Photo By Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones | Lance Cpl. Samuel Klaiber monitors an aircraft's landing by utilizing a radar monitor...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marines, with their eyes fixated on complex monitors in a room filled with light up indicators of radars and codes, direct pilots via 20 radios at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 10.
“The Marines here hold a crucial role within the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing,” explained Gunnery Sgt. Louie Cruz, the Air Traffic Control training chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “They are responsible for 9,145 miles of airspace as well as the coordination of all aircraft utilizing it.”
According to Cruz, the ATC Marines communicate with both military and civilian aircraft within the airspace.
Additionally, they contribute to all ongoing operations on the flight line here. The Marines ensure operations on the flight line do not interfere with the flow of departing or incoming aircraft.
They are also responsible for monitoring aircraft in the sky to ensure that safe travel routes are being utilized at all times.
The airspace Cherry Point ATC is responsible for increased from 5,356 square miles to the current size on Feb. 5, 2015. The enlargement gives the 2nd Maw more flexibility to conduct more complex training exercises than before, said Cpl. Devin Haydel, an approach controller with H&HS.
“With the larger airspace, we can conduct more military training without having to interrupt as many civilian flight paths,” said Cruz. “It helps us maintain positive control of the airspace and provide services and assistance to the surrounding communities who utilize it.”
Another benefit of the ATC Marines monitoring and maintaining such a large amount of airspace is that 2nd MAW pilots can utilize the airspace at higher altitudes to support their training operations here. The space allows pilots to be more acrobatic and simulate a variety of real-life combat maneuvers in a controlled training environment.
ATC’s mission is to provide a safe expeditionary flow of air traffic and constantly train and educate Marines to enhance the ATC field, said Cruz.
According to Cruz, the Marines receive frequent on-the-job training from other experienced air traffic controllers in order to reach and maintain all required qualifications for their job.
“Training is continuous for the Marines in order for them to maintain their proficiency level within their job,” said Haydel. “We cross-train to ensure that there are always qualified experienced and Marines ready to take on tasks both within and outside of their trained specialties.”
ATC plays a crucial role in successfully carrying out the mission of 2nd MAW, said Haydel. Air traffic controllers are responsible for the departure and arrival of all aircraft here and will continuously strive to keep the skies safe for pilots and Marines.
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2015 15:01 |
| Story ID: | 170107 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 257 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, ATC keeps watch over Cherry Point skies, by SGT Neysa Huertas Quinones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
