KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 85th Engineering Installation Squadron held an open house for Keesler leadership, Nov. 3, 2015, at Maltby Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.
The 85th EIS gave an overall mission brief as well as several hands-on demonstrations.
“The purpose of this event was to let new commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and wing staff agencies understand what they’re supporting at the 85th and to continue to build on our partnership with Keesler,” said Lt. Col. Scott Jensen, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron commander.
The 85th EIS is one of several tenant units on Keesler, and reports to the 688th Cyber Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. As a tenant unit, the85th EIS relies on many different Keesler agencies, including the 81st Force Support Squadron, 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron and 81st Security Forces Squadron.
“The support we get from Keesler is excellent,” said Chief Master Sgt. Gerard Crump, 85th EIS chief enlisted manager. “I cannot stress enough how much support we get from the LRS folks over on the main base, especially with vehicle maintenance.”
The open house was also an opportunity for the 85th EIS to show off their unique capabilities as the only active duty squadron of its kind in the Air Force. On average, the 85th EIS visits every Air Force Base once every three years despite only having 175 members in their squadron.
“The 85th EIS establishes and extends infrastructure that supports either cyberspace missions or airfield missions,” said Jensen. “We put wires in the ground, wires overhead, and allow airplanes to fly.”
“We can’t do what we do without Team Keesler,” he added. “We’re glad to be here and proud to show off what we do to our partners.”