The 445th AW Command Post and the "Wizard of Oz"

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rod McNany
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Ever need to talk to the command post?

I am always intimidated when it comes to contacting them. They are the all knowing, all seeing eyes of the base, yet they remain unseen...always behind the thick steel door where knocking is useless and a doorbell is non-existent. Even to visit to write this story I'm hesitant to pick up the wall phone next to the ominous door! I start to feel like the cowardly lion confronting the "man behind the green curtain" and suddenly the door buzzes. I summon the courage to push the door open and am immediately mesmerized by the smoke, the lights, the sounds... I'm in the "inner sanctum" the "nerve center" for the kingdom of Oz, or more appropriately the 445th Airlift Wing. My fears melt as quickly as the wicked witch of the east as I'm greeted by several friendly faces.

Information is power and One Charlie Threes (1C3X1 Air Force Specialty Code) have that power. Their responsibilities warrant it.

One of the primary tasks of the command post controller is being the voice of the commander, said Senior Airman Frank Williams, a controller for two years.

"We take direction from the commander to disseminate information," he added.
According to Master Sgt. David Filipkowski, they are the point of contact from higher headquarters, a funnel for time sensitive information that flows between the commander and his boss.

Concurrent with everything else the Command Post does, they follow all 445th Airlift Wing aircraft. Whether en route down range or flying a local mission, they are in constant contact with the crew.

"We provide all the coordination to meet the needs of inbound flights to include request for passenger stairs, cargo unloading and distinguished visitors," said TSgt Christian Woolford".

"We also work closely with the MOC (Maintenance Operations Center) and TACC (the Tanker Airlift Control Center out of Scott Air Force Base, Ill.) to monitor maintenance issues as well," Master Sgt. Bryan Bohn added.

While they have periods of quiet, their busiest times are during exercises. With the exception of exercise scenarios, the command post always operates real world.

"The exercises help us to be prepared not for being activated and sent down range, but for the in-flight emergencies that might be radioed in 30 minutes from now," said Sergeant Bohn.

Command post controllers also provide coordination with flight line security and maintenance for all flight line visits as well as outside of the box issues like communicating information to and from senior leadership, or working with local and base law enforcement agencies and supporting public affairs in the performance of their duties.

"Because we have the ability to contact anybody on base, we can track people down," said Sergeant Woolford.

According to Sergeant Bohn, the most rewarding part of the job is the service they provide. "We support the mission and help people, whether it's a stranded logistics readiness unit stuck in Germany trying to get home, or an Airman Basic who calls in not knowing where to report."

While the Airmen in our command post can't dispense miracles, they do operate with intelligence, courage, and a whole lot of heart for a successful conclusion to every mission they handle.