Winter weather strikes, these Airmen step up Published Feb. 27, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Curt Beach 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - -- Snow, sleet, and freezing rain wasn't enough to slow down hundreds of mission-essential Airmen across the base last week who braved adverse weather conditions to keep the mission moving forward. The difficult weather began with a freezing rain in the early hours of Feb. 23, and continued through Feb. 25, causing havoc on local infrastructure and resulting in multiple agency closures across local government - to include schools. The 2nd Bomb Wing leadership followed suit, issuing guidance for units to operate under minimal manning. In issuing the guidance, Col. Craig Harding, 2nd Bomb Wing Mission Support Group commander said, "This action is being taken out of concern for the safety of our Airmen and their families." Still, a base with the size and mission scope of Barksdale cannot close completely, and Airmen from a handful of units worked tirelessly throughout the week. "Our priority shifted from supporting the flying mission to informing base leaders of expected weather so they could make informed decisions on whether it was necessary to shut the base down or release early," said 1st Lt. Michael Draper, 2nd Operations Support Squadron wing weather officer. Effective communication was a top priority. The 2nd Bomb Wing Command Post got the word out as quickly and efficiently as possible. "When the weather affects base operations, our role is to synchronize reporting and to help provide the information that commanders need to help keep the general base population informed," said Maj. Jonathan Gunther, 2nd BW CP chief. The 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs office used tools such as press releases, social media and the base website to amplify guidance and help command post keep Airmen and the local community informed. "Throughout the three days of tough weather, our followers on social media grew more than 10 percent," said Maj. Phil Ventura, 2nd BW PA chief. "This validated that we were putting out useful, timely information that supported what Airmen were also hearing through their official chain of command." While the roads became slick with ice and snow, the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron dirt boys were up to the task of keeping them as clean and safe as possible, putting in 208 man hours during the three days of inclement weather. "It's critical for our shop to function during inclement weather to ensure safe traffic conditions for Barksdale," said Tech. Sgt. David Torres, 2nd CES NCO in-charge of heavy repair. "We sent out a loader to start scraping the main stretches on base, followed by the kick brooms to get down to the pavement. We used two Bobcats with buckets and a front-mounted broom attachment for gates and intersection, and a sander for the gates and bridges." Business proceeded as usual for the 2nd Force Support Squadron. The Red River Dining Facility maintained its regular hours to give dorm Airmen a place where they could eat with minimal travel. The Senior Airman Bryan Bell Fitness Center also maintained its 24/7 operations for 908 Team Barksdale members who used the facilities during the days off. "As the Force Support Squadron, we are all about our customers and raising morale of the base, so event with unfavorable weather coming our way, we still uphold our part for all Airmen and their families on base and always will," said Staff Sgt. Kelsi Farinella, 2nd FSS fitness center operations manager. Additionally, maintainers from the 2nd Maintenance Group were undaunted by the winter storms and continued working hard to support aircraft in their care. "Most of the job is very routine, but there are always incidents which require the Airmen to be on their 'A-game,'" said 2nd Lt. Luke Richardson, 2nd Security Forces Squadron alpha flight commander, "I think it's reassuring to the wider community there are always individuals ready to assist. I know the Airmen understand this, and they meet any challenges presented them in a professional manner."