Air traffic controllers have 'bird's eye view' in supporting Southwest Asia air ops

Published April 29, 2011
By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Honking horns, idling motors, angry drivers and maddening inaction -- the sights and sounds of a typical traffic jam. While traffic is frustrating to deal with on the road, traffic congestion in airspace adds a new dimension to the issue.

A crew from the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron at a non-disclosed base here works 24-hour operations directing traffic in the air and on the flightline roads.

"We ensure the safe departure, arrival and separation of all aircraft in and out of the air space," said Tech. Sgt. Mack Ream, 379th EOSS tower crew supervisor, deployed from Lajes Field, Azores.

Watching the base from all angles, these qualified Airmen and host nation representatives make up a 20-person team known as the 'tower crew.' These individuals work their mission from an elevated position where they can see the whole base.

"From here we are able to directly see all missions going in and out," said Senior Airman John Nickel, a 379th EOSS air traffic controller deployed from Dover AFB, Del. "From our viewpoint we see the bigger picture and everything coming together."

Each tower member is equipped with the knowledge to work any aspect of the job, whether it is ground control, flight data, or local control.

Ground control deals with the taxiing, weather clearances, flight routes and flight data, said Sergeant Ream. Local control is responsible for all aircraft in and out of the air space.

"If the airfield shuts down, nothing will happen and planes won't get refueled," said Master Sgt. Brenda Yoder, 379th EOSS chief tower controller, deployed from Dover AFB, Del.

"Each time we deploy to a new location we have to get recertified to maintain proficiency," said Sergeant Yoder. "We also have to take monthly tests to keep ourselves updated in the different professions of the job."

Sergeant Yoder says it's the challenge of the job she loves and the fact she is always learning. But it's not just the American Airmen who enjoy the motivation of a challenging duty.

Siralthatim Hamid, a host nation air traffic controller, said the hectic undertone to the job is what keeps him happy with his work.

"I like it so much you could say I'm 'mad' about it," Mr. Hamid said. "I like it when there is congested traffic and things are busy. It makes me feel like we are doing something. I say the more traffic the more enjoyable."