Snow removal crews keep Kunsan in the fight

A winter storm swept across the Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, region Jan. 24 and 25, 2012, bringing more than three inches of snow and sub-freezing temperatures to the base and surrounding communities. Following the storm, crews from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron worked quickly to remove snow from the flightline and around base in an effort to allow the Wolf Pack’s flying schedule to return to normal operations. (Courtesy photo)

Crews from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron worked quickly to remove snow from the flightline and around base in an effort to allow the Wolf Pack’s flying schedule to return to normal operations at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2012. A winter storm swept across the Kunsan region Jan. 24 and 25 bringing more than three inches of snow and sub-freezing temperatures to the base and surrounding communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton/Released)

Snow removal crews keep Kunsan in the fight

Published Jan. 26, 2012
By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- A winter storm swept across the Kunsan Air Base region here Jan. 24 and 25 bringing more than three inches of snow and sub-freezing temperatures to the base and surrounding communities.

Crews from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron worked quickly to remove snow from the flightline and around base in an effort to allow Kunsan's flying schedule to return to normal operations.

According to the 8th Operations Support Squadron's weather flight, Kunsan's average annual snow fall is 31.4 inches. For the month of January, this sampling is rounded to a little more than 12 inches. The maximum amount of annual snow fall the base has ever experienced since 1951 was 73.3 inches.

"Our snow removal Airmen are critical to sortie generation," said Col. Suzanne Kumashiro, 8th Mission Support Group commander. "The snow removal process is a team effort. Maintenance and operations coordinate with our CE snow removal team and let them know the priority of areas to be cleared to enable all scheduled sorties to fly."

Unofficially known as the "Dirt Boys", the snow removal Airmen here are augmented by other Airmen from across the 8th CES to complete the mission. About half of the Airmen involved with snow removal on base are among these augmented Airmen and according to Staff Sgt. Jesse Hardin, 8th CES structural craftsman, what they do is "extremely important".

"If we don't get the snow cleared, they can't get the planes in the air," he said. "Though this isn't my normal area of expertise, we do what is necessary to keep the Wolf Pack's mission rolling."

Snow is just another fact of life for Airmen stationed in the Republic of Korea. Kumashiro explains her excitement for winter's wonderland and the important role her Airmen play in taking the fight north.

"I love snow," she said. "It reminds me of my childhood days: snowmen, snow angels and snow ball fights. As the Wolf Pack's MSG commander, I am now more focused on mitigating the safety hazards introduced by snow and ice and ensuring Wolf Pack remains "in the fight" by ensuring the jets can taxi, take off and land safely."

Whether out on the flightline or around base, the Dirt Boys and their augmentees keep the Wolf Pack in the fight and capable of taking the fight north tonight.