908th CES completes renovation of Havens’ Bridge

U.S. Air Force Reserve Command members from the 908th Civil Engineer Squadron began renovations on Havens' Bridge at the start of March. The renovation efforts followed a request from the Commander and President of Air University, Lt. Gen. Andrea Tullos, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

The bridge, which spans approximately 40 feet long and is 100 feet high, presented a significant challenge. However, the team completed the project with no major issues, a testament to their professionalism and safety measures.

Though there were primary leads assigned, a massive amount of collaboration was utilized among different departments of the 908th CES.

The crew, consisting primarily of electricians and structural engineers, demonstrated a high level of teamwork. According to Tech. Sgt. Debra McGrew, a structural engineer with the 908th CES, the Airmen had no issue assisting outside of their normal duties to help the project along.

"The electricians really helped out when it came to demolition day," said McGrew. "Having that teamwork really helps us get this bridge done as much as we can within the time that we have to do it."

Staff Sgt. Braxton Barker, a structural engineer with the 908th CES, spoke about the chronological process of renovating the bridge and the efforts the crew took to ensure safety during the project.

"We took all the rotten wood off the sides section-by-section," said Barker. "We walked it down so we wouldn't fall off the bridge. We avoided all the safety concerns doing it that way."

Between removing the old boards, the CE members also measured and cut pieces to replace what was necessary for the bridge.

"The last thing we did in terms of the demolition was taking off the rails. We needed the rails for us safety wise," said Barker.

Parts of the bridge that were being replaced were identified and removed. It was important that this was done in an order that limited hazards or fall risks.

Throughout the project multiple lines of effort were put in place to ensure safety was at the forefront of the engineers' minds.

"We have our safety rep out here working with us," said McGrew, "so we start our day with unloading our tools and our materials. Then we do a safety brief for whatever task we're doing. We have so many different components out here working with so many different people, doing so many different things that we really have to focus on each other to make sure everybody knows what the hazards are, what the risks are, and how to not get hurt on the jobsite."

The next phase of the renovation is to cut the materials. Some of the prior pieces of the bridge were not within the local building code, such as the handrails, which were below the minimum height needed for pedestrian traffic. The handrails are now 3 feet high, which is compliant with code.

Other aspects of the bridge also had to be completely replaced, such as the wire netting and many electrical components. According to Tech. Sgt. Darshan Bhatt, an electrical technician with the 908th CES, due to the previous electrical underground housing being made of corrosive metal, the wires became exposed over time. The initial piping was replaced with polyvinyl chloride pipe, which protects the wires from damage.

The wires connected to the lights and were also replaced on the bridge. The prior lights were replaced with photo eye sensor lights that turn on automatically at night.

"We had to tear down the old conduit that was rusting, there were exposed wires, and the lights were burnt out." said Bhatt. "After that, they put up new boards and PVC conduit that was watertight and weather resistant."

Other pieces replaced were select horizontal floor planks, all vertical floor planks, and the handrails.

The entire project was completed with a primary team of eight Airmen, and the help of many other 908th CES members, most of whom are traditional reservists, ranging in rank and expertise.

The renovation began March 3, 2025, and wrapped up September 6, 2025. The Airmen worked on the bridge during Unit Training Assembly weekends once a month, as well as a few days during each month to complete the project.

This project has shown to be a massively influential and educational opportunity for newer Airmen, like Airman 1st Class Dasani Pettiford, a structural engineer with the 908th CES, who took the bridge on as his first large-scale project following his completion of technical training.

"I learned a lot more from doing than from watching." said Pettiford. "I appreciate this very much. At first, they showed me a cut or two, then they watched me cut, but then after that I went right into it. So, I would definitely say 'the experience was great.'"

As a tenant wing on Maxwell Air Force Base, the 908th typically has difficulty finding projects to allow its Civil Engineer Squadron members to sharpen their skills. This renovation project, however, was a direct result of the partnership the 908th has with the 42nd Air Base Wing, the host unit on Maxwell.

Barker praised this relationship, stating, "I have to give kudos to the leadership for the 908th CE squadron. They've really been working to build a relationship with the 42nd Air Base Wing in terms of jobs we can do to better the base. This is one of them."