New Air Force Civil Engineer outlines expectations

  • Published
  • By John Burt
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Brig. Gen. Theresa Carter, the Air Force Civil Engineer, visited Det. 1, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, here July 31. Her trip to AFCEC marked the first since she was named the Air Force's top civil engineer in June.

Throughout the day, Carter met with members of AFCEC's readiness, operations and energy directorates to become more familiar with many current programs and initiatives.

She also took time to speak about her expectations of the AFCEC Tyndall team during an all call at the 337th Air Control Squadron auditorium.

"In many ways, you are an extension of a wing commander's staff," Carter said. "When we say we're making a commitment to deliver something, it's important to follow through on it. That's where your reputation is based."

As the Air Force civil engineer, Carter commands an engineering force of more than 60,000 Airmen and civilians. Air Force CEs provide, maintain and sustain support functions at 166 Air Force bases world-wide valued at more than $251 billion with an annual budget of more than $12 billion.

Carter also oversees AFCEC, a 1,600-member civil engineer field operating agency headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, with an operating location here.

AFCEC is responsible for providing installation engineering services support including facility investment planning, design and construction, environmental compliance and restoration, operations, readiness, real property management and energy. The unit conducts its operations at more than 75 locations worldwide.

As the former commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing at Joint Base San Antonio and the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Carter offered perspective from base leadership.

She challenged the AFCEC team to strengthen communication with their customers and be more effective in their support by garnering input from the bases.

"We deliver products and services, but when was the last time we asked the guys at the installation, 'are you using them?'" she said. "Is there something we can do differently? We have limited time, people and dollars, and I want to make sure we're getting the most of all three."

The general said AFCEC can expect her strategic plan outlining the way forward for Air Force civil engineering to be released within the next few months. She also encouraged them to continue to build partnerships with other groups.

"Civil engineering is changing almost hourly in some cases across some career fields. It's important that we stay up to speed with what's happening out in industry and in the academic community to continue to bring great capability to the customers," Carter said.

Carter completes her AFCEC visit at the organization's headquarters in San Antonio Aug. 1, where she'll hold an all call to speak to the AFCEC workforce.