Comm Sq. keeps airfield wired

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Airfield systems Airmen maintain various electronic components to help preserve the Eielson Air Force Base mission and keep pilots flying.

The airfield systems shop is responsible for the regular maintenance and periodic inspection of vital sysyems to help carry on war-fighting capabilities; including navigational aids, multi-purpose weather systems, and radio communications systems.

In Alaska the weather can be unpredictable, so electronic equipment to communicate between people and assets is fundamental for pilots while navigating in poor flying conditions. The airfield systems shop maintains electronic systems that make it possible for pilots, the control tower, and other airfield operations to safely execute normal base operations.

According to Tech. Sgt. Andrew Straw, 354th Communications Squadron airfield systems NCO in charge, pilots use navigational aids, such as the tactical air navigation system and instrument landing system, to navigate and safely land their aircraft.

Airfield systems technicians operate, maintain, and inspect electronic systems, including ILS. This system helps guide aircraft in the dark and during inclement weather, when pilots cannot use visual flight references. A pilot needing assistance to safely land aircraft can use readings transmitted by ILS via flight instruments rather than taking unnecessary risks.

In an effort to maintain complete situational awareness of the local conditions, airfield systems technicians maintain the 354th Weather Flight's state-of-the-art FMQ-19 weather observation system. The Airmen also make a short commute up the Richardson highway to perform maintenance on a related multi-purpose weather system at Fort Wainwright called the Automated Surface Observation System. Both systems contain sensors for cloud height, visibility, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity, to keep the airfield mission ready.

The airfield systems shop plays a critical role in keeping the airfield operational and supporting 354 Fighter Wing's mission to prepare aviation forces for combat, deploy Airmen in support of global operations and enable the staging of forces.

"People don't even realize you exist until something breaks," said Sergeant Straw. "The amount of night missions and Alaskan weather make the mission pretty dependent on airfield systems equipment."

Without the airfield systems regular electronic maintenance, pilots' ability to navigate under unfavorable flying conditions would be limited, increasing the risk for a preventable mishap.

"I enjoy troubleshooting and trying to figure out what's wrong," said Staff Sgt. John Oldham, 354th CS airfield systems technician. "We get to work with electronics, climb on the towers, and be outside."

The airfield systems shop strives to keep its electronic equipment fully functional with minimal interruptions. Increased reliability allows more aircraft to safely access the airfield at a moment's notice. If a navigational aid goes offline, flights can be delayed and safety could be at risk.

Airfield systems Airmen, from NCOs to one-stripers, contribute a combined effort to ensure airfield operations continue without any delay. Their time and effort has proven to be an affirmation that hard work pays off.