Nellis' Combined Air Operations Center doubles capacity

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • 505th CCCW
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  The 505th Operations Squadron, which manages the Combined Air Operations Center - Nellis added more than 5,000 square feet to the facility through a $523,000 construction project that was completed within 30 days.

The CAOC-N is a world-class command and control facility critical to training warfighters on command and control processes during joint-, coalition- and service-focused exercises, operational rehearsals and experiments. 

As part of the 505th Command and Control Wing headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla., CAOC-N controllers support U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and Headquarters Air Combat Command exercises, including Red Flag, Virtual Flag and U.S. Air Force Weapons School mission employments.

"CAOC-N is extremely (information technology)-centric," said Capt. Barnard Cross, chief of mission systems, 505th Operations Squadron and mezzanine project officer. "Operators work with datalinks, networks and communications to support most air, space and joint operational exercises at Nellis."

The construction adds two second-floor mezzanines, increasing usable office space allowing the first floor to be recaptured for exercise support. The structures add 5,127 square feet to the facility, enough space for an additional 70 to 80 cubicles for operators, subject matter experts and staff. The seating plan will increase synergies among the various 505th OS teams and other users.

Lt. Col. Bill Apodaca, 505th OS commander, is most encouraged by the fact that the 37-member IT support team will finally be grouped in one location and have work bench space right on the operations floor. "It just makes sense," he said, likening the scenario to aircraft maintainers being located on the flightline."

Additionally, the other mezzanine will house office space for the Joint Datalink Integration for Combat Engagement team, further integrating JDICE into CAOC-N activities and battle rhythm.

The squadron is also working to make other improvements to the facility before the end of the year.

"The network team is currently working a design for communications infrastructure for the two mezzanines as well as purchasing the equipment," said Tony Bertussi, 505th OS Communications, information technology site lead. "We are ordering a fiber optic network infrastructure to replace the copper infrastructure for the entire CAOC-N."

Fiber optic networks are faster, more reliable and will allow for state-of-the-art capabilities such as high definition.

The team is currently working on getting the new consoles in place and reconnecting the networks. The first exercise they will support with the new consoles in place will be Red Flag beginning Oct. 5.

"We've been working seven days a week, 12-hour shifts," said Captain Cross. "To keep our security accreditation as a secure facility, contractors had to be escorted, so we've been working around the clock. Our people have done a great job and have maintained an upbeat, positive attitude during the many hours required of the project effort."