DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Environmental stewardship took center stage as the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron led an installation-wide Earth Day operation, mobilizing Airmen across the 7th Bomb Wing to enhance sustainment, safety and resource management, April 22, 2026.
Led by the 7th CES environmental element, the effort combined environmental awareness, hazard mitigation and community partnership to directly support mission readiness across the installation.
The day began with a 5K run on the Dyess flightline, hosted in partnership with the 7th Force Support Squadron. More than 450 Airmen and family members participated, running alongside the base’s primary weapon systems and reinforcing the connection between readiness and resilience.
Following the run, the 7th FSS provided more than 300 breakfast burritos, ensuring participants were prepared for the day’s operations.
Afterward, Airmen from across the wing executed a coordinated base-wide cleanup under a plan developed by the 7th CES environmental element. Teams were assigned sectors across the installation, removing debris, collecting waste and addressing potential hazards.
By clearing debris and reducing attractants, Airmen helped mitigate bird and wildlife aircraft strike hazards, commonly known as BASH, which pose a significant risk to aircraft during takeoff, landing and low-level flight operations. Reducing these hazards directly contributes to flightline safety enabling lift and strike mission execution. In total, the operation removed an estimated 25 tons of waste from the installation.
“I am incredibly proud of our environmental team leading this effort,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jacob Bright, 7th CES commander. “They planned a complex, base-wide operation, partnered with the 7th FSS to sustain the force and executed the mission seamlessly.”
In coordination with the city of Abilene, approximately 10 tons of collected materials were recycled and diverted from local landfills, highlighting the value of community partnerships and responsible resource management.
Teams also collected natural debris, transporting brush to a designated staging area for use in future controlled burns which will support wildland fire management training while reducing hazardous fuel loads and protecting critical infrastructure across the installation.
“By repurposing brush for fire training and clearing hazards across the base, they proved that environmental stewardship directly enables our readiness,” Bright said.
The operation concluded with a tree planting ceremony led by U.S. Air Force Col. Seth Spanier, 7th BW and installation commander. A Texas live oak, selected for its resilience in the West Texas climate, was planted at the future location of Lift and Strike Park. The tree will provide shade for Airmen and their families while serving as a lasting symbol of the installation’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Whether we are recovering the airfield or sustaining our natural resources, engineers lead the way,” Bright said.