Europe's communication needs keep 1st CBCS Airmen busy

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTIEN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron here have become accustomed to being busy -- after all, they support the communication needs of the entire European theater.

In recent months, in fact, nearly half of the squadron's more than 300 members have been busy supporting operations in nine locations including Spain, Lithuania, Iceland and Latvia.

"I am very proud of the efforts of our Airmen, not only throughout this summer, but every day," said Lt. Col. Keith Mueller, the 1st CBCS commander. "Because when you are dealing with connectivity, we can't afford to disappoint."

On each deployment, 1st CBCS Airmen installed and maintained communications systems from telephone lines to servers used to connect servicemembers to the Web.

This summer, the squadron supported NATO missions in Rota, Spain, and even provided support to U.S. Africa Command's intelligence community. Downrange, tactical communications technicians support reconnaissance-gathering, propeller-driven airplanes like the MQ-1 Predators supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Truly, the work our troops are doing has had a far reaching impact throughout the world and continues to provide essential support in our nation's global security strategy," said 2nd Lt. Miles McMullan, the 1st CBCS transmissions systems officer in charge.

The 1st CBCS is one of the squadrons that makes up the 435th Air and Space Communications Group, which brings fully scalable communications capability to the joint force commander during contingency operations.