Plowing the path to freedom

An airfield snow plow sits in line with other snow removal vehicles during the annual snow parade at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct. 4, 2012. The snow removal team is responsible for snow and ice control across the entire runway, all aircraft parking areas and taxiways. They also remove snow from all streets and parking areas on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor Curry)

Plowing the path to freedom

Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, enters a snow removal vehicle to drive during the annual snow parade at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct. 4, 2012. Fairchild senior leadership inspected the readiness of the mission-critical equipment during the parade. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor Curry)

Plowing the path to freedom

Snow removal vehicles sit in line before the start of the annual snow parade at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct. 4, 2012. The Fairchild snow removal team uses eight snow plows, eight snow brooms, four snow blowers, three tool cats and one light plow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor Curry)

Plowing the path to freedom

Published Oct. 10, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Curry
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- -- Airmen from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron drove more than 20 of their snow removal vehicles around base Oct. 4 in the annual tradition known as the "snow parade" to show that Fairchild can execute its mission even during winter months.

The Base senior leaders inspected the readiness of the mission-critical equipment.

"We let the wing commander know all the snow removal equipment is ready for anything winter brings," said Tech. Sgt. John Massad, 92nd CES, airfield snow removal supervisor.

The Fairchild snow removal team uses a variety of large vehicles to keep the flightline clear including eight snow plows, eight snow brooms, four snow blowers, three tool cats and one light plow. The team is responsible for snow and ice control across the entire flightline, all aircraft parking areas and taxiways. They also remove snow from streets and parking areas on base.

"We have the best snow removal team in the Air Force," said Lt. Col. Patrick Obruba, 92nd CES commander. "The runway takes priority because our tankers are critical to national defense."

Fairchild has won the Balchen and Post Award six times for their great effort put forth in snow removal. The purpose of this award is two-fold: to promote better snow and ice control and to recognize those individuals responsible for outstanding performance.