Airfield drainage keeps flightline above water

Wislaw and Dirk, German contract workers, lay the foundation for the new infield drainage project on the flightline on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 21, 2017. Wislaw and Dirk were part of a six man team working on the initial phase of the project. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Milton Jr. Hamilton)

Airfield drainage keeps flightline above water

Published Sept. 27, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Milton Hamilton Jr.
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- 86th Operation Support Squadron, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron and German contractors are in the process of an infield drainage project as well as repairing Ramp 5 drains on the flightline at Ramstein Sept. 21.

“Our job is to monitor, report and coordinate all airfield activities and operations to keep the airfield open 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week,” said Master Sgt. Richard Berry, 86th OSS/Operational Support Airlift Agency airfield manager.

Ramstein has an instrument landing system that allows aircraft to land at almost zero visibility, said Berry. This is a huge capability for the base and our job is to monitor and ensure the capability is there.

Keeping the flightline operational is a joint effort between several units, and airfield management is one important piece of the puzzle.

“Airfield management plays a key role in the daily operation of Ramstein, it’s the core and center of gravity of airfield operations,” said Tech. Sgt. Willie Robertson, 86 OSS non-commissioned officer in charge of airfield management operations.

The infield drainage project, as well as the Ramp 5 drainage repairs are vital to ensuring the flightline is operational round the clock.

“The purpose of the infield project is to relieve water collection on the infield between the two runways,” said Berry. “As for the Ramp 5 repairs, historically, about once or twice a year low lines between the runways will flood with water, causing damage to the ground as well as creating a habitat for wildlife. Keeping the airfield drained alleviates those hazards.”

The Ramp 5 drains were old and in desperate need of repair.

We are repairing and replacing the drains at Ramp 5 that cross through the parking area, said Berry.

The life-span of the new repairs for Ramp 5 are estimated to last at least 10 years.

The infield drainage project cost an estimated $5.2 million, while the Ramp 5 repairs are an estimated $1.2 million.

Ramp 5 repairs are scheduled to be complete by Oct. 31 and the infield drainage project is not scheduled to be completed until 2018.

The success of these construction projects rely heavily on the outstanding relationships we have with our partners and all the users of the airfield, said Berry. We must continue to maintain these relationship in order for us to fulfill our mission.