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From the flightline to the missile fields, snow control works daily to ensure Team Minot continues to accomplish the mission.
“We usually start preparing for the winter in late August,” said Tech. Sgt. David Soares, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment NCO in charge. “We ensure the materials purchased are on hand: plow blades, replacement broom bristles, sand and chemicals.”
According to Soares, the unit requires assistance from other CE sections during the winter months.
“We send them to an 80-hour ‘snow school’, where they will learn all aspects of snow removal from priorities to operating the equipment,” said Soares. “The course consists of computer-based training and hands-on training to get them the experience required to be licensed.”
The section must meet a preparation deadline to check the equipment’s serviceability is ready for the weather.
“We work hand-in-hand with the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron,” said Soares. “We will start preparing the proper equipment needed and ensure everything is ready before the Sept. 15. deadline”
There are three priority levels on base that the snow control section must follow. Some areas of base may take longer to clear depending on the priority level.
First priorities are emergency alert routes, flightline, weapons storage area and missile sites. Second priority sections are mission-related parking lots and essential routes. The last priority is everything else left including squadron parking lots.
“There are mission-essential priorities before we get to squadron parking lots, said Soares. “There is a lot of ground to plow here and out at missile sites.”
As for base housing, the snow control section is only responsible for a few sections, such as the middle school, youth center and north chapel. Because they are under contract, Balfour Beatty is responsible for clearing the housing’s main roads.
Minot AFB dirt boys have a unique mission because, unlike most bases, they use special equipment to clear a lot more snow.
“The Airmen here really enjoy working the winter months,” said Soares. “They operate large equipment on the flightline or around base, whereas most CE units may never get the chance to run heavy equipment like we do at Minot.”
According to Staff Sgt. Andre Burris, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment craftsman, the biggest difference between here and other bases is the abundance of snow removal equipment.
“My previous base was Yakota AB, Japan,” said Burris. “The biggest difference between there and here is that Minot has so much more snow and equipment. Another unique thing, is the fact that it’s very windy, that plays a large part in how snow brooms and snow plows are utilized.”
The snow control section is fully prepared for the call to clear roads and keep the mission moving forward.
“The planes can’t take off or land if the airfield isn’t clear, said Soares. “Knowing there is a plane in the sky during inclement weather, we do everything to get the airfield ready for it to land. We have pride in knowing we directly impact the mission.”
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2016 14:38 |
| Story ID: | 214050 |
| Location: | MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Dirt Boys prepare for winter, by SSgt Kristoffer Kaubisch, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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