AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- The 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron generated communications capabilities for a French Armed Forces detachment here, Feb. 14, 2018.
Using a “beddown” team, 379th ECS Airmen connected the French detachment with a tactical communication link and network capability, enabling them to efficiently reach coalition forces worldwide.
Senior Master Sgt. Scott Russell, 379th ECS plans and resources flight superintendent, said beddown teams have the unique responsibility to set up new communication assets including networks, Voice over Internet Protocol telephones, and radios from the ground up.
“These days if you don't have communications you won't be able to operate your mission,” he said. “These beddown units that are coming in, they all have their own mission. We want to understand what [warfighters] need to be able to come here and hit the ground running to do their mission. That's the key here. It's important that we as the communications squadron are able to aggressively get the user requirements and get that rolling.”
Staff Sgt. Aldrin Alarcon, 379th ECS plans and requirements manager, said that team coordination and attention to detail is necessary to guarantee warfighters are equipped with what they need to connect with locations worldwide.
“Teamwork is crucial in setting up a beddown,” said Alarcon. “Precision timing and constant communication up, down, and side to side is critical to ensure that U.S. and allied forces hits the ground running and remain in the fight.”
French Air Force Lt. Simon, an engineering officer with the detachment, said the capability the beddown team enabled is critical for coalition partnership and airpower projection.
“It’s not easy to link every part of the team,” said Simon. “It would be more difficult if there was no help from the United States. It’s good to have a good partnership with the communications squadron. They help us communicate.”
According to Tech. Sgt. Frederick Premuto, 379th ECS radio frequency transmission NCO in charge, being on beddown teams that help new Al Udeid units get up and running is a rewarding experience.
“Our Airmen are able to get instant feedback and see the whole operational picture of why they matter,” he said. “Our Airmen are supporting real warfighting efforts every day, and when they return home from Al Udeid, they will know they affected the outcome of the mission.”