Airmen work high steel, keep iron flying

by Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/14/2013 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Providing airpower worldwide requires contributions from Airmen of all types. Some positions support the mission directly and visibly, while others do so behind the scenes; keeping things running in the dark of night or behind closed doors.

Ground radar and airfield systems technicians operate behind the scenes.

Working predominantly at night, radar and systems technicians climb towers reaching heights more than 100 feet, keeping runway navigation equipment operational.

From the instrument landing system, which helps pilots land in bad weather, to the obstruction lights which show the locations of tall buildings and towers, every piece of equipment plays a role in daily operations.

"Whenever any of our equipment is down, whether it's an obstruction light or any type of navigation aide, we close down the flightline," said Senior Airman Mikel Columbus, 4th CS ground radar technician assigned to Seymour Johnson. "Our job has a pretty big impact on Seymour Johnson's mission. Obstruction lights carry great significance when it comes to pilot safety."

To perform maintenance on these systems, Airmen must safely climb seven towers that bear the equipment. Following a rigorous technical school, each climber must be certified annually to ensure proper use of safety equipment.

Columbus, a certified climbing instructor, set up his own course here to teach Airmen how to climb and safely work on equipment.

"The goal is to get people feeling comfortable climbing so we can certify them," Columbus said. "We take the time to let them feel safe rather than forcing them up the tower right away. If a person is nervous about it after the first day, we can leave the ropes up and extend the class to help them."

During the classroom portion of the course, Airmen receive instruction on equipment, gear inspection, ropes, knots and fitting. Airmen are then then given time to become comfortable wearing their equipment on the ground before climbing the tower.

Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Bache, 4th CS airfield systems technician, was one of several Airmen who struggled to become comfortable with the extreme course requirements. Bache climbed as part of his initial training and the certification class led by Columbus took things a step farther.

"The difference was I originally climbed in a controlled setting, indoors," Bache said. "The tower was only 50 feet tall and it was fixed at the floor and ceiling. Here, the tower is 100 feet tall and moves around when you climb. It doesn't matter how much you prepare yourself, when you get that high, the tower sways and there's nothing you can do about it. I'm glad I had such good wingmen. They made it possible to get to the top."

Once the technicians are confident in their equipment and overcome any fears associated with climbing, they are able to perform their duties and help maintain successful flying operations.

"Climbing the tower was hard," Bache said. "Now that I took the class and pushed through my fear to the top, I feel confident that I can do my job and keep the equipment running."