Mission snow removal: How crews keep JBER runway free from snow, ice

Snow removal on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is serious business. The base has a fleet of more than 270 machines worth $55 million and a crew of 140 people to run them.
Mike Nickles, the airfield clearing equipment operator supervisor, said it’s a lot of work. He’s in charge of keeping the 680-acre airfield clear of snow and ice and there are a lot of moving parts.
“I’ve got three radios, a cell phone and usually someone standing in the window,” he said.
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