Engineers destroy derelict and dangerous structures in Petersburg - Aug. 19, 2014

Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Powhatan-based 180th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion and Airmen from the Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron demolish abandoned, decrepit and drug-trade related houses Aug. 19, 2014, in Petersburg, Va., as part of Operation Renew. Operation Renew provides engineer assets to assist in reclaiming control of known drug trafficking areas by destroying structures known to have ties to the local drug trade. The program operates under the supervision of the Virginia Guard Counterdrug Task Force and in conjunction with the City of Petersburg and local law enforcement. Approximately 25 Soldiers and Airmen are participating in the operation and plan to demolish seven structures Aug. 18-29, 2014. This is the third consecutive year Virginia Guard engineers have teamed up with the City of Petersburg for Operation Renew. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Terra C. Gatti, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)