DAFB gets ready for a spring cleaning

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Spring season is here and Team Dover members are ready to 'spring forth' into action to beautify Dover Air Force Base.

"Base appearance is the day-to-day responsibility of Civil Engineers, but everyone has a role to play to ensure Team Dover is always looking its best," said Lt. Col. Tom Davison, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

The 436th CES plays an active role in leading DAFB into base clean-up - whether it is snow, rain or shine, they can weather any storm.

"The 436th CES works daily to ensure everything is cleaned and kept up on the base," said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Allain, 436th CES heavy repairs superintendant. "We're dedicated to improve the appearance of the base."

When a visitor comes to DAFB, first impressions are important because the base appearance is the first thing everyone notices, Sergeant Allain explained.

"Having a presentable and professional base represents what Dover is truly like - a group of professionals who care about their base, caring and taking pride of their work areas, and taking ownership of their space," said Sergeant Allain.

The 436th CES also takes care of common areas around the base where no-one claims responsibility, making sure the curb, gutter, pot-holes and signs are straightened during the spring and summer months.

"Many facility managers in different squadrons are only responsible for areas 50 feet around their building and we're supplying equipment to support them," said Dennis Committee, Deputy Operations Officer. "We ask that facility managers inspect their areas and start general clean-up. The main help that the facility managers provide is weeding of plant and flower beds, removing crack grass and weeds from sidewalks, curb lines, mulch beds and rock gardens."

"Saplings need to be removed from the trunks of trees and rotten tree branches on the ground," said Mr. Committee. "Finally, removing trash and sandbags from your area and clean up area after all this is complete."

The 436th CES will provide gas, string and limited weed eaters to organizations and will have dump trucks on standby to pick up large items or items that aren't allowed in the dumpsters.

"Spending time daily keeping up with these small details will help extend the life of facilities, roads and the grounds on base," said Colonel Davison. "Pride of ownership is reflected in how well one cares for something - whether it's your house, your car or your Air Force Base."