Command and control Airmen keep eyes on the sky

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Airmen who sleep in their beds at night don't have worry about who's watching the sky because of Airmen who patrol the sky 24/7 in Southwest Asia.

Using an Airborne Warning and Control system, 70 Airmen in the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron in Southwest Asia, along with Army missile battery here, provide air defense in the Arabian Gulf, keeping a look out "just in case."

"Our mission is to provide early defense," said Lt. Col. Dave Naisbitt, the 71st EACS commander. "We are always monitoring the sky using hard, satellite and radio communications. We look at the radar and maintain data for at least a 200-mile radius." 

This defense system has been a standby function so far, said the colonel deployed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. But "if we see enemy aircraft flying, we are the critical part of connectivity, making sure tankers and other aircraft get there in time."

Although the unit here is small, it takes a lot to get (us) in theater, said Staff Sgt. Diana Meier, a weapons controller with the unit deployed from Spangdahlem AB.

"Our footprint is actually pretty large," she said. "It took three C-17 (Globemaster IIIs) to move all our equipment and people."

That equipment includes huge satellites and surveillance equipment, not to mention operations modules and data maintenance equipment.

Sergeant Meier who has has been deployed to Romania, Afghanistan and the Middle East, said that whether it was connecting troops-in-contact with needed support aircraft or directing aircraft to fly low-level "show of force" missions, her job is satisfying and enjoyable.

"I enjoy being a 'security blanket' for the Air Force," she said. "Being here is the ultimate backup for the base. We're watching the sky, making sure that if we need to send aircraft out, they're available and we know where to send them."

"Our multifunctioning unit is essential to the Air Force mission," Colonel Naisbitt said. "The robust nature of our job means we'll have staying power in garrison and out."

Comment on this story   (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page