The aftermath of the storm… Team Dover prepared for snow operations year-round

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  This past winter, the snow storms prevented some Team Dover members from reporting for duty, while for some, the snow means 24-hour operations.

The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron is one of the agencies on base that's designated to clear the snow when it comes. It becomes their main priority, and they don't stop until the snow is plowed.

"Every year during the Spring and Fall, we discuss improvements to snow operations with wing leadership to create an efficient snow control operation plan and make sure high priority areas are plowed," said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Allain, 436th CES heavy repairs superintendant.

When it snows, 436th CES begins their 24-hour snow operations, with rotating 12-hour shifts, clearing the base which doesn't cease until the job is done.

"We only shut down the snow control when the snow's over," said Sergeant Allain. "The uncertainty of the amount of snow we'll get makes the job difficult. There are numerous types of snow and the temperature could change at any time, but we're ready at all times to face the snow challenge."

The 436th CES receives updates from base weather and emergency management services from different counties in Delaware and the surrounding areas to get an idea of what the community is doing about the snow, according to Sergeant Allain.

"During the last two snow storms, we were able to bring the base back to operation tempo in minimal time," said Sergeant Allain. "We made sure the airfield was open and that parking lots and roads were safe."

Dover Air Force Base received 18 measurable inches during the last snow plow and 436th CES hauled the snow into two locations, behind building 269 and building 945, said the sergeant.

"We've had bigger storms and worst winters, but these recent storms were abnormal compared to what is usually seen in Delaware during a normal winter season," said Dennis Committee, 436th CES deputy operations officer. "Many people may not know this, but we plan about three days ahead of time before the snow storm hits - helping us to be in the best position to fight the storm."


The Installation Control Center is activated, which consists of the wing commander and wing leadership, as well as the Snow Task Force, comprised of squadron commanders and other agencies around base to determine how the weather will affect the mission at DAFB, said Mr. Committee.

"Base weather provides a detailed briefing on what to expect and when, and the ICC makes the decision for flying operations and other important priorities," said Mr. Committee. "Heavy equipment companies also provide additional equipment and our grounds maintenance contractor removes snow from designated sidewalks. Many people work around the clock to help ensure the base is able to return to operation temp quickly after the snow stops to support the war effort."

The 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron prepare, maintain and repair the snow removal equipment and 436th Maintenance Group takes care of removing snow between the aircraft, certain parking lots and hangar areas.

"While 436th CES plays a major role in removing snow and ensuring the safety of the airfield and roads, we couldn't do it without the professionals from the 436th LRS and 436th Maintenance Group," said Mr. Committee.