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***image1***Within 24 hours of notification, Senior Airman James McCrea and Airman 1st Class Thomas Robertson, 1st Combat Communications Squadron, deployed to assist in the investigation of a recent F-16 Falcon crash from the 510th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
The Airmen were tasked to prepare and deploy a support package to provide communications support to the investigation team located at the crash site.
Airmen McCrea and Robertson expedited the establishment of data and voice communications in less than 30 minutes. The initial communication package included two phone lines, eight data lines for secure and non-secure Internet and e-mail communications. It also included a net-workable printer that can be used to copy, scan, fax and print. This equipment can be set up in minimal time and can be stored in two footlocker-sized cases.
The 31st Communications Squadron at Aviano, equipped with the link established by the members of 1st CBCS, were able to supply the remainder of the support equipment necessary to establish the command center at the crash site.
“It was a great experience to assist in a major crash investigation,” said Airman McCrea. “I was impressed by how our equipment helped with the command and control at the site.”
In addition to the communications support, Airman McCrea and Airman Robertson assisted in the setup of generators for electrical power, two tents used for storage and the sleeping arrangements for eight personnel.
“We also maintained land mobile radios, which provided the site commander with command and control over the area of responsibility” said Airman Robertson.
The communications team once again validated their capability to deploy within 24-hour’s notice, said the Airmen. It afforded personnel at the site with almost immediate reach-back capabilities to Aviano. The investigation could not have happened without the help of the many men and women behind the scenes at the 1st Combat Communications Squadron, who live by the creed, “First In, Last Out.” The site included a site commander, a security forces team, civil engineering personnel, communications personnel and local nationals who provided security around the crash site.
(Courtesy of 1st Combat Communications Squadron)
