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TACRON 22 Supports Iwo Jima ESG Amphibious Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081006-04
Release Date: 10/6/2008 4:53:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- A detachment of air traffic controllers, operation specialists and six officers from Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22 are embarked aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

The squadron, based out of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va., sent a detachment of 27 personnel to support air operations for the ESG and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU). The detachment, which joined the ESG in August, coordinates all air operations in support of amphibious forces within the ESG.

"We provide real-time information on the status of Iwo Jima ESG and 26 MEU aircraft on our ships and compile it to one master air plan," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Garrison Nelson, assistant leading petty officer.

"We ensure that all the aircraft are where they need to be when they need to be there, to include ensuring all passengers, mail and cargo are correctly delivered throughout the strike group."

The TACRON's tactical air control center (TACC) provides centralized control, coordination and integration of amphibious air operations and training while their planning cell integrates ESG air operations with both fleet and theater commanders. The detachment controls a range of air support to conduct missions in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

"We support a number of missions -- from surface surveillance and escort missions to dedicated search and rescue missions," said Cmdr. Steven Francis, executive officer for TACRON 22. "Our air support provides a very flexible range of capabilities to the on-scene commander."

The TACRON detachment has a Marine Integration Team (MIT) as well, which is used to supplement the Marine's expeditionary air traffic control team.

"The MIT may have to take over an airfield or even build a temporary airfield for helicopters and C-130's to land and takeoff," said Chief Air Traffic Controller Jamey McFarland, TACC leading chief petty officer. "It is essential for the Marines to have an airborne logistics area."

TACRON also assumes the duties of search and rescue (SAR) coordinator. They ensure synchronized efforts within the ESG, the medical department, as well as with outside agencies such as international search-and-rescue coordination centers, foreign airfields and embassies.

"TACRON's role in SAR missions range from coordinating air support to actually controlling the aircraft conducting the search and rescue missions," said Francis. "Our detachment consists of personnel from a variety of aviation and maritime experience who provide the diversity of expertise needed to accomplish the complex air planning, coordination and control means necessary for amphibious air operations."

The TACRON 22 detachment is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting MSO in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.