Silent protectors support Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shanda De Anda
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  A silent protector continues to support the war on terrorism, often accomplishing its mission without the beneficiaries of the protection it offers even knowing a sortie is being flown.

The EC-130H Compass Call is an airborne tactical system that disrupts enemy command and control communications, as well as supporting tactical air operations and providing conventional and special operations support to friendly forces.

“Its mission is to jam unfriendly communications, making it difficult for an enemy to command and control its forces,” said Chief Master Sgt. John Calloway, 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron superintendent.

Airmen of the 41st EECS who operate the Compass Call mission have been providing such support for more than 500 days.

“In today’s (air and space expeditionary force) environment, there are only a few combat squadrons that are not part of a specific AEF; we are one,” said Lt. Col. Chuck Schnarr, 41st EECS commander. “As a low-density, high-demand asset, we are tasked to support the regional combatant commands and any and all AEFs.”

Despite extended stays, austere conditions and high operations tempo, however, Compass Call Airmen remain focused and dedicated to the mission.

“We’re here to do a job and our time here is not something we really think about. We just do it,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Cantu, an electrical and environmental technician. “Being separated from family is difficult, but my job over here saving lives is something my family understands and supports.”

The Air Force has two Compass Call units, both based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., but aligned under the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Offutt AFB, Neb. The 41st Electronic Combat Squadron, which becomes the 41st EECS when deployed, supports Operation Enduring Freedom missions while its sister unit, the 43rd ECS, supports Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It’s good to know that we are helping to take care of and provide a certain protection to convoys and ground troops,” said Master Sgt. James Scott, 41st EECS deployed first sergeant and acquisition operator when flying.

To make these missions a reality, the 41st ECC relies on the team deployed here from the 755th Operations Support Squadron, the 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 355th Wing maintenance augmentees -- all units from Davis-Monthan. And they have been at it for a long time.

“This is the longest Compass Call has ever been deployed in its 25-year history, and I am extremely proud of this team effort; they have exceeded expectations with a remarkable record of performance,” the colonel said. “Many of our Airmen have deployed well over the AEF 120 days in a 20-month period standard, but this has not undermined the effort or lessened the enthusiasm of our great operations and maintenance team. We understand the importance of our mission supporting the ground forces in OEF and the lives we protect.”