#IAMIMSC: Monica Ramsey

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#IAMIMSC: Monica Ramsey

Duty title and unit: Project Manager, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Facility Engineering Directorate, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas

Primary duty responsibilities: I provide on-site AFCEC representation overseeing the $180 million repair of the primary runway at Little Rock AFB. My responsibilities include coordinating responses for contractor requests for information, technical review of submittals and direct collaboration with Title II services for inspection and supervision of construction operations. I strive to foster good communication within the project team and be proactive in addressing any problems early. My days are bookended by meetings with quality assurance inspectors in the morning and the quality control group in the evening to track and document daily contractor field activities to key stakeholders.

What’s the best part of your job?
As an engineer, seeing design plans literally being built right before my eyes is incredible … seeing actual engineering concepts being implemented in the field, versus just textbook calculations and theories, and laboratory testing. I’ve always had a lifetime hunger for knowledge, and I learn more and more every day working on this project. 

Little Rock AFB is the largest C-130 training base in the world. Replacing their runway will ensure the installation maintains its status as the C-130 center of excellence. It’s truly amazing to be part of a project of this magnitude and know my work makes a difference and leaves a legacy. 

Why are you and your job important to the Air Force and AFMC?
I think the unique knowledge and experience I bring to the Air Force and Air Force Materiel Command is an asset as infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate. My professional development equipped me with technical and engineering knowledge to manage large-scale projects like the runway repair. After graduating from high school as valedictorian, I earned a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry in three years. I also completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering while working full-time in the industry. 

Eight years of my career was in state government and another eight with the Army before joining AFCEC in September 2020. My background experience is in transportation planning, railroad construction, testing stateside and overseas materials, concrete design and airfield damage repair. Materials and pavement engineering is a specialized discipline that is critical to ensure airfields are fully operational so aircraft can take-off and land at any location. 

My position allows the Air Force and AFMC to have a key point of contact to manage airfield projects from cradle to grave. This is an incredible team effort that requires uniform communication at all levels and strong collaboration within the project team. I’m very happy to be able to provide government oversight on both quality control and quality assurance of runway construction. 

My objectives as an engineer are to design, construct, maintain and sustain infrastructure, combat zones, and occupied areas to strengthen installations and enhance combat power. I am committed to excellence and integrity in all I do with serving the military force.

What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment?
Phase 1 of the Little Rock runway project consisting of constructing a 4,000-ft assault landing zone and two taxiway connectors to the primary runway. This short runway, which is used to train pilots, had been out-of-commission since 2015.  It was a great sense of accomplishment when this was completed on schedule and within budget in May 2021. I was proud to see the first C-130 landings piloted by the operations group commander and operations support squadron commander. The operational assault zone now increases training capabilities at the base and improves both mission capabilities and safety for the largest fleet of C-130’s in the world.  

Which AFIMSC priority do you most identify with – or see yourself and your job fitting into – and why?
My job enforces the first line of effort to Increase Lethality & Readiness. Operational airfield facilities are undeniably vital to the success of a mission. The runway pavement condition plays a critical role for the safety of aircraft maneuvering on them. Poor pavement conditions often lead to foreign object debris when loose chunks of pavement can become airborne missiles. This can result in cut aircraft tires, engine damage, personal injuries or even death. Runways with high FOD potential are shut down, crippling the base’s readiness. 

Our work means pilots can be confident that they’re landing on safe pavements after executing their mission.