With no guidance from the control
tower, landing an aircraft on the flight line would be much like
approaching a busy intersection without any stop signs or traffic
lights. The Marines and sailors of Detachment Alpha, Marine Air
Control Squadron 1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), are
inherently responsible for providing all-weather air traffic
control services to civilian, tactical and non-tactical aircraft
operating within al-Asad’s (Iraq) airspace.
Air traffic controllers here guide aircraft safely to and from
the flight line in a timely manner assisting the Marine ground
combat element in the fight, doing their part to contribute to the
overall mission in theater.
“The purpose of the air traffic control system is to
prevent collisions between aircraft and to expedite the flow of
traffic,” said Sgt. Shane Haymon, an ATC Marine with
Detachment Alpha, MACS-1. “In the control tower, we provide
separation and traffic advisories, operate the airport lighting and
initiate notifications for emergencies and mishaps.”
Air traffic control is a vital part of the aviation system,
added Haymon.
Weather plays a large part in the job these service members
perform. Although the flight tempo decreases in the event of a sand
storm, air traffic control’s job becomes more critical.
“With reduced visibility, the equipment is more vital
because the aircraft won’t land, so it’s our
responsibility to keep them separated from other aircraft in
flight,” said Master Sgt. Jason A. Sunstrom, the maintenance
chief for Detachment Alpha, MACS-1. “The extreme environment
the equipment is being operated in has an adverse affect on the
length of its life cycle and the amount of maintenance required to
keep it operational.”
A Marine Air Control Squadron consists of more than just the
Marines and sailors in the tower. A maintenance section works with
the equipment in the “midfield,” ensuring all equipment
is properly maintained.
Each piece of equipment on the midfield assists the aircrafts in
flight by maintaining communication with the base and providing
pilots with accurate radar readings on the other aircrafts in the
area.
To help train these Marines and sailors to work in the climate
of Iraq, the squadron participates in exercises at Marine Corps Air
Station Yuma, Ariz., and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Twentynine Palms, Calif., because those areas mimic the current
location.
“We have all the necessary equipment to provide air
traffic control services for anything from a forward operating base
to a major air facility,” said Sunstrom.
All facets of air traffic control keep the flow of aircraft
consistent, ensuring no service member on the ground operates
without air support. [ANN Salutes Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens, 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing}