CE electrician keeps Airmen equipped, and the lights on Published Aug. 4, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Rodney Cox 94th Civil Engineer Squadron DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- When you are sitting in the office and the fluorescent lights go out, who do you call? The most common response is an electrician, of course. According to Senior Master Sgt. Brian A. Ross, 94th Civil Engineer Squadron, there's more to being an electrician and member of 94th CES than just changing lights around the base. "Electricians are expected to know and understand many elements of electrical systems," he said. "Our area of expertise can range from airfield lighting systems, to fire alarms; to generators, to motor controls. With safety being a prime concern, Ross trains his new and career Airmen to work in three major areas; residential, commercial, and industrial engineering. "Whether at home station or at a deployed location, our electricity and power production personnel are trained to provide reliable, continuous and stand-by power to base facilities," Ross said. "Power for heating ventilation air condition systems is vital to medical and supply facilities." Ross started his Air Force career as a cable and antenna installation and maintenance specialist in 1981. He has been a member of the Air Force Reserves for 24 years. As a Tech. Sgt., while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003, he became the superintendent of his electrical shop. "Becoming a superintendent was an eye opening experience for me," Ross said. "I was in charge of eight electricians and eight power production personnel." In addition to taking care of his Airmen, he was responsible for the lighting of all tents, conex boxes, and expandable shelters on base. He also oversaw the operational power plants for main base and airfield lighting. "Upon that experience, I learned that NCOs must be ready to take on any task given to them, no matter how large it may be," Ross added. To further his experience as an electrician, he became an instructor at the Expeditionary Combat Support-Training and Certification Center, a tenant unit at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, training and certifying personnel in Emergency Airfield Lighting Systems. In 2005, when Hurricane Wilma, a category 5 storm struck Florida, he was temporarily assigned to Homestead Air Reserve Base to support an Emergency Airfield Lighting System, assisting C-130 aircraft in landing and delivering disaster relief supplies; however. In seven hours, Ross, along with six aerial port personnel constructed the EALS and 10,000 feet of runaway. Ross enjoys serving as a Civil Engineering electrician. He continues to show Airmen, young as well as experienced, the many civilian and military opportunities the electrician career field has to offer. He strives to instill the principles and wisdom that he's received over the years. "Ask an electrician to share a story or two about his or her job," Ross laughed. "You might be amazed about the work that goes into changing the lights that go out!"
