Radar site techs: First line of defense 24/7, 365

Looking out the window of a U.S. Air Force C-12 at Tin City Long Range Radar Site, Alaska, October 1, 2014. The radar sits on top of the highest peak with the living quarters for the team working at the site and the gravel airstrip below. The Tin City LRRS, along with 14 additional radar sites across the rugged terrain of Alaska, scan the airspace above 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year, searching for potential threats. Together with the men and women of the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, this team makes up the unsung heroes that protect our nation’s northern and western borders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Anastasia Wasem)

611th Air Operations Center

The 611th Air Operations Center executes air and space operations for Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force within and surrounding Alaska. The unit supports Operation Noble Eagle and Northern Sovereignty Operations as well as advises on the use of air and space power to meet theater objectives.

11th Air Force units win two service-level awards

Published April 22, 2016
By Capt. Anastasia Wasem
11th Air Force Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Two truly unique and vital missions now have "one of a kind" awards to prove it.

The 611th Air Operations Center was recently named the 2015 Air Force One of a Kind Outstanding Unit while the PACAF Regional Support Center earned the 2015 Air Force One of a Kind Organizational Excellence Award. Both are 11th Air Force units based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

"I, along with the whole headquarters team, are thrilled to see the hard work that our people are doing recognized," said Lt. Gen. Russell Handy, 11th Air Force commander. "They do amazing work every day and we're incredibly proud."

The 611th AOC executes air and space operations for Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force within and surrounding Alaska. The unit supports Operation Noble Eagle and Northern Sovereignty Operations as well as advises on the use of air and space power to meet theater objectives. During the July 4th 2015 holiday, the 611th AOC executed the lead intercept role in defending an approach by Russian bombers nearing the Gulf of Alaska, Canada and the west coast of the United States. The unit also coordinated the effort to secure presidential airspace during the September 2015 visit of President Obama to Anchorage.

Also a truly distinct organization, the PRSC is responsible for 43 remote sites within Alaska as well as geographically separated locations across the Pacific, including Wake Island and Johnston Atoll. PRSC provides first-line radar, airfield operations, communications, engineering, environmental and logistical support for 11th Air Force. During 2015, PRSC organized the evacuation of Wake Island during Typhoon Halola as well as supported the medical evacuation of two marine vessels in the Bering Sea.

"I'm extremely proud of the hard work of the men and women of PRSC who are dedicated to serving their country," said Col. Frank Flores, PRSC commander, of winning the award. "Their outstanding efforts across all 43 of our Alaska and Pacific sites have ensured national security and delivered continuous power projection."