Air traffic controllers ensure mission readiness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The air traffic control tower at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is the highest point on the entire installation. From its pentagonal bubble, 3rd Operation Support Squadron Airmen, like conductors at their rostra, direct a symphonic orchestra of roaring aircraft across the flightline.

During Exercise Northern Edge, the JBER soundtrack was complemented further by the explosive cacophony of visiting aircraft like the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, and F-16C Fighting Falcon, among others.

“We usually don’t have this diverse mix of airframes that operate during an exercise at one time,” said Tech. Sgt. Shantell Crown, 3rd OSS air traffic control watch supervisor.

On any given day, air traffic controllers use their headsets as batons to launch and land aircraft – completing 50 to 100 operations, Crown said. However, during Northern Edge, the tempo significantly increases – to up to 350 operations each day.

The various speeds at which these aircraft operate add to the difficulties in directing them to and from the flightline.

F-35s, as their namesake would suggest, are faster upon approach when compared to the F/A-18 Hornet.

The rumble and percussive clamor of an F-22 Raptor is never too far from the baritone accompaniment of the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules. Air traffic controllers, masters of their craft, expertly sequence the various aircraft, accounting for speed and spacing requirements.

“For some of the flights we can have 3,000 feet between jets, but if it’s mixed aircraft we have 6,000 feet,” Crown said. “[This] doesn’t sound like a lot, but that distance can add up when you have a lot of jets that need to land.”

ATCs with their tools can see up to 60 miles out, but, Airmen in the tower manage airspace more than four miles in any direction, Crown said. It's the responsibility of those in the tower to direct the aircraft from their parking spots, taxiing them out to the runway and ensuring they arrive and depart safely.

“A lot of people ask if it’s a stressful job,” said Staff Sgt. Luke Dunn, 3rd OSS air traffic controller. “It’s stressful if you don’t have the confidence to do it. So long as you study and know what you’re doing, and know the rules, [it’s easy.]”

“I was here for the last Northern Edge,” Dunn said. “We definitely came prepared a lot better with everyone involved. I think everyone is getting what they need to get done. Between all the pilots, all the different air frames, and all the ground crews, I think this year’s [exercise] is going a lot better.”