92nd CES prepares for snow season Published Oct. 9, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With winter just around the corner, it's important to plan ahead by stay safe and warm. With the help of Fairchild's snow removal team, the base will be able to keep the mission going even with heavy snow coming down. To kick-off the season, the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen drove more than 20 snow removal vehicles all over base during the annual snow parade Oct. 2. "The snow parade shows the Fairchild community that we are prepared and ready to go for the upcoming season," said Ted Strom, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron pavement equipment operator. "We want the base to be aware everything will be taken care of during the winter." According to Strom, the snow removal team prepares each year, making sure every aspect of their vehicles work year-round "It takes several steps for us to prepare for the snow season; from making sure all the parts of our vehicles work to getting our Airmen ready," Strom said. "When it comes to our shop, Airmen, including augmentees from other squadrons, go through a one-week class where they learn all about the job." As a tanker base, it's vital to keep the entire flight line and aircraft mission-ready at all times. The snow removal team is responsible for keeping the flight line area clear of snow from take-off to landing, he added. "Our number one priority is the preparedness of the alert aircraft and other flying missions happening that day," Strom said. "We clear snow from runways, taxiways, overruns, access roads, etc. We are here 24/7 in order for the aircraft to take-off." While the snow season approaches, Airmen should be mindful of the route they may take. "In order to ensure safety around the base, we ask Airmen and their families to stay clear from the snow removal vehicles because it's dangerous," Strom said. "Our job is to clear snow so we can prevent accidents from occurring." According to Tim Scheidt, 92nd Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster, Fairchild is expecting a warmer and dryer winter this year, but Strom said that doesn't mean it's time to relax for the snow removal team. "Even though we are not expecting a high rate of snow, our team will still be prepared and ready to do the job in case anything unexpected happens," Strom added. To get updated on reporting procedures, visit the Fairchild Air Force Base Facebook page or call the snow line at (509) 247-5100.