Base crews surmount challenges to clear snow

  • Published
  • By Sandy Simison
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio. --  The Pavements, Equipment and Grounds snow crews are a dedicated team that work diligently to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone living and working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Two separate crews are responsible for cleaning both the airfield and the roads. The crews work 12-hour shifts in snow mode, sometimes with only a couple of hours of sleep between shifts.

The airfield crew cleans the runway, primary taxiways and priority parking spots. The crew uses basic airport snow-removal equipment, such as rotary brooms 18 to 20 feet wide that push the snow off the pavement onto the grass. Locations throughout the base may have to be cleaned several times depending on snow accumulation, blowing and drifting.

Primary roads are cleaned first. Secondary roads, parking lots and sidewalks are cleaned, with priority placed on handicap spots and organizations operating around   the clock, including Security Forces, the Wright-Patterson Medical Center and Fire Department.

Bryan Spiller, grounds maintenance and vehicle operator for the 88 ABW Civil Engineer Group, said it takes a lot of time to clear the snow.

"The last snow we had, we went into snow mode at 11 p.m. to try to have the gates open by 5:30 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. when the cars start arriving," said Spiller. "Even when there are delays, there are still people driving on base, which can make it challenging to clear the snow."

According to the crew, the job can be both mentally and physically challenging.   At times they deal with harsh conditions, including frigid weather and blinding snow where the only thing visible is tail lights from the vehicle ahead. Long hours, monotony and lack of sleep contribute to the challenges of the job.

"Basically we have 12 hours to clean the parking lots from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.," said Marvin Sams, vehicle operator with the crew. "Whether the base closes or not, we're here."

The crew said that although the job is challenging there are rewards, including the sight of the spray of glistening snow at a 300-foot arc, illuminated by the night lights from a snow blower so big a Volkswagen could fit in the head.