Responsible For Command And Control Over The Sky In
Afghanistan, Air Defense Of The Arabian Gulf
A team of 140 U.S. and coalition force Airmen make up the 71st
Expeditionary Air Control Squadron stationed in "Southwest Asia",
providing command and control over the sky in Afghanistan and air
defense of the Arabian Gulf.
The 71st EACS, better known as "Pyramid Control," operates the
24-hour a day Battlespace Command and Control Center, acting as the
senior tactical battle management command and control element for
Afghanistan. BC3 provides operators real-time information from data
link, sensors and radio systems around the area of responsibility,
giving the team situational awareness of the entire region.
"Through radio and radar, this precision team orchestrates airpower
to meet the needs of the supported commander in the field," said
Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander,
in his recent blog post. "(Pyramid) is a crucial member of our
'Grand Slam' team in helping us to collectively achieve the
direction of our commander ... and to meet the needs of our
fighters in the field according to their requirements and measures
of effectiveness."
Pyramid provides the Combined Air and Space Operations Center
with a real-time view of the air picture, handing commanders
valuable information on the ground. The squadron members also
support the fighters in the field by coordinating combat air
support for troops in contact and airspace deconfliction for forces
in Afghanistan. Members said they feel like they're playing a large
part in supporting boots on the ground as well as the aircraft they
control. "It's awesome to be part of this mission," said 1st Lt.
Shannon Greene, a 71st EACS air weapons officer. "It gives you good
experience working at a (control and reporting center) in the
deployed environment."
In addition to providing command and control in Afghanistan,
71st EACS Airmen simultaneously provide long-range radar
surveillance a of more than 350,000 square nautical mile area in
the Arabian Gulf, typically tracking more than 1,000 aircraft a
day. The unit works closely with the senior air defense officer at
the CAOC and the Army's Air Defense Artillery fire control officer
with the Patriot missile units to provide persistent air defense of
the Arabian Gulf. "It's our job to watch the (sky) and to
coordinate with host nations, coalition partners and service
partners to provide consistent and reliable air battle management,"
said Maj. Jason Brown, the 71st EACS night site commander. "We also
move information, gas and assets in order to meet the (Combined
Forces Air Component commander) and supported commander's
objectives."
The 71st EACS (Airmen) provide critical battle management in a
very busy airspace, said Lt. Col. Darren Ewing, the 71st EACS
commander. "The dedicated sentinels of the 71st EACS provide
24-hour per day watch over the Arabian Gulf region as well as vital
tactical command and control to aircraft supporting ground
operations in Operation Enduring Freedom," the colonel said. "It's
a challenging mission in a very busy airspace and one of which I am
very proud to be a part. Commanding a blended unit of active duty,
Air National Guard, U.S. Army and coalition partners from the Royal
Air Force and Royal Australia Air Force is a great honor. This is a
fantastic team, doing incredible work every day."
Maintenance personnel play a major role in the 71st EACS's
mission maintaining the $30 million facility and equipment. At the
center of that maintenance is the maintenance operations center.
The MOC is the clearing house for all maintenance on and off
location, from the radars in theatre to the air conditioning units
on site. "We basically control all maintenance actions and
coordinate with outside agencies to ensure the mission equipment is
available for operation," said Master Sgt. Cate Mulder, the 71st
EACS MOC coordinator.
Radar maintenance Airmen work around the clock to provide
operators a pristine radar picture. "(I) was very impressed by this
team of Air National guardsmen who have been doing this kind of
work at deployed locations across the AOR, as well as years ago in
South America," General Kee said. "These folks know their system
and have been ready-to-go volunteers for many years. What a
privilege it is to serve with these kinds of spirited, can-do
Airmen."