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Show - raODoOQ GmG'7OD070 )DW by Ralph C. Jsnssn Ogden ALC Public Affairs Office a DECKER FIELD, Utah-Un- der in cloaked shroud of camouflage and darkness of night, aircraft controllers of the 729th Tactical Control Squadron put together an impressive show of combat readiness last week. Exercising in conjunction with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing's "Battle Week' squadron members prove the necessity to be combat ready and mobile. In fact, "Mobile" ought to be the middle name of these controllers. Like the wagon trains of yesteryear, the tactical squadron packs any number of vehicles loads them to the gills with valuable equipment and enough food and supplies as needs dictate. Their mission is setting up a forward control site needed for aircraft activities during a combat situation. Their equipment, nearly. 25 years old, is effective in getting the job done. Their value to the flight crews is essential tactical control squadron members keep tabs of the airspace which is vital to aerial warfare. "We are a totally squadron. We ere a 'go anywhere, anytime' squadron. We're like a little city here," said Lt. Col. Eric C. Wilson, the squadron's commander. "Our only limitations would be gasoline and water and some transportation services. Other self-contain- ed than those restrictions, we're a unique field unit thst depends on ingenuity," While the field unit has a unique operation once they get the equipment up and running, it isn't all that easy to mobilize a group of 300 persons, radar equipment, food and water, enough wires and cables to connect everything to a power source and do it within time limit. their Once a site has been selected, it bed few to comes the duty of a hazardous for the site traps and survey unfriendly aggressor forces that might be lurking in nearby bushes. Vehicles are moved to the site, when it passes inspection, and the hectic work of setting up the equipment beg gins. It becomes a non-stoordeal that taxes the troops to the limits of endurance. "It is great to watch the enthusiasm of these young kids," said the colonel. "They are truly professionals. The 729th is the best squadron I've ever seen. Our troops do the job without complaining and they do it to near perfection. It is inspiring to watch the people do their jobs, knowing they are tired, hungry and oftentimes cold, yet giving it all they have. "The officers serving in the squadron deserve a lot of the credit because their attitude toward the entire operation is one of doing it right. We have people doing things they really shouldn't have experience for, yet they do it. It is a pleasure to command this squadron," he said. Air weapon control isn't an easy job by any means. Just setting up radar and survellience equipment after traveling to the site and under adverse conditions is a tall order, but troops find other distractions that require atten 24-ho- ur hand-picke- p, back-breakin- , ?Ga( setting up tion. During the forces may try to atperiod, aggressor tack the site, giving officers and troops another obstacle to stop. "This is a learning experience for each of us," said Colonel Wilson. "But that is what this is all about. I feel that terrorist groups are the type of of. Getting thing we have to be aware field with practical experience in the our forces people that gives unfriendly a experience. Mobility is patient teacher that prepares our people-sho- uld they ever be called upon." While in the field, troops are given as many of the comforts of home life as possible. The squadron has a medic that travels with the outfit, giving individual care as needed. Preparation of d meals is a standing order. Food services are given strict attention by five cooks under the guidance of SSgt. Bill Capazzoli, who prepares a hot breakfast and evening dinner meal. The perspective of freedom is especially evident as troops wind down the initial phase of setting up the radar site. The business of controlling aircraft begins in earnest. "Being out in the field has its ups and downs. Most of us enjoy the change, but mostly it's interesting to see if we could survive if we had to it tests our stamina," said Sgt. Jerry L. Manley, an aerospace ground equipment mechanic. "Once we're set up and in the operation mode, I enjoy watching the planes. But the biggest enjoyment is of living in a free country. I like to know I'm doing something to stay that way," said 24-ho- the sergeant. Lakeworth, Flat., pulls duty as a sentry on the compound. Troops In the 72Sth TCS must dp additional several J ill Will I Mm mm mmim , V. mmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoimmm mm itllilli :liilillif ilfiWif " jf ,a:, plililliilili ; - S lllfilf siiif llllif IStllf y-- j , . - Hr J ... . WM iH !:- ' . HA r v V " iMSSmB W r V ' ff V J? . 4 . yx - S' ' "'uv , - . -- J) ;f ' - filiMiil 22 Getting control if - U.S. Air Force Photot by Ralph C UtP n 5) mm o. o 4 4 n Sgt. Jerry L Manley dips a measuring stick into a diesel fuel tank to gauge how much fuel remains in the reserve tank. He is from Richmond, Va., aid is an aerospace ground equipment mechanic. WfV J Flight rcsdy Getting ready for flying is not an easy task. Crew chief MSgt. Joe Roark (top) stands behind the flight control board and V operations. f i : r.. ,.L r-s.-r: .i -- & vAA a us r P' A1C Mark Holmes, Luke AFB, Ariz., holds it is sewn together. while camouflage netting ell Going mobile has many different meanings, but to a tactical control squadron it means getting hands-o- n experience in the field. While going to the field isn't always the most popular event, it does provide practical training and there are those who even volunteer for the assignment. It has often been said that you don't volunteer for anything in the militry, but A1C Mark Holmes, 602nd Tactical Control Squadron, doesn't mind admitting he is a volunteer and he loves it out in the field. writes necessary information. He must write every-- ; thing backwards. A1C Bruce Urton (right) cuts telephone wire linking the control tent with Getting training Field experience comes from doing J. Measuring the diosol 0 , Hill unit trains others J3 8 Jensen Sgt. Anthony Washington listens carefully as flight teams leave Hill AFB. The 729th TCS took control of the aircraft which deployed for an exercise over the south portion of the Utah Test and Training Range. IP" Hi , home-cooke- A1C Robert Mahler of duties while exercising. Security troops fought off an early attack white In bcttb conditions this week. , ur "IMBliiiiiiiiiiiiii Gusrdfnn Cio pect i m Going on duty Sgt. Daniel Richards of Cottage Grove, Minn, (left) reaches inside a turbine housing to adjust power that fuels all site equipment. A1C Sylvester Lawler and A1C Scott Rendell take a break after working the midnight shift. Airman Holmes, from Luke AFB, Ariz., was one of four who was quick to raise his hand when asked to join Hill AFB's 729th TCS when they deployed for Decker Field, Utah. He was part of the team that provided air weapons control to Hill's 388th Tactical Fighter Wing last week. "They asked if anyone wanted to go out in the field, I wanted to go," said Airman Holmes. "We were notified three days before the deployment and I love it out here. "I wanted to go because I like the outdoors and it is a great opportunity to see what happens in the field. I've never bee-- i mobile before and this is an excellent teaching tool," said the airman. |