N.D. Airmen return from Romania deployment

  • Published
  • By Capt Penny Ripperger
  • 119th Wing
June 13, 2008 --  Fargo, N.D. -- Members of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, N.D. Air Guard, will return home to Fargo on Monday, June 16 after spending 14 days in Romania as part of the annual Joint Task Force-East Rotation (JTF-E).

The airmen deployed to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanta, Romania. JTF-E is part of an ongoing commitment for U.S. forces to train with and build enhanced relationships with Romania and Bulgaria.

While in Romania, the "Happy Hooligans" worked on various construction projects, to include: roof replacements, hanging drywall, fixing electrical and other interior issues, and pouring a concrete pad for the fire station.

The airmen also had the opportunity to welcome Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, N.D. Adjutant General, during a visit to their deployed location on June 6. Sprynczynatyk and Chief Master Sgt. Brad Childs, 119th Wing Command Chief, are visiting N.D. airmen and soldiers currently deployed in Europe and Africa.

Sprynczynatyk said that for many of the young airmen he talked to in Romania, this was their first deployment overseas. "This is a great opportunity for them to travel, do their jobs and experience a new culture all at the same time," he said.

Airmen from the Civil Engineer Squadron also had the opportunity to deploy to Ramstein Air Base, Germany in November of 2006. In addition, the squadron deployed to Miss. in support of Hurricane Katrina in September 2005 and most recently responded hours after a tornado devastated Northwood, N.D. in November 2007.

For more information about this media advisory, please contact Capt. Penny Ripperger, 119th Wing Public Affairs Officer, at 701-451-2194 (office) or 701-238-6944 (cell).