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Once the snow begins to fall, most people scurry indoors to avoid the freezing temperatures and harsh elements of Alaska.
However, Icemen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron rush to put on their gloves and face the winter to clear the base’s flightline and essential roadways.
Members of the Snow Barn are a pivotal piece of the machine that makes Eielson run smoothly; without their wheels on the ground clearing the snow, the mission would come to a screeching halt.
“If there is ice and snow on the ground aircrews can’t work,” said Airman Austin Oliver, a 354th CES pavement and construction equipment operator. “If the runway isn’t cleared the aircraft aren’t going anywhere.”
These Icemen are part of the team responsible for keeping the runway in working condition, which can be a difficult task. With 2 million square yards of pavement on one of the Air Force's largest airfields, the snow removal team has their work cut out for them.
“Fighting ice is the hardest thing for us,” said Oliver. “It takes a long time to get from one side of the flightline to the other while trying to keep the frost off.”
Staying on top of the harsh weather is a 24 hour job. If the roadways aren’t clear, it is hazardous for Airmen and their families to drive.
“Snow Barn begins 24 hour operations in October and continues through April each year,” said Senior Airman Justin Emanuelson, a 354th CES pavement and constructions equipment operator. “The snow removal crew works in three different shifts so we can keep up with the weather.”
According to a 354th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster, Eielson receives an average snowfall of 68 inches annually. With the huge responsibility of clearing the flightline of so much snow, these Icemen learn a unique skill.
“It has been a good experience coming to Alaska and learning snow removal,” said Airman 1st Class Seth Bryson, a 354th CES pavement and construction equipment operator. “It’s a useful skill, and not everyone has the chance to learn.”
| Date Taken: | 12.07.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 12.27.2016 13:00 |
| Story ID: | 216737 |
| Location: | EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Icemen combat the snow and ice, by SrA Eric Fisher, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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