Photo Information

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Despite a heavy snowstorm the streets at Grissom were cleared and serviceable throughout the night and in the morning Feb. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Damon Kasberg)

Grissom operates through snow and ice

3 Feb 2011 | By Senior Airman Damon Kasberg

A snowstorm that pelted the Midwest hit Grissom Feb. 1 covering the base in a layer of snow and ice with measurements ranging of 8.2 inches of snow and .93 inches of freezing rain.

Plows and blowers worked through the night to keep the roads and runways cleared for mission essential servicemembers and duties.

"The Snow Removal Operation is comprised of two shifts of heavy equipment operators driving snow plows and blowers that work around the clock to stay ahead of the snow," said Neal Smith, Project Manager for Data Monitor Systems, Inc. "Marvin Plunkett does an outstanding job of managing the two shifts that work 24 hours a day to keep the airfield open and our roads and parking lots clear. He is in constant contact with OPS Group, Weather, Airfield, and Command Post personnel ensuring all have the latest information and status of snow removal progress."

The 434th ARW is the largest is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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