Misawa looks forward to winter season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  As winter returns to the base, so does the promise of truck loads of snow. Tech. Sgt. Edward Nicandro, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and equipment craftsman, had the honor of hosting the first pre-season snow and ice committee meeting of the fiscal year, Oct. 10, 2012.

The purpose of the meeting was to gather group commanders in one spot to discuss the plans for maintaining snow and ice control. During the meeting, it was divulged to the group that the snow plowing season is scheduled to begin no later than Nov. 15, 2012. On that date, residents can expect to see the installation of snow poles, snow fences and the implementation of 24/7 operations for snow removal teams.

Nicandro informed his audience that the average amount of people required for snow maintenance and ice control is 140 men and women and that the inventory on snow and ice equipment is more than well stocked.

During the snow removal season, the base will be separated into three priority levels. The hardened aircraft shelter areas, taxiways heading directly to the runway, base emergency access routes and main streets are considered to be priority one. Priority two locations are industrial areas, which include primary military family housing and some secondary base housing. Last but not least, parking lots and secondary housing will be the snow and ice removal team's third priority. This means that residents living in lower priority areas will need equipment to dig themselves out should the occasion arise. Remember, these priorities may change based on flying schedules or significant events.

Parking lot snow plowing signs will be posted no later than Nov. 15 in designated parking lots. The signs will indicate when vehicles need to be moved for snow removal. If vehicles are not removed on the indicated date, they will be towed.

"For daily weather updates from the 35th Operations Support Squadron, call the 226-SNOW, or email the 35 CES Snow Control at 35cessnowcontrol@pacaf.af.mil," said Nicandro.

The Commander' s Access Channel and the American Force's Network Misawa are also good places to go for information.

At the end of the meeting, Col. John Griffin, 35th Mission Support Group commander, gave praise to the people who put everything together.

"A lot of work went into this and I'm proud of the men and women that made sure the winter season goes smoothly," said Griffin.