Scott AFB crews battle winter storm, keep mission moving Published Jan. 30, 2026 By Tech. Sgt. Patrick A. Wyatt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Team Scott executed a coordinated, round-the-clock response Jan. 23–25 as a major winter storm delivered 11.7 inches of snow and plunging temperatures across the installation, challenging mission continuity and roadway safety for the more than 13,000 personnel assigned to the base. As a winter storm watch and cold weather advisory were issued for the region, the 15th Operational Weather Squadron closely monitored the system as it developed. Forecasts indicated the potential for heavy snowfall — ultimately totaling nearly a foot — beginning late Jan. 23, intensifying through Jan. 24 and tapering into early Jan. 25, with wind chills dropping well below zero as the storm exited the area. Across the multi-day response, hundreds of total force personnel contributed more than 1,800 combined hours, supporting snow removal, airfield protection, facility emergency response and continued base operations. Throughout the storm, weather forecasters, first responders, civil engineers, airfield managers and mission partners across the installation worked in close coordination, providing continuous assessments and real-time updates to command teams. This deliberate, multi-agency decision-making process ensured leadership could balance safety, mission requirements and personnel accountability as conditions evolved, particularly during periods of reduced visibility and hazardous travel. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ethan Porter, 375th Civil Engineering Squadron non-commissioned officer-in-charge of pavement and equipment, guides a snowplow into a maintenance bay on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Jan. 24, 2026 Porter oversees snow removal operations for Winter Form Fern. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A key component of the successful response was the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron’s pavement and equipment operations flight, known as the “Dirt Boyz.” Throughout the storm, the team executed deliberate, pre-planned snow removal operations to keep runways, taxiways and roadways safe and mission capable. While the storm’s intensity required sustained effort, winter weather response remains a core and routinely trained mission set for the team. “We usually begin preparing for snow events in either September or October,” said Airman 1st Class Evan May, a 375th CES pavement and equipment journeyman, earlier in the winter season. “We’ll inspect all our snow equipment and plan training to ensure our augmentees are ready to support snow operations.” U.S. Air Force 375th Civil Engineering Squadron mascot, the blue bull, during Winter Storm Fern on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Jan. 25, 2026. The blue bull is the mascot for all Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force (BEEF) teams across the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res As snowfall increased, CE crews transitioned to heightened operations, coordinating closely with the weather team, airfield management and leadership across the installation to adjust priorities based on real-time conditions. Airfield surfaces received immediate attention, followed by major roadways and installation arterials to support mission-essential personnel. In total, CE crews plowed approximately 59 miles of base roadways, cleared Scott’s dual airfields — including connecting taxiways — and continued monitoring conditions while conducting spot clearing to prevent travel and refreezing hazards. Their sustained efforts enabled Scott Air Force Base to maintain aircraft operations, emergency response capability and essential mission functions with minimal disruption, emphasizing the critical role winter operations play in overall readiness.