a team.

"Being together with the guys and seeing the great teamwork is the best part of this job," said Holmes. "These guys do really good work and they are well prepared."