ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 116th Air Control Wing Civil Engineer Squadron was selected among a group of Air National Guard CE units across the nation to take on an additional mission, bolstering disaster response in the Southeast United States.

To meet the mission, the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force, or Prime Beef unit, took delivery of two route clearance kits June 27 at Robins.

"During Hurricane Katrina, which we responded too, Domestic Operations found that getting to a location hit by a disaster could be time consuming because of debris," Chief Master Sgt. David Fite, 116th CES superintendent said.

"Whether it's trees on the road, overturned cars or piles of rubble, this equipment will give us the capability and skill set to clear the way for emergency operations personnel to respond," said Fite.

Located in the heart of FEMA Region 4, the 116th CES will use the multi-purpose Kubota tractors with buckets, grappling hooks and brooms to provide Guardsmen a mobile and versatile tool set to respond quickly to disasters that strike their region, said Senior Master Sgt. James Love, 116th CES Prime Beef Manager.

Col. Greg McCreary, 116th Mission Support Group commander, said the new equipment is a boon to the unit.

"The addition of route clearance kits to the 116th CES' equipment provides a tremendous capability to the Georgia Air National Guard to assist our civilian partners in times of disaster. It also ensures the 116th Air Control Wing will play a vital role in protecting the citizens of Georgia," McCreary said.

Having the equipment in their own backyard will provide more opportunity for drill status Guardsmen to get the training they need at home, added Fite.