Command post Airmen key to operational success

Published Oct. 6, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez
506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNS) -- Whether setting alarm conditions, relaying weather information or responding to emergency notifications, command post Airmen play a vital role in virtually every base operation.

"Basically, we're the eyes and ears of the commander and the nerve center of the base," said Master Sgt. Vanessa Trujillo, 506th Air Expeditionary Group command post superintendent.

This means command post personnel must be able to work with numerous agencies and know how to perform several jobs, Sergeant Trujillo added.

"We're responsible for flight following the aircraft that come in and out of Kirkuk Air Base," she said. "If the aircraft experiences maintenance problems and the crew has to remain overnight, we coordinate with higher headquarters and provide the logistical support needed."

Command post Airmen also give the initial notifications for the response teams, including the fire department, security forces and explosive ordnance disposal team, as well as posturing the base in the appropriate alarm conditions during base attacks.

"Whenever there is something significant on the base, we're the focal point for that -- the nerve center," Sergeant Trujillo said.

Working behind the scenes, the Airmen compile information from various base agencies and ensure it flows to the appropriate people, including those at the top.

"The most important aspect of our job is to keep the commander informed," said Senior Airman Allyson Youngman, 506th AEG command post controller. "Anything that happens with flight operations or any personnel, we make sure he knows what's going on."

The command post team takes center stage when an urgent message needs to be communicated immediately. It accomplishes this by using a network of loudspeakers around the base, known as "the giant voice."

"When the base is threatened, we get on the giant voice to let people know they are in danger and to take appropriate actions," said Staff Sgt. Todd Leach, another command post controller. "When I get on the giant voice it's validating my purpose here."

A purpose that is often overlooked by others on the base. Still, the command post Airmen know their job is important and vital to the base.

"Our job is important because we have everything to do with what goes on," said Airman Youngman. "If something happens, we know who to notify and who to get out there to respond to the situation."

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