June 30 – ROCKINGHAM – The 3-58 Airfield Operations Battalion is improving its air traffic control skills and knowledge at Richmond County Airport.
In the past week, 14 people put their training to the test at the airport. Some are veterans while others are learning the necessary skills for the first time.
This battalion has returned from a mission in Somalia since February.
“The number of planes here is about ten times what it normally is,” said Sgt. Christopher Korthals. “A lot more noise, a lot more traffic jams while we’re here. We’re doing this on purpose to make the training possible.”
They are working with Civil Air Patrol to land planes at the facility. These pilots gain hours of experience necessary to fly, and the military personnel on the ground learn hands-on, situational learning.
Regular air traffic to the airport is not interrupted by the operation. The military comes to the airport about once a month, usually for about a week.
The plane that comes in partnership with the military does not stay at the airport. Korthals said they are flying around simulating emergencies to help understand different scenarios. Aircraft come from Wilmington, Winston-Salem and Myrtle Beach.
Korthals said the real challenge is the mix of civil and military aircraft using the runways.
“We are basically just making sure that we keep our skills and increase our hours again,” said specialist Justin Mabry, who has three years of experience and uses his knowledge in Somalia.
Mabry said they are preparing for an upcoming two week training session.
“There’s a lot to remember, there’s a lot to remember. It can be very, very stressful at times,” said Mabry, although he made it clear that the general atmosphere is very relaxed.
The crew usually use a mobile ATC tower, but it was not used on Tuesday. They consult with the airfield management of the US Air Force and an approach control tower in Fayetteville.
The story goes on
Sgt. John Burch, who oversees instrument flight rules with radar, said simulating their skills really prepares them for success.
“When the weather is bad, we’re pretty much the guys they call to get the plane safely to the ground,” said Burch. “After a while you get used to talking to different planes and it becomes a routine.”
Burch has two years of experience which makes his job very easy.
The 3-58 Airfield Operations Battalion will depart from the airport on Tuesday and return to Fort Bragg.
To support the Richmond County Daily Journal, subscribe at https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/subscribe or 910-817-3111.
Contact Matthew Sasser at 910-817-2671 or [email protected]