LSAA Air traffic controllers own Iraqi sky

Photo By Sgt. Jason Venturini | Senior Airman Shakeitha Tischler, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, coordinates with the ground crew to move all vehicles away from the runway to allow a plane to land. Tischler is control of all ground movement on the airfield.  

BALAD, IRAQ

12.06.2007

Story by Spc. Jason Venturini 

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

By Spc. Jay Venturini
316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Iraq – Anyone who has been deployed to Logistics Support Area Anaconda for any length of time has learned to live with the constant sound of planes coming and going on a daily basis. For some it is their job to track, direct and prioritize every single one of those aircraft.

The 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower controls the sky within 50 miles of LSA Anaconda.

"We control all air traffic around LSA Anaconda," said Senior Master Sgt. Ivan Blanco, 332nd EOSS air traffic control tower superintendent. "It can get very busy. There can be 12 to 16 planes moving at one time, all going in different directions."

Balad Air Base has the largest airport in theater with the most air traffic. It is a major hub for personnel and cargo transportation. There are more than 500 air operations per day and over 27,000 per month.

"I believe air operations are the most important in the military," said Senior Airman Shakeitha Tischler, 332nd EOSS air traffic controller. "They get the supplies and aid to the troops on the ground when they need them. We are doing our part to ensure those operations go smoothly."

Because the flight schedules are sporadic and emergency missions are a common occurrence, the air traffic controllers have to be ready for anything at anytime. They also have to be ready to make crucial decisions quickly to avoid devastating incidents.

One minute everything will be calm with one or two planes in the area, the next all hell breaks loose as 12 aircraft show up at the same time. You learn to quickly adapt to different situations, said Senior Airman Patrick Peregoy, 332nd EOSS air traffic controller.

"No two days are ever the same," said Tischler. "It keeps you on your toes and your mind sharp."

Along with controlling aircraft while in the air, the air traffic controllers have to control all vehicles and aircraft traffic on the runways and taxi ways to ensure they are clear for incoming aircraft, which can be a daunting task.

"It can get crowded on the runways," said Tischler. "It is our job to keep things from crashing into each other and keep the flow of aircraft moving quickly."

Another factor to consider is different aircraft have different missions and some take higher priorities than others. For instance, when a medical evacuation helicopter departs or arrives, it takes precedence over all other flights.

There is also an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot monitoring F-16 missions from the tower. This is due to the aircraft's complexities and type of missions. If a pilot has any problems while in the air, he can call the tower at anytime for answers.

With such importance placed on air missions here, it is vital for planes to take off and land quickly and safely.

"We are up to the challenge," said Blanco. "My Airmen are very good at their job and will continue to maintain order in the skies."

• Date Taken: 12.06.2007
• Date Posted: 12.06.2007 17:38
• Story ID: 14499
• Location: BALAD, IQ