Mobile communications system undergoes final tests

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) --  The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron performed one of the final tests on their new mobile, state-of-the-art Air Support Operations Center Gateway during the base's operational readiness exercise Feb 12 to 14. 

The Gateway, a vehicle mounted communications system, improves situational awareness for pilots, aircrew and joint terminal attack controllers. 

With the Gateway, all the Air Support Operations Center and JTACs have to do is click a button and the pilot receives all needed information instantly, said Staff Sgt. Ryan Fausey, the 682nd ASOS fighter duty technician (FDT). Performing this task digitally reduces the time from aircrew check-in to bombs on target  dramatically. 

During a recent Central Air Forces Atlantic Strike Exercise, the time was reduced by 47 percent. 

"Anytime we can process and take out targets faster and more efficiently, it can potentially save the lives of U.S. troops and friendly forces." said Sergeant Fausey.

The advanced mobile Gateway is the one of the first operational in the Air Force. The equipment is in its final stages for deployment after going through a testing validation period for the last year, said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Jones, the 682nd ASOS communication systems NCO in charge. The exercise was a perfect way for the 682nd ASOS to test the efficiency of the Gateway.

"The Gateway performed above expectations," Sergeant Jones said. "There were a few snags, but it developed great tactics, techniques and procedures as well as lessons learned for its deployment into the theater."

The Gateway is controlled primarily by fighter duty technicians, or FTDs, and support personnel located on the ground in the ASOC.

The ASOC is the primary command and control agency for integrating joint airpower with Army operations. FDTs coordinate air support for the JTACs and provide airspace de-confliction for tasked aircraft. Once JTACs receive a handoff of aircraft from the ASOC, it's their job to direct the fighters to the correct targets within close proximity to ground forces using radios and communications equipment.

Before the Gateway, the JTACs on the ground had to verbally tell the pilot everything; what he wants you to do, where to go, how to do it and when to do it. Depending on the expertise of the JTAC and pilot, the process could take up to 15 minutes, Sergeant Fausey said.

With the Gateway, all the information is received instantly, he said. The pilot now has the information before he even prosecutes the target instead of being on top of the target and then getting information for it. 

The new process also burns less fuel. More fuel allows the pilot to make more passes over the target area, which improves mission efficiency.

If tests and training continue to be effective, the Gateway improves the ASOC and air-support mission for future operations in the theater, Sergeant Fausey said.

Continuous training is available to the ASOC, JTACs and communications folks throughout the year, Sergeant Jones said. JTACs from all over the Air Force receive training and education on the mobile Gateway at Shaw.

"This new equipment improves airpower and close-air support," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Craib, the 682nd ASOS commander. "It's great to see the squadron's 21 Air Force specialty codes comprised of operators, maintainers and communications technicians working together as a team to make this new equipment possible for the future of the Air Force."

"The Gateway is a great asset for both the 682nd ASOS and the 20th Fighter Wing," Sergeant Jones said. "It enhances overall situational awareness to the folks on the ground and in the air, as well as provides a great tool for airspace de-confliction for the ASOC."

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