MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
MacDill’s Air Traffic Controllers won Air Mobility Command’s 2016 Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year Award March 8, 2017, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
MacDill’s air traffic controllers and airfield systems technicians came together to innovate and develop new processes as a team to ensure success of MacDill’s mission.
“We pioneered new criteria for the controller certification program,” said Master Sgt. Tyrone Wilson, tower chief controller assigned to the 6th Operations Support Squadron. “Also, during the runway closure, we logged over 1,000 hours of simulation training. So when the runway opened back up, we didn’t have to do any proficiency training in order to start working again.”
“It really is an honor to be named as AMC’s air traffic control facility of the year,” said Wilson. “Our team believes the success we have achieved is linked to our working relationship with the air field systems Airmen.”
Being such a busy facility allowed air traffic controllers and airfield systems technicians the opportunity to work more closely with each other to build a mutual respect for each other’s professional expertise.
Airfield systems technicians maintain equipment used by air traffic controllers, from the Instrument Landing System that helps guide aircraft on the runway to the radios used to communicate with the pilots.
“Communication is the most important thing for us because our job is to communicate with the pilots, as well as with the airfield systems Airmen, when something needs to be fixed,” said Wilson. “The good thing is we have a great group of Airmen who are supporting us and making sure we can complete our mission.”
The award was received due to the joint effort of the Airmen at MacDill who consistently practicing Communication, Professionalism and Respect.
“We make sure all of the equipment the controllers need is working properly so they can land aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Andreon Downs, an airfield systems technician assigned to the 6th OSS. “Neither side thinks they are more important than the other. We both support each other and work together as professionals to get the mission done.”