Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 62nd OSS keeps McChord in flight

Published Jan. 7, 2011
By Airman Leah Young
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The broad term "operation support" is thrown around and often spoken of at the 62nd Airlift Wing. But what exactly does that term entail?

The 62nd Operations Support Squadron, foundation of the 62nd Operations Group, provides direct support to each and every flying mission at McChord Field.

"The 62nd Operations Support Squadron is self explanatory," said Master Sgt. Tracy Truman, 62nd OSS air traffic control watch supervisor. "We support all flying operations. This huge squadron directly supports anything that has to do with flying operations on base."

The 62nd OSS is actually complied of seven different flights, each conducting a very specific mission. The flights include airfield operations, wing weapons and tactics, aircrew flight equipment, current operations, wing training, weather and readiness.

Sergeant Truman works in the air traffic control tower, and is responsible for providing complete airfield management oversight. This includes ensuring every arrival, departure and over flight at McChord Field is provided with safe, efficient and effective service.

"Our responsibility is to monitor the runway and airspace within a five-mile radius of McChord Field," said Sergeant Truman. "We know about each and every aircraft that comes through here. That also includes emergency landings. If something goes wrong with an aircraft, military or civilian, they call us and we coordinate the emergency landing here."

As well as keeping a watchful eye on all incoming and outgoing aircraft, the 62nd OSS also monitors weather conditions.

"We provide aircrews, as well as the base, with a list of warnings, watches and advisories," said Senior Airman Matthew Semder, 62nd OSS weather technician. "We are responsible for informing incoming and outgoing pilots of local weather conditions so they know exactly what to expect."

According to Airman Semder, the weather technicians monitor local wind speed, wind direction, sky condition and temperature.

"We also keep a 24-hour forecast for five miles around the base at all times," said Airman Semder. "In addition to keeping the pilots informed, we are responsible for updating all of Team McChord on inclement weather conditions in the event of an early dismissal or late arrival."

Before a flying crew can leave for a mission, they need to be aware of what weather to expect. They also need to be equipped with tools necessary for successful navigation and communication while in flight.

"We provide the crews with communication kits and electronic keys to identify themselves and communicate while in flight," said Staff Sgt. Anita Self, 62nd OSS combat crew communication supervisor. "We also provide them with flight information publications and maps for navigation."

Before a flight, aircrews are equipped with communication kits and briefed on proper in-flight operation security procedures.

"Flying crews come into the One Stop building and pick up all their communication kits and flight information publications," said Sergeant Self. "We then brief them on what they can and cannot say over the radio while flying, as well as which maps we've provided them and what we've included in their communication kits."

In addition to monitoring all aircraft, weather, navigation and communication of incoming and outgoing flights at McChord Field, the 62nd OSS operates all tactical needs of the wing.

"The goal of the tactics shop is to maintain airdrop proficiency," said Staff Sgt. Jesse Kessler, 62nd OSS joint airdrop inspector. "Our responsibility is to ensure cargo is packaged properly and equipped to successfully arrive at the intended location."

According to Sergeant Kessler, the tactics shop inspects cargo before and after loading, properly rigs parachutes to cargo and secures all material onto platforms.

"We need to ensure there is no possibility for a malfunction during the airdrop," said Sergeant Kessler. "There are different types of parachutes to deploy at different times and different speeds. There are several devices we use to keep the cargo secure to the platforms. Our job is to make sure everything gets where it needs to go."
As long as McChord Field is conducting flying operations, the 62nd OSS will be busy, providing them with complete and total support of the C-17 Globemaster III and its aircrews.