The Airmen behind the giant voice

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  It's 3:00 a.m. and while almost everyone is at home sleeping, Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing Command Post are awake and ready to handle any situation.

They receive a phone call notification of a military member's off-base vehicle accident. Within seconds of the notification, emergency actions controllers spring into action, grabbing a quick-response checklist and notifying the wing commander of the situation.

"Any phone call or message we receive starts the same way - notify the wing commander," said Senior Airman Sheila Cole, 31st Fighter Wing Command Post emergency actions controller. "Normally, we are the first ones to know what's happening on and off base. Then simultaneously, we alert emergency response units and the commander."

Command Post Airmen receive dozens of phone calls that include Red-Cross notifications, in-flight emergencies and vehicle accidents.

"We monitor all base notifications," said Master Sgt. Nathan Landry, 31st Fighter Wing Command Post NCO in charge of reports. "Our main responsibility for information dissemination is to ensure the wing commander is aware of the situation. Even the individual's group or squadron commander, and first sergeant are notified. We are the focal point for the dissemination of information on base."

These Airmen must remain cool, calm and collected during any situation says Landry.  When important information is on the line, it's vital to ensure steps are not skipped in the process.

"We understand what's at stake and can react to anything. It's just second nature for us," said Landry.

The Airmen's quick reaction is attributed to continuous monthly training. Command Post Airmen are required to score at least a 90 percent on the emergency actions test and two-person control test, and be certified by the wing commander.

"In order for emergency actions controllers to be certified and continue working in the command post, they must be interviewed by the wing commander," explained Landry. "Because he approves our certifications, he trusts our recommendations."

At least two controllers are required to man the command post 24/7 -- the NCO in charge and a junior controller. Regardless if the 12-hour shift is almost over, real-world operations always control the work schedule.

"It's rough sometimes to know that we don't get to go out and mingle because we are tucked away," said Cole. "Since we are a small unit though, we do have that family-camaraderie."

Although other Aviano Airmen may never see the faces behind the half-staff notification emails or the "giant voice" that notifies lightning within five nautical miles, the Command Post Airmen know their role is crucial to the Aviano mission.

"Seeing how I fit into the Air Force mission as a whole is an unbelievable feeling of pride, and I'm blessed to wear this uniform," Cole said with a smile.