Sailing the skies

Staff Sgt. Mark Porter and Senior Airman Nicole LaGrow upload software onto an E-8C Joint STARS aircraft as they perform radio and computer checks in preparation for a flight. Both Airmen are assigned to the 12th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron. The flight over Iraq marked 20,000 flying hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom by the Boeing 707 equipped with the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. Accomplishing that feat since early 2003 have been the combined efforts of the 12th EACCS, 16th EACCS and 128th EACCS, all from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., during alternating 90-day rotations. The JSTARS is an airborne battle management aircraft specializing in command and control, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance gathering. Information gathered is passed in real time to servicemembers on the ground conducting combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ricky Best)