140 CES deploys to Scotland for Exercise Flying Rose

  • Published
  • By Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Nicole Manzanares
  • 140th Wing Public Affairs
FORRES, Scotland --  In June of this year the 140th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed for training to Kinloss Barrack in Forres, Scotland, United Kingdom, representing the Colorado Air National Guard in an exchange program known as Exercise Flying Rose, between the two NATO allies. The two-week deployment involved more than 40 members of the COANG engineer team conducting contingency construction training with our NATO partners. The exercise was hosted by the Royal Civil Engineer Soldiers from the 39 Engineer Regiment.

The concept of the exchange program is to enhance proficiency training of our engineer forces by performing relevant contingency construction projects and to benefit from the cultural exchange by training with our NATO allies.

Both of the parties teamed up and established five separate structures while there. Together, they built concrete pads for garbage receptacles, refurbished a scout hut, built two barbecue pits, constructed two water closets, also known as outhouses, and to top it off, concluded the week with building a volleyball court.

This exchange was also an opportunity for both the COANG and our British counterparts to build relationships, exchange cultural values, and to share tactics, techniques and procedures in executing contingency engineering tasks.

Out of the two-week mission, the British engineers provided two days of lessons on their equipment and how they conduct business. They started with a refresher training on tools and equipment, then went on to demonstrate how to use the heavy equipment and the capabilities they bring to a project. Lastly, they took the CES group on a tour around the 39 Engineer Regiment's shops.

"The Brits have done a great job of organizing everything. We received drawings from them, so we knew what we were getting into before we got here," said Master Sgt. Jim Fredenburg, Project Manager, 140 CES.

"Their standards are a little different than ours... they do things a little bit different and we are learning that," said Fredenburg. "We are taking some of their ideas on the way they do things and they are taking some of ours as well."

During the construction of these projects, members of various trades were working in different engineering fields, helping out when needed. In other words, personnel skilled in electrical, utilities, and HVAC were developing the skills of other trades, such as carpentry. This allowed the CES personnel the opportunity to lead, and develop their professional communication skills through teaching and training members of other trades.


"It's been nice to see that everybody is working together and moving outside of their trade and helping out," said Senior Amn.  Ellie Gustafson, Structural Craftsman, 140 CES.

Through this process, many Airmen discovered new leadership capabilities and how to become more effective and influential leaders for our nation.