Ceremony marks activation of group Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Sandy Simison 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 88th Civil Engineer Group was activated in a formal ceremony Oct. 9. Col. John Devillier, 88th Air Base Wing commander, was the presiding official. "To promote standardization across the command, Air Force Materiel Command proposed establishing Civil Engineer groups at locations that met the threshold requirements -- our 88th Civil Engineer directorate met that requirement and officially became the 88th Civil Engineer Group on October 1," Devillier said. In conjunction with the activation, three individuals assumed leadership during the ceremony with the passing of the CE flag, a tradition deeply rooted in military history and symbolic of victory in the finest military tradition. David Perkins assumed leadership of the CE group and will serve as director to oversee civil engineer operations. Devillier pinned the Air Force flag to Perkins' lapel in recognition of leadership. "This organization has seen many changes, and we've had to adapt to become more effective and more efficient," Perkins said. "We have continued to excel in this organization." The group oversees two squadrons. The 88th Civil Engineer Squadron runs civil engineer operations. Randy Parmenter assumed leadership and will serve as director. Devillier passed the flag to Parmenter symbolizing the unit's activation and pinned the Air Force flag to his lapel. The 788th Civil Engineer Squadron oversees emergency services to include the fire department, explosive ordnance disposal and emergency management. Maj. Andy Cullen was presented the Air Force Command Insignia to symbolize command of the squadron and also presented the flag.