We collect and use data to determine where we can most effectively invest our money on Luke’s infrastructure. That way, everyone around base can get the mission done, not only today, but also 25 years in the future.”

Capt. Cody Beemer, 56th CES operations element chief

The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, Operations Element garnered a $1.4 million bonus toward Luke Air Force Base’s infrastructure with 100 percent of Luke facilities and assets in inventory three months ahead of schedule.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Luke was one of two bases out of 11 in the Air Education Training Command to accomplish the Installation Mission Support Center incentives, providing additional funding toward Luke AFB infrastructure.

“The IMSC incentivizes operations engineering to inventory 90 percent of our assets on Luke to earn a 10 percent bonus on our budget,” said Capt. Cody Beemer, 56th CES, operations element chief. “We hit 100 percent three months ahead of schedule.”

The 56th CES builds, maintains and protects the future of air power. They accomplish this mission through ensuring a safe work environment for approximately 7,000 people living and working on Luke.

“We had to keep working shifts to make sure we could continue working towards that incentive funding,” said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Rieben, 56th CES, operations element requirements and optimization officer in charge. “That’s how we were able to actually get 100 percent inventory several months ahead of schedule to secure that funding for infrastructure.”

According to Mr. Rieben, using current data analytics on infrastructure is key when it comes to decision making for the future distribution of funding of any assets or facilities on base.

“When it comes to Luke, you have to keep in mind that the average age of our buildings are 35 years old,” Mr. Rieben said. “We have to be smart with how we invest; and that’s where data analysis really comes into play. We really have to be thinking in the long term when it comes to our infrastructure.”

The Operations Element acquires data to provide support for facility construction and base utilities such as water, electric and internet. Various CE agencies such as plumbing, electrical and structural maintenance collect data during routine maintenance and provide their findings to the Operations Element.

CES airmen continue to perform building assessments and acquire current analytics, even as COVID-19 continues to change the way agencies perform daily operations and maintenance.

“We collect and use data to determine where we can most effectively invest our money on Luke’s infrastructure,” Mr. Beemer said. “That way, everyone around base can get the mission done, not only today, but also 25 years in the future.”

The 56th CES Operations Element has consistently achieved the IMSC’s incentives and anticipates a similar bonus for the Fiscal 2021.

Mr. Beemer and Mr. Rieben both stress the importance of sustaining a safe and enduring infrastructure so that Luke AFB can continue its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen.

“We can’t stop producing fighter pilots,” Mr. Beemer said. “If we put a break in that chain of training, then we don’t have fighter pilots five years down the road. Being able to continue our operation is essential to accomplishing the mission.”

Editor’s note: Airman Dominic Tyler is with the 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at Luke Air Force Base.