Photo By Airman 1st Class Sydney Franklin | Snow removal vehicles sweep the flightline during Snow School at Spangdahlem Air Base,...... read more read more
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52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen completed a two week Snow School training course, Oct. 23, 2025, here.
Snow School equips augmentees from across the base with essential airfield driving skills and hands-on experience operating snow removal equipment such as plows, brooms and blowers.
“The goal is to make sure everyone understands how to safely navigate the airfield and operate our equipment before real world snow events hit,” said Staff Sgt. Caleb Salgado, 52nd CES pavement and heavy equipment journeyman and Snow School program manager. “Without trained personnel, we can’t keep the runway clear and without a clear runway, aircraft can’t fly. This course is mission critical.”
This year, 14 augmentees from five different career fields participated in the training. The curriculum covered both classroom instruction and field exercises focused on airfield familiarization, radio communications and equipment maintenance.
“We start with the basics, doing walkarounds, identifying safety hazards and getting familiar with the layout of the flightline,” said Senior Airman Michael Pizano, 52nd CES pavement and heavy equipment apprentice and Snow School instructor. “By the end of the course, they’re confident and capable of handling the snow clearing mission.”
Night-time and low-visibility operations are a key focus area of the training, simulating real world winter conditions where situational awareness and clear communication are paramount. Airmen practiced driving during darkness and worked in teams to perform coordinated snow removal runs.
“One of the most important things we emphasize is communication,” said Salgado. “You have to know how to talk to air traffic control, know where you are and be able to operate safely around aircraft and maintainers.”
Snow School also benefits full-time equipment operators by reinforcing safety and protocols and building leadership skills. For Salgado and Pizano, the experience has been a growth opportunity in both technical expertise and instructional leadership.
“The training takes people out of their comfort zone,” said Salgado. “But once they realize they’re capable, it's empowering, not just for snow operations but for any challenge that comes up in their career.”
As winter approaches, the 52nd Fighter Wing stands ready to maintain full operational capability in any condition.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2025 05:40 |
| Story ID: | 551292 |
| Location: | SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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