5th CES clears the way for continued mission success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A record-setting snowfall hit Minot and surrounding communities for the first time in more than a decade with an estimated 30 inches of accumulation for the year.

This job has seemed daunting to the Airmen of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, as it is their responsibility to keep all airfield runway and parking areas clean, 76 miles of roads on base, as well as the roads and areas in and around the 165 missile facilities over 8,500 square miles.

"The bottom line here is we are doing our best to serve the folks on base," said Master Sgt. Robert Chandler, 5th CES horizontal repair section chief. "It is a big task and I am proud to see the development of our younger guys here."

Sergeant Chandler continued by emphasizing the importance of customer service.

"We have to remain flexible with our resources by keeping main roads clear for critical response units and clearing the community service places," Sergeant Chandler said. "The main objective has always been to meet priority-one mission requirements."

These community service type places he referred to are places like the: base exchange, lodging, commissary and dining facility.

With only 10 to 11 Airmen per shift, manning is short, which is why the unit pulls augmentees from within their squadron, said Sergeant Chandler. He added they are specially trained to assist with the plowing and loading of the snow on base roads. He said the airfield is maintained by his Airmen, who are specifically trained to operate the more sophisticated machinery.

Being able to see their work helping others on base is one of many perks these Warbirds enjoy.

"I find this job extremely satisfying," continued Sergeant Chandler. "To know we've made it easier for others to complete their mission, whether it be launching, fueling or guarding aircraft and missiles."

When asked where he feels is the hardest to keep clean, he said housing.

"The density and possibility of cars on the street makes it difficult for our guys to completely clear the streets," said Sergeant Chandler. "Folks need to have patience and an understanding of the overall mission."

He said they are doing their best to keep the roads clean so folks can get to work. He said the operators realize snow gets pushed into the driveways, but it is unfortunately unavoidable. The primary objective is to open the main roads, especially for the emergency response vehicles to save lives and property.

Sergeant Chandler requested dorm residents pay close attention to when they have the signs up for cleaning their parking lots.

When the temperatures warm up, this 5th CES unit is still hard at work.

"Come spring, it's time to clean up all the sand we dumped on the roads during the winter," Sergeant Chandler said. "We are also responsible for grounds maintenance, such as cutting the grass on the airfield, maintaining the 48 miles of perimeter fence and operating the heavy equipment other 5th CES shops need to complete their mission."