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TACRON 12 in the Midst of Things

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090728-07
Release Date: 7/28/2009 2:18:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Behind the scenes of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) mission is a central point for all things air – the Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON).

TACRON 12, Detachment 1, embarked aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), is the primary air control agency that coordinates all air support for amphibious operations throughout the ARG for its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), which began July 20.

"TACRON's contribution to the ARG's mission readiness is vital," said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AC) (AW/SW) Mark Harris, the detachment's leading chief petty officer.

TACRON is comprised of two subsystems; the Navy Tactical Air Control System (NTACS) and the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS), also known as the Marine Mobile Team.

The detachment's six officers and 20 enlisted Sailors fulfill various roles. Its four operations specialists identify all aircraft in Bonhomme Richard's airspace. One intelligence specialist gathers intelligence while in port and underway. One information systems technician supports the detachment by maintaining Internet capabilities.

"ACs join the Marine Mobile Team when they go out to complete land exercises by LCAC [landing craft air cushion] or helo, to set up radio contact and a landing zone for aircraft," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (SW) Ivy Faulkner, TACRON 12's leading petty officer.

ACs make up most of the detachment's enlisted ratings. The ACs give advisory and procedural control to all participating aircraft outside of 25 nautical miles.

The most familiar task coordinated by TACRON is the passenger mail cargo (PMC) request process. Air transport of personnel and materials to and from USS Cleveland (LPD 7), USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and Bonhomme Richard is an important mission capability.

TACRON also coordinates all search and rescue missions in the event of a downed aircraft, man overboard, or any other casualty including medical evacuation.
Ever day pilots aboard Bonhomme Richard are briefed on the air plan by a member of TACRON.

"We are always in the midst of things," said Faulkner.
"It's a lot of coordination, but if anything is flying in our airspace we know what that aircraft is doing."

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.