Photo By Cpl. Alexandra Amor Santosarambulo | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Laura E. Thompson, an air traffic controller with Headquarters...... read more read more
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The sky is literally the limit for an air traffic controller (ATC). From monitoring flight patterns to guiding aircraft on and off the flight line, these Marines are tasked with keeping our pilots safe. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Laura E. Thompson, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, shares her experience.
“The best part about ATC is the ever-changing day-to-day,” said Thompson. “Every day I’m encountering new situations, learning new information, and making unforgettable memories.
“As I gain experience with this job, I have been given more once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and come face-to-face with some of the most powerful aircraft in the world. Needless to say, my love for aviation has soared. From instructing the local Cherry Point [Unmanned Aircraft System] operator, to releasing special blocks of airspace to fighter jets for dogfighting, target practice, and combat air maneuvers, I have had some incredible experiences.”
According to Thompson, being an ATC in the Marine Corps has allowed her to realize a dream and presents a hopeful outlook for life and career after service.
“When I enlisted, I hoped for a [military occupational specialty] that would positively impact lives, open doors for new opportunities and transfer on to the civilian sector,” she said. “Air traffic control has been all of that and more, and I hope that my learned skills can be an asset to an air traffic control facility in the future.”
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2021 14:02 |
| Story ID: | 395035 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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