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Command post serves as Andersen’s pulse

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily A. Bradley
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Whether it's Guam's unpredictable weather or continuous flights coming in and out of Andersen, in the midst of the hustle and bustle, there is always a unit following all the events. The 36th Wing Command Post Airmen are responsible for collecting, tracking and circulating important information about Andersen's mission to key personnel. Controllers ensure the information reaches the wing commander, Pacific Air Forces, base residents and various units throughout the base when appropriate, covering all portions of the spectrum.

"[Command post Airmen] are as busy as the base is," said Airman 1st Class Kyle Larson, 36th Wing Command Post controller. "Depending on the day, the work flow can be fast or slow."

The command post is comprised of members from two units: the 734th Air Mobility Squadron and the 36th Wing. The Andersen Command Post was the first in PACAF to successfully merge the two separate units into one unified command post, said Master Sgt. Tracy Sharp, 36th WG Command Post superintendent.

"The two (merged) to help out with the manning situation throughout the Air Force," Sharp said. "It makes our controllers more proficient."

The 734th AMS is responsible for tracking flights on the Andersen flightline, such as aircraft and cargo, while the 36th WG focuses on base operations.

"(The) Command post is the brain of the base," Sharp said. "We have to turn information into a report to send up to commanders and PACAF and disperse out to the base; this all happens very quickly."

If needed, the Giant Voice System, phone notifications, and notifications that show up on government computers are activated to increase awareness of different situations affecting Andersen at that point in time.

The most common announcements for Andersen are atmospheric conditions that could affect the mission or safety of the Airmen, such as temperature, wind speed or lightning distance from base.

Because of these unique mission requirements, controllers are required to maintain a score of 90 percent or above on a monthly emergency action test that reviews Air Force Instruction 10-210 Emergency Action Procedures.

The Command post continues to train and improve readiness to respond in an accurate and timely manner 24 hours a day, year-round.

"Command post is the heartbeat of Andersen," Larson said. "The base depends on us to ensure they are informed."

To contact the 36th WG Command Post, call 366-2981.