No flight plan, no Northern Edge

  • Published
  • By Lance Cpl. Ethan Hoaldridge, U.S. Marine Corps
  • Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) --  The echoes of jet engines roaring over the snow-capped Chugach Mountains are a thrilling byproduct of many moving parts comprised of U.S. servicemembers on the ground. 

The 3rd Operations Support Squadron Airfield Management Office here creates flight plans for more than 70 aircraft a day and maintains flightline safety during the joint training exercise Northern Edge 2006. 

Airfield management communicates the flight plan for all aircraft flying out of Elmendorf to the Federal Aviation Administration to help it manage national and international airspace between civilian and military flights. 

The flight plan includes the time of departure for the aircraft, its destination, the flight altitude, the aircraft’s identification and other details the flight tower and FAA need to know. 

Airfield management also coordinates with aircrews, air traffic control and base agencies that provide for safe operation in the airfield environment. 

During the exercise, the number of flights airfield managers handle increase by 40 percent. 

“The exercise has definitely caused longer hours and an increased workload for my unit, but (it) stepped up to the plate and took care of business as usual,” said Master Sgt. Eric Johnson, 3rd OSS deputy of airfield management. 

The heavier workload and multiple services participating in the exercise presented new challenges for airfield management. 

“Because of the other services participating, we deal with new call signs, heavier air traffic and a much higher call volume,” said Staff Sgt. Katherine Davenport, 3rd OSS airfield operations supervisor. “It’s much busier, but we have great teamwork in our office, which compensates for the extra workload.” 

There are many components to the flightline that have a mission to execute to get those birds up in the air. 

“There’s a lot more to getting a plane off the ground than people think,” Sergeant Johnson said. “We have to be timely and effective, or flights are delayed. If we don’t get those flight plans out, there wouldn’t be a Northern Edge.” 

Exercise Northern Edge, which runs June 5 to 16, is one of a series of U.S. Pacific Command exercises in 2006 that prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region. The exercise will sharpen skills; practice operations, techniques and procedures; improve command, control and communication relationships; and develop interoperable plans and programs. 

Visit the Northern Edge website at www.elmendorf.af.mil/ALCOM/NE06/index.htm