85th EIS performs formal retreat, open ranks

Chief Master Sgt. Gerard Crum, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron, and Maj. James Coughlin, 85th EIS commander, inspect the uniform of one of their Airmen during a squadron open ranks inspection Nov. 25, 2013. The squadron also participated in a formal retreat ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adam Bond)

85th EIS conducts open ranks inspections

Published Dec. 4, 2013
85th Engineering Installation Squadron

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- When Maj. James Coughlin took the guideon of the 85th Engineering Installation Squadron in the summer, he inherited the Air Force's only active duty squadron of its kind, plus a long and prideful history.

In keeping with the unit's motto "With pride, worldwide," the recently promoted Lt. Col. Coughlin, 85th EIS commander, and the members of the 85th EIS gathered for an open ranks inspection and formal retreat ceremony Nov. 25.

"The 85th EIS, the Top III and I feel it is important that all of the 85th EIS Airmen meet and exceed Air Force standards," said Coughlin of the inspection and retreat. "This is done through our operations, physical fitness, customs and courtesies and the way we represent the U.S. Air Force, as we are blessed to wear the uniform in service to this country."

"Conducting a thorough open ranks inspection on a recurring basis and a formal retreat maintains our basic military training baseline and assures our dedication to the Air Force core values," he added.

In full service dress, the officers and enlisted Airmen formed up under the direction of Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Jackson, 85th EIS superintendent, with their civilian Airmen enduring the cold to observe.

"Coughlin has endeavored to make unit pride a way of life in the squadron," said Master Sgt. David Daniel, 85th EIS. "That's why he and the 85th braved the cold temperatures for these ceremonies."

After completing an in-depth inspection, Coughlin awarded a commander's coin to Staff Sgt. Richard Dale, the 85th EIS unit deployment manager, for best uniform. He then took command of the squadron and proceeded with a formal retreat, said Daniel.
Lowering the nation's flag were Staff Sgt. James Rammell, Senior Airmen Anthony Terry and Steven Nguyen.

"The overall reaction was positive with Airmen of all ranks taking extra time to look each other over just minutes prior to falling in," said Daniel. "There were even a few congratulations afterward and, of course, quite a bit of one-upmanship with regard to decorations."