Last shift: snow teams alleviate road conditions

A 28th Civil Engineer Squadron chip truck scrapes snow off a parking lot during a snowstorm at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 13, 2018. Non-essential base functions were suspended due to inclement weather, but heavy equipment operators continued on staggered shifts to remove snow from base roads, parking lots and the flight line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicolas Z. Erwin)

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Last shift: snow teams alleviate road conditions

Airman 1st Class Lucky Edwards, a 28th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, drives a chip truck during a snowstorm at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 13, 2018. Non-essential base functions were suspended due to inclement weather, but heavy equipment operators continued on staggered shifts to remove snow and improve driving conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicolas Z. Erwin)

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Last shift: snow teams alleviate road conditions

A 28th Civil Engineer Squadron chip truck exits the snow barn during a snow storm at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 13, 2018. From October until April, the 28th CES heavy equipment shop prepares for continuous operations to ensure maximum road coverage when weather strikes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicolas Z. Erwin)

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Last shift: snow teams alleviate road conditions

A 28th Civil Engineer Squadron chip truck clears snow in a parking lot during a snowstorm at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 13, 2018. Non-essential base functions were suspended due to inclement weather, but heavy equipment operators continued on staggered shifts to remove snow and improve driving conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas Karol)

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Last shift: snow teams alleviate road conditions

Staff Sgt. Justin Girbach, a 28th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, directs snow route priorities during a snowstorm at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 13, 2018. The heavy equipment shop prioritizes the different areas of Ellsworth into three conditions: red, yellow and green. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Nicolas Z. Erwin)

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Last shift: snow teams alleviate road conditions

Published April 20, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Nicolas Z. Erwin
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron’s heavy equipment shop conducted 24-hour operations to remove snow from priority areas, April 13. The 28th CES Airmen ensured mission essential personnel were capable of driving safely on base.

The continuous operations ended April 14, and the shop resumed normal operating hours. Airmen of the heavy equipment shop, also known as the ‘dirt boys’, split into three shifts during the winter season, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Overall, the 28th CES removed snow from more than one million yards of flight line, approximately 58 miles of road and dozens of parking lots on base.