Backhoe

A backhoe being used by 8th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operators June 28, 2012, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, is vital to the process of cleaning drainage ditches. With monsoon season starting soon, giving the rain somewhere to flow lessens the effects of flooding. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley)

Clearing ditches

The 8th Civil Engineer Squadron clears dirt out of ditches June 28, 2012, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to give the rain somewhere to go. Although a time-consuming process, clearing out the base’s 2.5 miles of drainage ditches potentially saves mission-critical assets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley)

Backhoe Digs Drainage Ditch

Senior Airman Joshua Cornwell, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and equipment journeyman, digs out the drainage ditch near Wolf Park at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 29, 2012. This is the first time in four years that the drainage ditches were dug out to prevent flooding from a monsoon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Marcus Morris)

Backhoe Dumps Dirt

Airman 1st Class Thomas Castaneda, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and equipment apprentice, dumps dirt from the drainage ditch into a dump truck at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 28, 2012. It takes roughly one to three days to dig out the drainage ditches on each street in preparation for monsoon season. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Marcus Morris)

First speech to his group

Col. James Sturgeon gives his first speech as 8th Operations Group commander after a change of command ceremony June 29, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Sturgeon received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and has flown more than 3,000 hours, including 1,800 in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley)

Passing the guidon

Col. John Pearse, left, 8th Fighter Wing commander, passes the 8th Operations Group guidon to its new commander, Col. James Sturgeon, middle, after Col. Craig Levitt’s one-year tour with the Wolf Pack June 29, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. As the OG commander, Sturgeon is responsible for missions which support armistice and wartime taskings to defend the Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley)