Snow equipment on parade

  • Published
  • By JBER Public Affairs
  • Staff Report
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Snow removal vehicles from the 773d Civil Engineer Squadron drove around areas of JBER as part of the annual "snow parade."

The squadron has 72 snow removal vehicles for clearing the loads of white stuff that accumulate around the installation.

They use snow plows, brooms, front-end loaders and snowblowers, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Hughes, the pavement and equipment logistics noncommissioned officer in charge.

During the summer months, the equipment is refitted and upgraded by the 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron.

All the snow barn Airmen and civilians spend time during the summer in "snow school" where they brush up on techniques and refamiliarize themselves with roadside hazards that may be obscured by snow.

The 773 CES maintains the flight line, sidewalks and parking lots around both sides of JBER.

Housing areas, on the other hand, are maintained by Aurora Military Housing.

While the squadron tries to clear as much as possible by mechanical means, sometimes they use potassium acetate, a liquid de-icing chemical, to treat some areas.
Depending on the severity of the snowfall, organizations on JBER can request assistance from the squadron's "snow barn."

October 14 marks the start of JBER's "snow season," which usually continues through April.