Rock Solid Warrior Published March 12, 2007 386 AEW SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Staff Sgt. Mark S. Weidert Staff Sgt. Mark S. Weidert 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron 1C171 Air Traffic Controller Home unit/base: 86 OSS, Ramstein AB, Germany How do you support the mission here? I am an Air Traffic Controller Liaison here in the Tower. I work directly with the local national controllers to ensure the safe/expeditious movement of air traffic in the Rock's airspace which includes over 1900 coalition takeoff and landings per month. I maintain 100% radio contact with all personnel in the controlled movement area thoughout the airfield to ensure their safety with aircraft movements. In event of an emergency, I coordinate with the host nation controllers and I'm in direct contact with six critical emergency related agencies to provide the best service to personnel/aircraft in need. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my second deployment and my first time to CENTAF. My first deployment was also working liaison duties in a Korean owned base called Kwang Ju. Maintaining high relations with host nation controllers is necessary to provide a safe environment for coalition air/ground personnel How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? At my home station I work the air traffic in my airspace. I do not actively control the air traffic here. I ensure the host nation controllers provide the safe/expeditious movement of air traffic.