Command and control unit keeps watch over the skies

Published Feb. 15, 2008
By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen who sleep in their beds at night don't have worry about who's watching the skies here because of one unit that patrols the sky 24/7.

Using an Airborne Warning and Control system, 70 Airmen in the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron in Southwest Asia, along with Army missile battery here, provide air defense in the Arabian Gulf, keeping a look out "just in case."

"Our mission is to provide early defense," said Lt. Col. Dave Naisbitt, 71st EACS commander. "We are always monitoring the skies using hard, satellite, and radio communications. We look at the radar and maintain data for at least a 200-mile radius."

Thankfully, this robust defense system has been a standby function so far, he said. But "if we see enemy aircraft flying, we are the critical part of connectivity, making sure tankers and other aircraft get there in time."

Although the unit here is small, it takes a lot to get [us] in theater, said Staff Sgt. Diana Meier, a weapons controller with the unit.

"Our footprint is actually pretty large," she said. "It took three C-17s to move all our equipment and people."

That equipment includes huge satellites and surveillance equipment, not to mention operations modules and data maintenance equipment, she said.

In spite of the logistical challenge moving a unit like theirs can be, Sergeant Meier said she has stationed or deployed overseas many times. Currently at her first assignment at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, she has forward-deployed to Romania, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

Whether it was connecting troops-in-contact with needed support aircraft or directing aircraft to fly low-level "show of force" missions, she said the job was satisfying and enjoyable.

"I enjoy being a 'security blanket' for the Air Force," she said. "Being here is the ultimate backup for the base - we're watching the skies, making sure that if we need to send aircraft out, they're available and we know where to send them."

"Our multi-functioning unit is essential to the Air Force mission," Colonel Naisbitt said. "The robust nature of our job means we'll have staying power in garrison and out."