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Show Hilltop Tares November 7, 2002 7 729th ACS deploys controllers, cooks son, the operations director. "We have some of everything. We have capabilities." When the 729th environment, they deploys to a bare-bastake all the equipment and personnel they need, including cooks and security. Staff Sgt Fred Luce, a weapons director with the squadron, explained how most people describe the 729th . "A lot of people know what an AWACS (Airborne Warning by 2nd Lt. Caroline WeSiman self-sustain- Ogden ALC Public Affairs The 729th Air Control Squadron is one of four operational squadrons assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing. They deploy regularly as part of Air Expeditionary Force Seven, one often e of Air Force weapons cross-sectio- systems drawn from units located around the globe and available for contingency and Control System) is. Air Control Squadrons are essentially AWACS on the ground. We work in coordination with them," said Luce. response for a 90 day period every 15 months, In recent years, the 729th has been involved in operations in the Middle East as well as counter-drudeployments to South America. Most regularly, they deploy in support g of Operation Southern Watch, helping to zone in Iraq. enforce the But what does the 729th do when they deploy? In mission statement terms, the squadron provides a rapidly deployable Control and Reporting Center for the Joint Forces Air Component Commander. But in simpler terms, the squadron does everything. The 729th is essentially a small wing," according to Maj. Steve"Smokey" Robin- no-fl- y Operationally, air controllers in operations modules perform most of the squadron's mission work. Inside each of these equipment-filled, metal boxes, controllers perform a variety of tasks. Some crew members are responsible for surveillance of the area of responsibility. These airmen identify aircraft and maintain the data links between elements of the command and control structure. Other controllers take responsibility for communication with the Joint Forces Air Component Commander, force marshalling, Oou could choose Or, jttmp 4$ sfencf as(joH and refueling. In basic terms, they ensure information to the delivery of JFACC and give directions to or groups of weapons systems. time-critic- strike-package- s, Strike-packag- it 4 es are generally comprised of EA-6and sometimes 4 also authorize controllers and These in certain situations fighter engagements and coordinate air refuelings. In support of the operators are a maintenance division, a combat support division and a commander's support staff. About 60 percent of the manpower in the squadron is dedicated to maintenance. They handle anything from encrypting equipment n to trucks to hazardous material matters. The much smaller Combat Support Division manages food services, medical and security issues among other concerns. Equipment and personnel are also committed to Operation Noble Eagle. In April 2002, the squadron deployed to the western United States to support the Federal Aviation Administration, which needed augmentation to ensure continuous radar coverage of the West Coast F-1- B E, F-1- 8. five-to- shll. c?H- al 729th ACS 5 and personal organizers, life remains Despite predictably unpredictable. Does that mean we should - take fewer risks, contain our passions or jump less high, to avoid spraining an ankle or twisting a knee? Or should we live... embracing each unpredictable moment and having a health plan that prepares us for every one of them? Be prepared with the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan, with all the comprehensive benefits and savings you expect. And now that the MHBP brings you First Health, all federal and postal employees and annuitants who enroll can get world-clas- s First Health service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Open to all federal and postal employees and annuitants. Get free information, including the official 2003 Plan brochure: can 1800-410-777- 8 orgotomhbp.com One phone number. Real people. 24 hours a day. x ;.. If civ.- v,.. " . C as-- J J-"- - -- ;.i9sS" . (J4-l- .' nv First Health. Is-- The Mail Handlers Benefit Plan L " O 2002 First Health Group Corp. All rights reserved. First Health and the heart logo are registered service marks uf First Health Group Corp. "First Health" as used in this material refers to First Health Group Corp., First Health Life and Health Insurance Company, Cambndge Life Insurance Company andor Claims Administration R COPY! Corp. photot 729th Air Control Squadron controllers perform most of the squadron's Radar sits mission work In operations modules, above. ANTPS-7atop a hill at a deployed location and acts as the eyes of the 729th ACS. |