AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ryan Colomo, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, Air Traffic Control journeyman, observes the runway at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 13, 2016. Colomo, a native of Mechanicsville, Md., keeps in contact with the local airport throughout the day as a means of tracking aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)

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AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dallas Bloss, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, NCO in charge of training and standardization, keeps watch of the runway as aircraft land and depart at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 13, 2016. Dallas, a native of Gas City, Ind., tracks air and ground movements by listening to incoming and outgoing transmissions from the facility, pilots and vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)

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AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ryan Colomo, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control journeyman, surveys an aircraft as it lands on the runway at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 13, 2016. Incoming aircraft must first contact the tower before making their final approach, and ATC members such as Colomo, a native of Mechanicsville, Md., approve and direct the aircraft safely across the runway. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)

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AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control flight conduct day-to-day flight line operations at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 13, 2016. ATC members are tasked with the mission of the safe and orderly handling of aircraft and working with other agencies to ensure aircraft take-off in a timely manner to support operations throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)

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AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

Headgear, which includes one headphone and one microphone, is donned by each 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control member as a means of communication at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 13, 2016. The ATC members communicate with the incoming and outgoing aircraft, the local airport as well as any motorized vehicle on the flight line for the safe and orderly handling of aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)

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AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dallas Bloss, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, NCO in charge of training and standardization, speaks with an individual that contacted the tower for further directions at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 13, 2016. In addition to monitoring USAF Air Traffic Control members, Dallas, a native of Gas City Ind., supports host nation controllers who manage the tower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle)

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AUAB air traffic controllers keep combat mission moving

Published July 11, 2016
By Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --

Air Traffic Control Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron manage the flow of aircraft through all aspects of their flight June 13, 2016, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

ATC Airmen facilitate the safety and efficiency of air traffic on the ground and in the air by communicating with incoming and outgoing aircraft, the local airport and any motorized vehicle on the flight line. They work hand-in-hand with host nation partners and other agencies to ensure aircraft take-off in a timely manner to support combat operations throughout the region.