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Partnership allows for assistance with Hanscom Air Force Base communications workload

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Parks
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  

Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. – The New York National Guard 213th Engineering Installations Squadron, based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, recently assisted the 66th Air Base Group Communications and Information Division by removing more than a dozen fiber optic cables from an installation building and completing maintenance on two towers, in addition to grounding and bonding work.

“We have a compliment of early career professionals and experienced professionals,” Master Sgt. Michael Harrigan, 213th EIS team chief, said to division leadership during an in-briefing. “They receive real-world training, and it is a good opportunity to work with equipment; our skill sets are very diverse.”

The skill sets represented during the 213th EIS visit included cable, antenna, and cyber transport, part of digital transformation and communications infrastructure improvements, with the objective of meeting great power competition strategic goals. The team removed 25,000 feet of cable, installed 14,000 feet of pull string, and enhanced future pathway capabilities.

“The fact that we have an established working relationship makes it easier, Jared Frey, director, 66th ABG Communications and Information Division, said of the working relationship between the 213th Engineering Installations Squadron and Hanscom Air Force Base.

The most recent visit was the third time the squadron supported Team Hanscom.

Robert Guanga Jr., network infrastructure chief for the 66th communications division, emphasized how the partnership plays a critical role.

“The little things you do are not little things. They are big things to us,” he said. “Our goal is modernization and there are challenges to meeting that goal.”

In terms of cost savings, the impact was approximately $186,000 to $225,000 overall. This includes $125,000 to $150,000 for cable removal, $16,000 to $20,000 for the tower work, and $45,000 to $55,000 for grounding and bonding.

Those from the squadron expressed they felt the work was worth making the trip for, and that they would return if given the opportunity. They said this was, in part, from the way they were received by Team Hanscom during the visit.

“You guys have been an amazing support,” Harrigan said.

The feelings were mutual from Team Hanscom, noting the squadron’s professionalism.

“These guys are very motivated. They do a great job,” said Mark Margolis, command and control systems manager, 66th ABG.

Frey concluded the visit out-briefing by presenting each member of the team with a certificate of appreciation and a coin.