Snow control team keeps mission running

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathanael Callon
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  While many Sabers are still at home getting ready for a tedious winter drive to work, the snow control team is working around the clock to ensure the base mission continues to function smoothly.

The Snow and Ice Control team from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron is responsible for 2.8 million square yards of airfield and 1.8 million square yards of roads, parking lots and sidewalks on Bitburg Annex and Spangdahlem Air Base. The team consists of 89 people who work together to ensure the 52nd Fighter Wing mission continues, even in the worst weather conditions.

"The airfield is our number-one priority," said Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction equipment craftsman. "With the 726th Air Mobility Squadron constantly servicing cargo planes enroute to forward deployed bases, the runway needs to be clear at all times. It is our job to make sure that runway stays clear."

According to Capt. Kimberly Wellinghoff, 726th Air Mobility Squadron maintenance operations officer, the squadron transported more than 1,500 passengers and more than 2,000 short tons of cargo in the month of September alone.

It is vital to keep the airfield cleared, because aircraft sorties are one of the 52nd Fighter Wing's priority missions. Keeping the airfield clear means keeping the aircraft flying, and sometimes that entails getting extra help.

The snow control team employs the assistance of 30 augmentees from other shops around the civil engineer squadron. The augmentees attend two weeks of training, including runway and airfield familiarization taught by 52nd Operations Support Squadron Airfield Operations, familiarization with equipment and routine maintenance.

"The augmentees learn to operate the machinery, as well as learn to maintain the equipment. Our equipment is our mission, so it is the core of our job," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Nelson, 52nd CES pavements and construction equipment craftsman.

In the two weeks of training, the augmentees also learn different techniques for varying weather conditions.

"There is always precipitation we have to deal with, whether it is rain, sleet, snow or even fog. The fog freezes and falls on the airfield, making a thin layer of ice covering everything," Sergeant Nelson said. "Ice is a constant struggle."

The de-icers emerge onto the airfield to break up the ice and giant brushes mounted on tractors sweep it off the tarmac. Also, the airfield has little sensors that record information about precipitation, moisture content, air temperature, ground temperature, snow and ice. These sensors are monitored every hour and help determine whether action is needed.

"The augmentees get to see firsthand their direct impact on the flying mission. Without the team removing snow and ice, the planes would just sit there," Sergeant Wilson said.

Through the combined efforts of the Airmen and civilians from the 52nd CE Squadron, the Saber mission is able to continue throughout the winter.

"It's hard work and there's not much time off, so you have to make the best of what you get. The snow season lasts about six months; they don't complain, they come in every day and they have a good attitude," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hartwell, 52nd CE Squadron Pavements Shop lead.