Keeping the roads clear - 28th CES

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca R. Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  When the mercury dips to 12 degrees and snow drifts tower over building structures and parking lots, a select group of Airmen work tirelessly around-the-clock to ensure base operations continue without pause. Those Airmen are from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The 28th CES has more than 60 personnel, who at moment's notice, are responsible for clearing roads, parking lots and the flightline of all ice and snow accumulation.

Maj. Damon Dalby, 28th CES operations flight commander, said that snow removal teams play a vital role in keeping Airmen, their families and civilians safe.

"We have personnel available 24-hours-a-day - seven-days-a-week for snow removal," Dalby explained. "Using brooms, snow blowers and plows, we clear roads once snow begins falling and we don't stop until the job is done."

Michael Macy, 28th CES Horizontal Construction Shop supervisor, said he and his team always keep safety in mind when they are removing snow.

"The airfield is our first priority because we need to get planes launched and recovered," Macy said. "If we don't maintain bare pavement on the streets and flightline, then people can't get to work and accomplish the mission."

Macy explained the base snow removal schedule works in correlation with mission priorities to ensure safety and maximum operational capability during winter weather. He said that snow-removal teams often start by clearing a path for emergency crews to respond to any incidents that may arise.

"Sometimes we can't clear all of the snow from the road or flightline," Macy said. "If we can only clear a section in the center due to major storm, then we will continue to maintain that area until snowfall lets up."

Macy added that Airmen can take part in ensuring efficient snow removal by staying inside during storms and checking the weather forecast before venturing out.

"Snow removal is a combined effort," Macy said. "It takes a full team of civilians and Airmen combined to efficiently clear the base of snow. We ask that everyone do their part to keep the snow removal teams and each other safe during this winter season."