JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
On what may appear to be a quiet avenue among a grove trees lies the entrance to a group of buildings that are the essence of maintaining a safe and useable flightline during inclement weather.
The road is twice-gated and access is limited. Only the most dedicated of Airmen are able to cross this line and say that they maintain the flightline.
At Joint Base Andrews, the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal team works tirelessly day and night to ensure that the flying mission of the installation is never halted.
"The mission of the plow team is to keep the runway clear and the planes flying," said Master Sgt. James Keeney, NCO in charge of pavement management and of the snow removal team. "The team ensures that the presidential, medical evacuation, and all other flying missions are carried out with success."
During the Dec. 19, 2009, snow storm that hit the National Capital Region and set records for winter precipitation, Joint Base Andrews snow removal team members were at the ready. Together, the team plowed the runway and taxiway in time for President Barack Obama to land safely here.
"We were the only airfield open in the NCR during the Dec. 19 snow storm," said Sergeant Keeney.
That day, the team recorded 18 inches of snowfall, which took them seven days of two 12-hour shifts and 70 Airmen to remove.
Not all assignments for the snow removal team come from their commander. This team of highly motivated Airmen complete the mission as they see the need - exemplifying the Air Force core value of excellence in all we do.
When the president landed, Tech. Sgt. Dale Self, 316 CES pavement management specialist and member of the snow plow team took it upon himself to clear a travel lane for the secure motorcade, said 2nd Lt. Shane Deckert, 316 CES simplified acquisition of base engineering requirements chief.
To complete their mission, the snow removal team has an arsenal at their disposal - ranging from massive snow plows to de-icing machines. This equipment is not what you'd find at your local hardware store.
"We have 20 pieces of snow equipment-plows, sweepers, salt and ice-melting chemical spreaders, and snow blowers," said Sergeant Keeney.
To maintain this armory of equipment, the snow plow team looks to the Airmen from the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who share the building and the mission of keeping the flightline safe.
"Without them, we couldn't take the equipment out on the flightline," said Sergeant Keeney. "They are a really important part of our team year-round."
Through this collective effort of the best of Joint Base Andrews, the flightline remains open and safe at all times.