A director producing a blockbuster film must know where each actor and camera is at all times to ensure the right shot.

Air traffic controllers from the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron must be just as diligent to ensure aircraft take off and land safely at this busy base.

The controllers are responsible for all moving vehicles on the airfield and aircraft in the sky around Balad, said 1st Lt. Erin Decker, the squadron’s airfield flight operations officer.

The area of responsibility for the tower is five miles around, and up to 3,000 feet above the base, she said. The controllers make sure all air traffic is out of harms way while simultaneously managing the ground traffic.

“The tower is one of two units responsible for all flights in and out of Balad,” Lieutenant Decker said. “A tower crew is made up of four members, each with different tasks to ensure traffic flows smoothly.”

The local controller is responsible for all runway and air traffic. The ground controller handles all vehicle traffic on the airfield including taxiing aircraft. The flight data controller is the point person for contact among different air traffic agencies and coordinates between local and ground controllers. The watch supervisor monitors all the communication among the three controllers, aircraft and vehicles.

Controllers are all qualified to work local, ground and flight data positions. Besides monitoring communications, the watch supervisor also gives controllers breaks when needed.

“Our team has to watch each other's backs,” said watch supervisor Staff Sgt. Drew Spradley. “A lot rides on the fact that we have to get it right every time.”

More than 500 flight operations take place daily through Balad’s tower and more than 25,000 ground operations occur monthly.

“I like air traffic control. It's always different up here,” air traffic controller Senior Airman Sean Strong said. “Every day there is something challenging happening. Being the local controller is the most challenging and fun part of being an air traffic controller. You have to take everything you learned and put it together and try not to let the stress bother you.”

On some tower teams, Australian Royal Air Force air traffic controllers work alongside their American counterparts.

“I think it's a great experience to work in a joint environment,” said Flying Officer Catherine Rubin, an Australian air traffic controller. "It's a chance to learn and share different procedures and improve them.”

The controllers' days are full of activity, working one of the busiest airfields in the Operation Iraqi Freedom area of responsibility

“Working in the tower really makes the days go by faster,” air traffic controller Senior Airman Leslie Alonso said. “I love being an air traffic controller. I wouldn't want any other job.”