Busy as 'BEE's, engineers keep Yokota Airmen safe

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  When it comes to safety, most people think of things like protective goggles, ear protection and reflective belts, but there is more to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and the Airmen of the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's Bioenvironmental Enginnering Flight work diligently to do just that.

To ensure Airmen are safe on the job, bioenvironmental engineers, also known as BEEs, buzz around worksites where harmful elements come into play -- jobs that incur risks such as harmful chemicals or radiation.

After evaluating the beehives of activity, the BEEs issue personal protective equipment accordingly.

The importance of their job isn't lost on Staff Sgt. Nicholas Sweetman, 374th AMDS NCO in charge of environmental protection.

"The mission can't get done if everyone's sick," he said.  "Part of our job is... to make sure people aren't getting sick or injured because of their job's risks."

Since the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami of March 11, the BEEs have been buzzing to ensure the safety of people living and working at Yokota.

During the on-going crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the engineers check radiation levels on Yokota daily. 

In addition to testing the air, they also regularly test the base water supply and screen aircraft coming in to Yokota.

While radiation levels are currently not a concern for Yokota, the BEEs repeatedly test to ensure no one is at risk.

"We are taking these precautions to put Yokota members minds at ease about the nuclear situation," said Sergeant Sweetman.

Without the constant vigilance of the BEEs, the base would lack situational awareness on the status of potential health risks around base. 

"I feel like we're actually contributing," said Sergeant Sweetman.  "It's nice to not just see it on the news, but to actually take part in helping."

Senior Airman Daniel Burdick, a bioenvironmental engineering technician on temporary duty to Yokota from the 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, echoed Sergeant Sweetman 's sentiments.

"I'm glad I could be here to help -- I'm proud to support Operation Tomodachi," Airman Burdick said.