Marine Air Control Squadron 2 Tactical Air Operations Center keeps aircraft flying high

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Poole | Gunnery Sgt. Thomas W. VanTilborg, senior air director for MACS-2, coordinates air control through Al Anbar. This is VanTilborg's second deployment with MACS-2.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

03.22.2009

Story by Cpl. Jennifer Poole 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – To keep aircraft flying high in the sky, it takes more than just fuel and proper weather conditions. It takes a team of people on the ground coordinating the directional flow of each aircraft in order to keep from the skies free of mishaps.

In the skies over Iraq's Al Anbar province, its is the Marines of Marine Air Control Squadron 2 who provide the navigational assistance to friendly aircraft while also ensuring air defense surveillance against hostile aircraft and missiles.

"We're here to provide the positive control of aircraft, and to keep our skies running in the best order possible," said Capt. John D. Krysa, Tactical Air Operations Center detachment commander for MACS-2.

This is the second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for approximately 15 Marines in the squadron, all of whom are willing to offer any help or advice to Marines who have never deployed or who are new to the squadron.

"The Marines who deployed with us last time are a great resource for the Marines who have never deployed, or those who are new to the squadron," said Krysa. "Those Marines also helped train the Marines of MACS-23 before they deployed, to help offer them support on guidance, for a smooth transition."

"With this deployment, I'm a lot more confident in my abilities since I've been here before and know what to expect," said Sgt. Raymone Paul, tactical air traffic controller for MACS-2. "Once I've qualified in this position, I'll be moving to a supervisor position, and I feel absolutely honored to be able to pass along my knowledge."

Although the deployment has just begun for the Marines of MACS-2, nothing but excellence is expected.

"The seven-month deployment for the Marines of MACS-2 should prove to be an exciting, awarding experience for everyone," said Krysa.

For more information on the ongoing mission in Iraq's Al Anbar province, visit www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd.

• Date Taken: 03.22.2009
• Date Posted: 03.22.2009 13:43
• Story ID: 31459
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ