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A ground crew member directs the E-11A to the taxiway to prepare for take off here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, May 25, 2012. The primary mission of the E-11A is to provide real-time tactical data links encompassing line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight situations for airborne and surface operators. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle)
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TAG marks major aviation milestone
Posted 7/18/2012 Updated 7/18/2012
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by Airman 1st Class Alexandra Hendrickson
451st Tactical Airborne Gateway
7/18/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Nearly four years ago, the Air Force fielded the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node. The program was designed to overcome the communications limitations posed by the rugged terrain in Afghanistan.
This past Saturday, July 14th, the Airmen of the 451st Tactical Airborne Gateway at Kandahar Airfield executed their 3,000th mission which represents a major achievement for the program, the Airmen, and the contractors who are dedicated to supporting ground forces.
The 451st TAG operates the E-11A aircraft; it operates in Afghanistan in support of CENTCOM war fighter requirements. Over the span of the program, additional aircraft were added to the fleet to bring more capability to the battlefield.
The E-11A provides airborne communication and data links to ground forces operating in Afghanistan. It is equipped to relay and broadcast a variety of information in support of current operations. BACN supports seamless movement of both voice and data communication. The system is especially useful in rugged terrain where line-of-sight communications are problematic. The airborne link has proven invaluable during airdrop and air strike operations, allowing ground forces to communicate with C2 nodes in all conditions and using a variety of radios.
Day in and day out, executing the BACN mission has been a significant experience for the Airmen of the 451st TAG. Lt. Col. Paul Bedesem and Maj. David Grimwood, both TAG pilots, flew the 3,000th mission in the original E-11A aircraft.
"It's a great honor and feeling of satisfaction knowing our missions have such a significant impact supporting the ground and air forces in theater," Bedesem said. "It's not just this 3000th mission, but on all the missions our unit flies every day."
Both pilots agree that while flying on this mission or the next, a motivating factor is knowing that their team work is vital to mission success.
"We're happy to be here and glad we can contribute in some small way," Grimwood said. "We take each flight one at a time and give it our best. The 3000th mission was just one more opportunity for the TAG to help out the team." |
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