Eyes on the sky keep airfield traffic safe

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control Tower scan the skies to keep air traffic safe on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. During an in-flight emergency, it’s an air traffic controller’s responsibility to assist the aircrew by providing coordination with other air traffic, clearing ground traffic, and making sure emergency personnel are ready to respond when the aircraft lands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Mcintosh, 435th Contingency Response Squadron air traffic controller, uses binoculars to spot an aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers provide eyes on the sky over the airfield, ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft on the ground and in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Villa, 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Field Operations Flight Air Traffic Control Tower watch supervisor, uses binoculars to spot an aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers must stay alert and pay close attention to details of the airfield. Ramstein controllers may keep track of four or five aircraft simultaneously while guiding them each to a safe landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

A C-130J Super Hercules banks by the 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Field Operations Flight Air Traffic Control Tower on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers provide eyes on the skies over the air field, ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft movement on the ground and in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Villa, left, and Master Sgt. Adam Hager, 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Field Operations Flight Air Traffic Control Tower watch supervisors, identify an incoming aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers must stay alert and pay close attention to details of the air field. Ramstein controllers may keep track of four or five air craft simultaneously while guiding them each to a safe landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

Clouds loom over the 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Field Operations Flight Air Traffic Control Tower on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers provide eyes on the skies over the air field, ensuring the safety and efficiency of movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jessica Klein, 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control Tower air traffic controller, watches a C-20H Gulfstream IV taxi on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers train rigorously and undergo intense evaluation before becoming certified controllers. Because every flightline and airframe is different, they must undergo on-the-job training at each new assignment, ensuring they are fully prepared to provide air traffic safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Villa, 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Field Operations Flight Air Traffic Control Tower watch supervisor, tests the operability of a light gun on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 1, 2017. Air traffic controllers use light guns to communicate with aircrew when radios are down because air traffic controllers guide aircraft to safe landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)