Elmendorf Snow Removal flight best in Air Force ... again

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Marquis
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AFB, Alaska --  For the third time in as many tries, the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron Snow Removal Flight has won the Balchen/Post Award for the best snow removal team in the Air Force.

Joseph Cross, 3rd CES snow removal element chief said he was surprised to win a third time.

"This is the first time someone had won three consecutive times," said Mr. Cross.
The flight won in 2004 and 2002 previously, according to Mr. Cross. After winning they are ineligible to compete the following year.

The Snow Removal Flight is responsible for all snow and ice control on Elmendorf except for the cul-de-sacs in privatized housing, including the flight line, base facility parking lots and all base roads. The flight cleared 78.2 inches of snow during 2006, one of the snowiest seasons in 11 years.

With approximately 120 employees and 110 pieces of equipment, they work 24 hours 7 days a week to keep the base operating.

According to Mr. Cross, these accomplishments are the result of leadership providing funding and the crews being good at their job.

"We can play ball with anybody, and that includes downtown," said Mr. Cross. "That is because we have great equipment and great people."

Mr. Cross added that great foresight and research contributed to their victory.
"We have two pieces of equipment that no one else in the Air Force has. We have a snow melter and a 4,000 gallon chemical dispenser that have greatly increased our effectiveness."

Mr. Cross, who has been at Elmendorf since 1981, first as an Airman and now as a civilian, has seen major improvements over the years and says without great leaders, the Snow Removal Flight would not be effective as they are.

"It breaks down to money from the bosses," he said. "You can have great people, but without the money to purchase the equipment, you won't be as effective."

Mr. Cross added that if it wasn't for the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, they wouldn't be able to do their job either.

"We break it, they fix it. They are great people and they keep us in business," said Mr. Cross.

He added that while they can't compete in 2007, the Snow Removal Flight is second to none and ready to make it number four in 2008.