Lights out, gears up: Airfield comes alive at night

Photo By Master Sgt. Kenneth Norman | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brenden Marlin, 97th Security Forces Squadron response force patrolman, rolls Nickey Jones, 97th SFS response force patrolman, after restraining his hands, during a simulated security incident on the flightline Aug. 27. The 97th SFS is responsible for guarding the base 24 hours a day. They are one of the various squadrons that work around the clock to ensure mission success at Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenneth W. Norman / Released)  

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES

08.28.2013

Story by Senior Airman Kenneth Norman 

97th Air Mobility Wing

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – When the sun sets, most folks are settling down with their families, eating dinner or relaxing while watching their favorite television show, but for others, it is time to work.

We don’t just forge combat mobility forces during the day at Altus AFB. The flight line and airspace continue to thrive even under the cover of darkness.

I recently had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the hard work that makes night operations on the airfield possible. It was great getting to see various squadrons work together to accomplish the mission.

Aircrews and their students receive vital training using night vision goggles during night flights.

To support them, air traffic controllers and radar approach and control airmen from the 97th Operations Support Squadron choreograph the airfield movements. Also, airmen from 97th OSS airfield management inspect the runways and aircrew flight equipment, ensuring essential equipment, such as oxygen masks, are in proper working order on the aircraft.

Defenders from the 97th Security Forces Squadron patrol the flight line all night ensuring the safety of all base members working the night shift as well as protecting millions of dollars worth of aircraft and equipment.

In order for the flying mission to take place, planes must be in proper working order. That is where the 97th Maintenance Directorate comes into play. The 97th MX works around the clock to ensure that all aircraft are fully functioning and mission ready.

Other elements of night operations on the flight line are transportation and cargo loading and unloading, which is taken care of by the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The opportunity to experience a piece of each squadron’s vital role in our base mission connected the dots for me. Watching airmen from different squadrons and flights work together to accomplish our mission throughout the night showed me why we are the greatest Air Force in the world.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2013
• Date Posted: 08.28.2013 15:59
• Story ID: 112769
• Location: ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA, US