Clean sweeping before breakup

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Whether it's snow removal or pavement repair, Elmendorf Civil Engineers are kept busy by Alaskan weather.

A vital aspect of the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron's mission is keeping the base's runways clear for aircraft.Each aircraft has different standards for how clear of ice and snow a runway must be in order for that aircraft to land or take off safely. For most local airports this isn't as difficult since there are only one or two aircraft they must meet the standard for, however on the Elmendorf airfield there is a significantly larger number of aircraft that take off and land on a daily basis.

Even with a large variety of standards that must be met, the 3rd CES team has excelled at meeting and exceeding their requirements.

"We always strive for better," said Tech. Sgt. Damion Parris, 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and equipment craftsman.

This effort has earned the 3rd CES team the Balchen/Post award for excellence in airport snow and ice control several times over.

In addition to keeping the airfield safe, which the 3rd CES has proven to excel, the unit also has a large responsibility when the snow and ice melts.

Because of Alaska's harsh winter, roads, runways and all other paved surfaces are degraded after spring breakup, the time of the year when the temperature rises high enough to melt most of the standing snow. Grooves and visible cracks in pavement are only the surface problems that could mean more serious structural issues.

Often pavement requires repairs or replacements before they can be safely traveled on again.

"With the exception to base housing, which is contracted out, we maintain the base streets," said Parris. "We work 24/7 with three, eight hour shifts keeping the streets as well as the airfield safe."

Large portions of the team's job are preventative measures to keep common problems from occurring later on.

"Today we were pulling a snow berm for a blower so that when spring comes we don't have floods from a lot of water build up," said Michael Cannon, 3rd CES airfield clearing equipment operator.

In the upcoming months vehicle traffic can expect to see more of the 3rd CES as they work to repair or replace the roads after spring breakup. Parris said he would like to remind motorist to be patient and keep their distant as the 3rd CES team works to keep them safe.