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82nd EASOS activates

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jillian Torango
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing
CAMP BUERING, Kuwait --  The 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron was activated at a ceremony April 6, aligning it under the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group.

The squadron, which had been in provisional status since 2009, provides tactical command and control of air assets and environmental support to the Joint Forces Air and Land Component Commanders.

"U.S. Air Forces Central needed Airmen to provide environmental air support for our Army brethren here," said Lt. Col. James Conley, 82nd EASOS commander. This support is provided by their two main sections: tactical air control party (TACP) and weather.

According to the Air Force Special Operations Command website, TACP members are assigned to all conventional Army combat units and advise ground commanders on the best use of air power. They also establish and maintain command and control communications, control air traffic and naval gunfire and provide precision terminal attack guidance of U.S. and coalition close air support.

Similarly, the U.S. Air Force website explains that Airmen in the weather career field analyze and forecast atmospheric weather and space environment conditions for military decision-makers.

Combining the TACP and weather functions in one unit provides a one-stop-shop for the unique capability they bring to the fight enabling a faster response time for their customer.

Col. Rodney Petithomme, 332nd EOG commander who flew in to be the ceremony's presiding officer, emphasized that combination is crucial to mission success within the region.

"The Army has a ground reaction force here in the area of responsibility which acts as the U.S. Central Command's 911 force for the region. In order to be effective they need to have the ability to call for air support if necessary," Petithomme explained. "It is important that we have the 82nd EASOS here along with that ground force. They have been able to form that critical working relationship to get the job done."