35th CES clears the way

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  A crew of part-time professionals led by a handful of crusty veterans is all that stands between mission success and a cold white coffin.

The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron's Snow Control Shop anticipates snowfall of approximately 125-200 inches this year; this is enough to bury an F-16 Fighting Falcon on the 35th Fighter Wing ramp and effectively stop all movement on base.

However, the snow control shop's sole purpose is to keep the snow from clogging the runways, roads and parking lots, keeping the mission and people moving.

"We are the best at what we do," said Tech. Sgt. Reginald Athouriste, 35th CES SCS NCO in charge of swing shift. "When the snow hits, my team scrapes, scoops and hauls a path to mission success."