Ground radio and radar

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gino Reyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Communication Squadron's ground radio and radar maintenance flights, repair radios and radars essential to performing the base's mission.

Ground radio Airmen perform maintenance on equipment like the tactical radio controller which allow pilots to securely communicate while in flight. They also inspect Localizer and FMQ 19 devices. The Localizer helps aircraft find the center line on the runway during landing and the FMQ 19 is a group of weather sensing devices. Radio Airmen must complete eight months of technical school and 12 months of on-the-job training to achieve their 5-levels.

Ground Radar Airmen perform daily maintenance on the base's radars to ensure they are functioning correctly. They provide air traffic controllers with ability to observe and track military and civilian aircraft in the area. Without this equipment the controllers could not locate aircraft and coordinate their movements in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's airspace. Radar Airmen must complete eight months of technical school and 15 months of on-the-job training to achieve their 5-levels.