Airfield systems specialists keep tankers flying

A localizer antenna array points down the runway July 14, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The localizer antenna array radiates a signal for aircraft up to 20 miles away directing aircraft along the correct travel path to be able to land down the center of the runway. Without these working correctly, the incoming aircraft would not know where to go or be able to land safely in inclement weather. The 92nd Operation Support Squadron airfield systems specialists balance today’s readiness with tomorrow’s modernization by ensuring all equipment on the airfield is up-to-date and working properly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Airfield systems specialists keep tankers flying

Airman 1st Class Eli Romesburg, 92nd Operations Support Squadron airfield systems specialist, adjusts a sensor in the Tactical Air Navigation July 14, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Romesburg adjusts the pulse pair rate inside the TACAN monitor to ensure the system is functioning at 100 percent. The TACAN radiates a signal allowing military aircraft up to 200 nautical miles away to locate and navigate toward Fairchild. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Airfield systems specialists keep tankers flying

Airman 1st Class Eli Romesburg, 92nd Operations Support Squadron airfield systems specialist, adjusts the glide slope side band power July 14, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Adjusting the glide slope to the correct setting allows the signal to give planes their glide path so they are able to approach the runway at the right angle. If these were to break it would be difficult for pilots to land in the correct position. It is the airfield systems specialists job to keep everything up-to-date and in the best working condition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Airfield systems specialists keep tankers flying

A glide slope antenna is seen on the airfield July 14, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The glide slope radiates the signal aircraft use to ensure they are on the right path, the instrument guides the aircraft to the right angle for a safe landing on the runway. This system is maintained by the 92nd Operation Support Squadron airfield systems specialists. Without them, the air traffic controllers and pilots would not be able to accomplish their jobs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Airfield systems specialists keep tankers safe

Published July 15, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 92nd Operation Support Squadron airfield systems specialists balance today's readiness with tomorrow's modernization by ensuring all equipment on the airfield is up-to-date and working within specified standards.

Air traffic controllers and pilots depend on them to ensure the systems and equipment are functioning correctly, otherwise the incoming aircraft would have a harder time knowing where to go and wouldn't be able to land safely in inclement weather.