New ATC tower opens for business

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Isbell
  • 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron
ALI BASE, Iraq (AFNS) --  A newly constructed air traffic control tower opened for operation March 12, here.

"This is a monumental day for the U.S. Air Force, the Army Corps of Engineers and for the future of the Iraqi air force," said Lt. Col. Michael Richardson, the commander of the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron. "It illustrates our joint cooperation in the United States military and is an enduring testament to our faithful partnership with the new Iraqi nation. All of us on the (base camp) team are proud that the Iraqis will enjoy the benefits of this project for decades to come as they remain our strategic partners."

The new tower is eight stories tall and greatly improves the visibility and overall situational awareness for the crew of air traffic controllers assigned to the 407th EOSS. In contrast, the old facility was only three stories tall and as a result there were many parts of the airfield that were not visible from the tower cab.

In the old tower most of the aircraft parking ramps were obscured, and the controllers' inability to see the approach end of the runway, taxiway echo and the helicopter refueling area caused limitations when directing aircraft flights and ground operations.

In the new facility, aircraft safety and base security will be greatly enhanced due to better visibility of the airfield and the surrounding base.

The old tower facility will remain in place and function as the alternate ATC facility.