Command post Airmen key to operational success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  Command post Airmen have a demanding job where their expertise, quick actions and the information they control is depended on for mission success.

Working a number of operational tasks, they disseminate alarm conditions, weather, and emergency response notifications, while also playing a role in flight operations and maintaining accountability of Air Force assets.

"Basically, we're the eyes and ears of the commander and the nerve center of the base," said Master Sgt. Vanessa Trujillo, 506th Air Expeditionary Group command post superintendent, deployed here from Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Sergeant Trujillo explained the important role command post plays in Air Force operations.

"We're responsible for flight following (mission execution information) the aircraft that come in and out (of Kirkuk Air Base) ... If the aircraft experiences maintenance problems and the crew has to remain overnight, we coordinate with higher headquarters and provide the logistical support needed," she said. 

Command post Airmen also give the initial notifications for the response teams, including the fire department, security forces and explosive ordnance disposal team, as well as posturing the base in the appropriate alarm conditions during base attacks. 

"Whenever there is something significant on the base, we're the focal point for that -- the nerve center," Sergeant Trujillo said.

Working behind the scenes, the Airmen compile information from various base agencies and relay it to the commander, helping him make informed decisions.

"The most important aspect of our job is to keep the commander informed," said Senior Airman Allyson Youngman, 506th AEG command post controller, deployed here from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. "Anything that happens with flight operations or any personnel, we make sure he knows what's going on."

Command post most notably takes center stage when an urgent message needs to be communicated to the base immediately. They accomplish this by using a network of loudspeakers around the base, known as the giant voice.

"When the base is threatened, we get on the giant voice to let people know they are in danger and to take appropriate actions," said Staff Sgt. Todd Leach, 506th AEG command post controller, deployed from the 15th Airlift Wing, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. "When I get on the giant voice it's validating my purpose here."

Thinking back, Sergeant Leach recalled one particular incident that epitomizes the purpose of command post.

"We had a C-130 fly in, and when it got into its parking spot, it had hot brakes. When the brakes get really hot and start smoking, they can seize together," he said. "So the aircraft smelled of smoke and they called us on the radio. We called the fire department and shortly afterward, the airfield goes to alarm red because of indirect fire and the aircrew evacuated the airplane."

Multitasking, command post alerted base personnel of the threat, summoned emergency response units and accounted for the aircrew, making sure they were safe.

"When it rains, it pours," Sergeant Leach said with a smile. "It wasn't anything unusual, but it all happened at once with this C-130."

Through alarm conditions, accountability and notifications, the command post is taking in stride the responsibilities that often go unnoticed by those outside their career field.

"Our job is important because we have everything to do with what goes on," said Airman Youngman. "If something happens, we know who to notify and who to get out there to respond to the situation."