Combat Comm tests multinational interoperability, builds relationships

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb
  • 435th Air Base Wing public affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Teaming up with more than 40 participating nations, 1st Combat Communications Squadron uses Combined Endeavor 2008 to plan, prepare and practice using a full range of communications equipment, policies and procedures prior to deploying for NATO missions and emerging, real-world crisis situations such as the evacuation of Lebanon and response to natural disasters.

The exercise included 58 personnel from 1st CBCS as well as other participants from Ramstein who partook in the exercise located in Split, Croatia, the forward operating site, and Lager Aulenbach, Germany, the main testing site.

"This is the largest communications-interoperability exercise of its kind working together with over 40 nations on all aspects of communications from networks to telephones and video teleconferences," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Wells, 1st CBCS Lager Aulenbach site superintendent.

By working through the kinks that come from different equipment and configurations we all worked together to learn what is needed when working together in times of war and crisis.

"When time is of the essence, this is when the training we receive at Combined Endeavor comes in handy," said Senior Airman Kevin Craig, 1st CBCS communications access package journeyman. "Especially in disaster relief efforts when events happen with little, to no notice.

The over 1,000 interoperability tests done during CE 08 also gives Airmen an idea of what to bring to the fight.

"Combined Endeavor helps us to know what equipment works best for any country we need to work with," said Sergeant Wells. "It may cut our pay load, time, and in some cases even the resources needed to transport the equipment in half."

As Airmen worked toward interoperability they built relationships.

"I think the communication equipment working together is just as important as the people here working together," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing, 1st CBCS data lead. "Our international friendships are a great force multiplier. I wish everyone could experience this work environment."

After two weeks of testing, trouble shooting and configuring equipment, CE 08 has left its mark on the Airmen of 1st CBCS.

"Combined Endeavor has been an excellent opportunity for 1st Combat Comm Airman to operate in an environment that will certainly be in our future," said Col. Joe Sublousky, 1st CBCS commander. "The interaction with the Combined Endeavor family of nations enabled 1st Combat Comm to increase our interoperability knowledge and share what we know. I am extremely proud of each and every Airman who I know gave 110% to every fellow partner nation and continued our proud heritage of always being prepared to be the first in and last out... Hooah!"