SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- With winter approaching fast, Airmen from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron and 726th Air Mobility Squadron are making sure Saber Nation is prepared for what’s ahead. On Nov. 11, 2020, the 726th AMS and the 52nd CES held a “Snow and Ice Parade” to demonstrate Spangdahlem’s snow and ice removal capabilities.
The annual “parade” was held for leadership across Spangdahlem Air Base to see the capabilities of the 52nd CES snow and ice removal equipment and show how Airmen work to ensure the base remains functional throughout snow storms or icing events.
“This event allows the young Airmen tasked with supporting and ensuring the mission to showcase their talents and capabilities for senior leaders,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Blomberg, 52nd CES operations flight commander. “Additionally, it helps senior leaders understand the scope of the mission as well as the time it can potentially take to clear the airfield for operation.”
Blomberg said a large part of this event is making sure the Airmen are well trained on the equipment to ensure the best results when a snow storm comes or de-icing is needed. The opportunity to be able to showcase his Airmen doing their duty to keep the base operational during these times speaks volumes to what kind of Airmen he has on his team.
“We have the best job in the Air Force and we have top notch Airmen that are our trainers,” said Tech. Sgt. Travis L. Barron, 52nd CES pavements and equipment NCO in charge. “They make sure that they as well as the augmentees that are utilized have thorough training and demonstrate the necessary skills to safely operate our snow/ice removal equipment.”
The event was a huge success with senior leaders attending from across the base and allowed them a chance to see and even operate the snow and ice removal equipment.
Both Blomberg and Barron expressed how important this event is and made it known that this upcoming winter will be no match for their team.
“As NCOIC, this event means a lot to me because it provides opportunity to highlight my guys and their skillsets as equipment operators,” said Barron. “Removing snow may seem mundane, but we are an integral part to keeping the Air Force mission on track. If we don’t have a clear runway, jets can’t fly. Our number one priority is to keep our jets flying. The snow parade allows us to relay our plan and show leadership that our operators and equipment are ready for whatever winter throws at us.”