Twitter
Facebook
It was a 2011 blockbuster. Space shuttles launch, earthquakes rock Turkey, and violence erupts in Libya. It had all the makings of a “Mission Impossible” sequel, but Tom Cruise was not involved and this was no movie.
These were events the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center responded to in 2011. It was a busy year to say the least, and to top it off they accomplished these missions while transitioning into a new state-of-the-art facility.
Last year saw the final missions of the NASA space shuttle program. The AOC supported three launches and recoveries, including the historic final mission that launched on July 8 and landed July 21.
The 603rd AOC commanded and controlled the movement of 205 people and more than 44 tons of equipment to Transoceanic Abort Landing sites in Europe. The Personnel Recovery Coordination Cell was part of U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s contingency response support, said Lt. Col. William Baird, PRCC director.
On scene to command one of the TAL sites was Lt. Col. Bryan Patchen.
“Having supported many previous space transportation system launches from the AOC, this was a unique opportunity for me as an AOC member to command a part of history,” said Patchen, 789th Air Expeditionary Squadron commander. “I had three aircraft and 45 people assigned, and this was an example of how AOC personnel filled roles outside the AOC to accomplish the mission.”
C-130J Super Hercules aircrews, pararescue and medical support Airmen, and Department of Defense crash-fire-rescue personnel stood on alert in case the shuttle crew needed to bail out or make an emergency landing, said Lt. Col. Mark Hersant, Air Mobility Division deputy chief.
“It was an honor to support NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis during its final launch,” he said. “We were all proud to be a part of this historic day in the decades long space shuttle program.”
After the space shuttle missions, devastating quakes in Turkey brought the 603rd AOC’s focus back to earth. The most common criticism when it comes to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations is a seemingly slow response. However, this was not the case here.
When Turkey’s leaders asked for international assistance, the 603rd AOC had already been planning in anticipation for the call. In less than 24 hours, aircraft were on their way with supplies to support the Turkey-led relief efforts.
“The quickness with which this mission was sent, and the assistance it provided, brought much needed shelter to the Turkish people,” said Maj. Michael Dargen, USAFE Future Operations and Airlift Operations chief, in a previous article.
Dargen led the team of USAFE, 3rd Air Force and 603rd AOC planners responsible for making the relief effort possible. More than 5,000 blankets, cots, sleeping bags and supplies were quickly delivered to affected people.
But even before earthquake relief efforts and the final space shuttle mission took place, 603rd AOC planners and technicians were executing missions in support of the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
In Operation Odyssey Dawn alone, the AOC enabled more than 2,000 sorties. The no-fly zone was enforced, and planners identified more than 1,400 targets.
The PRCC executed and supported the recovery of the pilot and weapons officer of the F-15E Strike Eagle that crashed during operations.
“It was an extraordinary feeling knowing we played a key part in the rescue of personnel,” Baird said.
When NATO ramped up to take charge of the operation, the 603rd Air and Space Communications Squadron built a 12-nation coalition operation center and engineered a NATO secret local area network solution. More than 260 coalition members were operating in less than 48 hours.
And if operations in Libya weren’t enough, the AOC continued its aeromedical evacuation missions without a hiccup.
More than 180 patients were evacuated in 2011, including four wounded people from the conflict in Libya, said Lt. Col. Paul Yenter, Aeromedical Evacuation Control Team chief. His team matches up an aircraft with an AE crew “to get the right care for the right patient in the right amount of time,” he added.
“Our team serves as the focal point for the AE crews while out in the system and we handle all issues for them,” said Master Sgt. Lisa Harelson, AETC superintendent. “It is extremely satisfying knowing that we are able to move our (patients) quickly from the front lines to the home front allowing them to get the best medical care and support they need.”
In the words of Tech. Sgt. Sheilah Lucas, AE flight manager, “There are many things that go on behind the scenes most people have no idea about.” Although she was referring to aeromedical evacuations, her sentiment rings true for most of the missions commanded and controlled by the 603rd AOC.
As the credits rolled for the 603rd AOC’s 2011, they were still open and ready to respond on Jan. 1. Its more than 400 people are ready to support joint and coalition efforts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
