The Midnight Tow Crew were a hardy bunch, used to braving the harsh conditions of the frozen tundra on a daily basis. They worked outside, tending to the Stewart-Stevenson power generators on the aircraft, and the freezing temperatures were something they had grown accustomed to.
Despite the freezing temperatures, working outside was what many of them wanted. The thrill of being out in the elements, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the camaraderie of their fellow crew members made it all worthwhile.
But even for the toughest of the Midnight Tow Crew, there were only a few days out of the year that were ideal for working outside. The rest of the time was spent fighting the elements and trying to stay warm.
One of the crew members’ favorite ways to warm up was to huddle around the diesel exhaust pipe of the power generators. The heat emanating from the pipe was a welcome relief from the biting cold winds, and they would take turns holding their frozen hands over it, trying to thaw out their fingers.
The journey from South Hold to the fuel pumps was a long one, and on many nights, the temperature dropped into minus figures on the Fahrenheit scale. The wind was a constant companion, blowing in their faces as they drove backwards, using the generators to pull the aircraft. But despite the difficulties, the Midnight Tow Crew pushed on, determined to get the job done.
Back in those days, there were no insulated coveralls or mitts, so the crew had to make do with what they had. They knew that the conditions were tough, but they also knew that their work was essential. They were the ones keeping the aircraft running, and they were proud to be a part of the Midnight Tow Crew.
