UNDISCLOSED LOCATION -- UNDISCLOSED LOCATION – Airman 1st Class Nathan Ammons adjusts a satellite dish in the street. The area he works in is cordoned off with a sign that warns of a radio-frequency radiation hazard. Ammons keeps safe by staying to the rear of the dish.
Ammons is operating a Communications Fly Away Kit. The CFK is a key component to the operations of the 332d Expeditionary Communications Squadron. With this tool, he can establish satellite communications anywhere in the world, even in austere environments with little or no infrastructure. For an Air Force that may be deployed to remote locations at a moment’s notice, this capability is vital.
Master Sgt. Jonathan Hobson is Airman Ammons’ section chief. Providing training and guidance, he ensures that all airmen can operate their equipment properly, and understand the importance of doing so.
“There is no longer a need for big buildings with big logistical trails to provide communications,” Hobson says. “We can have this system up and running in less than an hour ready to provide secure and survivable comm. My team is working to maximize the tools that we have and to expand our capabilities for any future missions we are called on to fulfill.”
The 332d Expeditionary Communications Squadron practices setting up and operating the CFK at least once a week to ensure that it works, and to keep airmen proficient in its use.
Airman 1st Class Nathan Ammons operates a Communications Fly Away Kit at an undisclosed location, July 20, 2022. The CFK enables the 332d Air Expeditionary Squadron to operate in remote locations by establishing secure communications via satellite. (U.S. Air Force photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jim Bentley)