Airmen from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron clear the taxiway for F-16 Fighting Falcons to take off Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Although CES is already working 12-hour shifts, their workload increases even more right after a snowfall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
Senior Airman Daniel Franco, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, clears the flightline after a heavy snowfall Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Although most of the snow removal team are “Dirt Boys,” the emergency management and explosive ordnance disposal flights also contribute Airmen to help with the cleanup effort. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
Airmen from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron remove snow from the flightline Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Snow removal is a joint effort between multiple CE shops and requires them to work 12-hour shifts to keep the base’s flightline functional. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
Airmen from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron continue the snow removal process, Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The lengthy process requires them to coordinate with many units, including airfield management and barrier maintenance, to get the flightline ready for use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
Staff Sgt. Sheldon Mellott, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, uses a snow blower to clear the flightline for F-16 Fighting Falcons to take off, Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The pavement must meet certain safety and readiness requirements before the aircraft are allowed to taxi or take off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
The 8th Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal team tackles flightline clean-up after a heavier than expected snowfall Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Their first priority is making sure the flightline is ready for use by F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
Senior Airman Jacob Baker, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, removes built-up ice from his sweeper before continuing snow removal on the flightline Dec. 28, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Many CE shops have been working 12-hour shifts since the base’s first snowfall to make sure the mission doesn’t stop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)
by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/2/2013 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- When snow fell at Kunsan Dec. 28, the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron immediately kicked into high gear to make sure the base stayed operational.
At the top of their snow removal list was the flightline. They went to work with snow plows and snow blowers to make sure the base's F-16 Fighting Falcons could take off when needed.
