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53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of pandemic

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  • 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  

The 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron, a unique unit assigned to the 461st Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, tackled the COVID-19 pandemic head on while maintaining its wartime mission, building resiliency, and educating Air Education and Training Command pipeline trainees.

The mission of the 53rd ATCS is to provide Deployable Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems when combatant commanders need to establish a new airfield/bare base, project power into contested areas, or supplement existing air traffic control systems.

Operating under Health Protection Condition CHARLIE proved challenging at first, but the 53rd ATCS rapidly adapted with innovative means to keep systems operational while social distancing, keeping classes running with personal protective equipment, and sparking resiliency with squadron team events via livestream.

Photo shows an Airman reading a binder with equipment stacked on a table in front of him.

53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Airman 1st Class Michael Green, with the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, reviews technical data in order to establish a remote link with the TRN-48, Deployable Tactical Air Navigation system’s communications sub-system while maintaining social distancing requirements. The Remote Control and Status Unit is a commercial equipment item that enables operators and maintainers to quickly restore Tactical Air Navigation equipment often located thousands of feet away from the operations center. (courtesy photo)
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SLIDESHOW | 5 images | 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of
Photo shows an Airman reading a binder with equipment stacked on a table in front of him.

53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Airman 1st Class Michael Green, with the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, reviews technical data in order to establish a remote link with the TRN-48, Deployable Tactical Air Navigation system’s communications sub-system while maintaining social distancing requirements. The Remote Control and Status Unit is a commercial equipment item that enables operators and maintainers to quickly restore Tactical Air Navigation equipment often located thousands of feet away from the operations center. (courtesy photo)

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Photo shows two Airmen inside the cab of a large military truck.

53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Airman 1st Class Lloyd Lee and Airman 1st Class Jacques Mosby, both with the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, review vehicle settings before departing on their hands-on road driving Light Medium Tactical Vehicle course. The LMTV is a critical piece of equipment utilized by the 53rd ATCS to transport personnel and equipment to remote locations allowing for rapid establishment of air traffic control services. (courtesy photo)

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Photos shows large military trucks driving through grass next to a gravel road.

53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Searcy and Airman 1st Class Lee Tasby, both with the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, turn into a dirt trail during vehicle handling training. The six-wheel drive Medium Tactical Vehicle is used by the 53rd ATCS to transport the TRN-48, Deployable Tactical Air Navigation, to remote sections of airstrips and landing zones which are often unpaved. (courtesy photo)

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Photo shows large military truck driving down a small road lined with trees.

53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Airmen from the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron navigate the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, back roads in a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle and a Medium Tactical Vehicle. 53rd ATCS Airmen are given hands-on time behind the wheel of each vehicle to better understand the capabilities and limitations of each of these work horse machines. (courtesy photo)

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Photo shows an Airmen standing over the shoulder of another while he performs checks on equipment.

53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron continues mission in spite of

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Senior Airman Shreta Prasad, an instructor with the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron, teaches Airman 1st Class Matthew Lewandowski and Airman 1st Class Cade Ray, both with the 53rd ATCS, the TRN-48’s performance monitoring system capabilities. The TRN-48 Deployable Tactical Air Navigation provides a computer interface enabling rapid setup and operation of the equipment, which provides technicians live updates and corrections, thus providing critical air navigation capabilities without compromising required maintenance actions. (courtesy photo)

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