Civil Engineering deployed members are starting to return Published Jan. 28, 2010 By Maj. Nancie Margetis 183d Fighter Wing ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, Illinois -- The 183rd Civil Engineering Squadron has been welcoming home their members over the several weeks. Thirty total airmen deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and have been returning to Springfield in waves. All deployed members are expected to be home this month. The 183rd Civil Engineering Squadron was the first Air National Guard unit to serve as the Senior Airfield Authority at Bagram Air Base. While deployed, the squadron's mission was to build and repair the base's runways, airfield surfaces, and roads in addition to maintaining the facilities, utilities, and buildings on the airfield. With over 32 acres of ramp space and five aircraft dispersal areas with a total of over 110 aircraft parking revetments; maintaining, repairing, and sustaining the airfield is a 24 hour 7 day a week job. Dedicated and selfless, 183rd Civil Engineering flawlessly executed its mission enabling the multi-nation force and 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram to fly close air support, combat search and rescue, aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and airlift missions in support of U.S. and coalition forces supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. In conjunction with Combined Joint Task Force-82 and the 455th AEW the 183rd Civil Engineering Squadron's efforts were critical in helping secure the future of Afghanistan for the Afghan people. A return home ceremony is planned for March UTA.