86th Operational Support Squadron, Air Traffic Controller, Senior Airmen Kyle Gibson looks for approaching aircraft during an operations check from the the new alternate Air Traffic Control facility near the flight-line, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez)
86th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Controllers test the ability to operate in an alternate tower near the flight-line, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez)
86th Operational Support Squadron, Air Traffic Controller, Senior Airmen Kyle Gibson completes radio transmission adjustments during an operations check from the the new alternate Air Traffic Control facility near the flight-line, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez)
86th Operational Support Squadron, Air Traffic Controller, Senior Airmen Kyle Gibson completes radio transmission adjustments during an operations check from the the new alternate Air Traffic Control facility near the flight-line, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez)
86th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Controllers complete operation checks to test the ability to operate in an alternate tower near the flight-line, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez)
by Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
3/6/2012 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Mission success, 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Controllers tested the ability to operate in an alternate tower near the flight-line, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 2, 2012. Air Tower Control facilities are required to have specific procedures and equipment in place to conduct operations in an alternate facility, enabling air traffic controllers the ability to safely and effectively continue operations when the primary facility is no longer operational.
Ramstein's ATC facility was originally scheduled for completion in 2008, due to delays and funding the estimated completion was extended. The tower had the ability to continue operations using the MSN-7 (mobile tower), the alternate tower gives controllers more flexibility. It provides modern automation, space and ability to operate with the same equipment used in our primary facility.
