Guiuan's Air Traffic Controller

22 November 2013

Ravaged Guiuan airport is controlled in the ground by a team of 10 U.S. Special Operations combat controllers (the air traffic controller equivalent in military) from the US 353rd Special Operations Group (SOG) after its control tower was blown to pieces by Typhoon Haiyan.

"Our purpose is to get in there and have an airfield established immediately," said Capt. Jon Shamess, with the 353rd SOG. 

"We work closely with the Philippine military and civilian air traffic control to ensure the safety and efficiency of the airport."

From left, Staff Sgt. Aaron Davis, Master Sgt. Tobin Berry and a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, direct air traffic Nov. 17, 2013, at Guiuan Airport. 

The special tactics Airmen, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, worked with the Philippine military in support of Operation Damayan to open the airfield in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. 

Davis and Barry are combat controllers with the 353rd Special Operations Group. 

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer)

No comments:

Post a Comment