'Crows' Keep Watch Over Afghan Skies
(May 27, 2010) |
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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (March 3, 2010) — Airmen at the
4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron are "looking for
trouble," using the MC-12W Liberty to bring tactical
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to ground
commanders in Afghanistan.
"We bring a unique capability to the fight," said Lt. Col.
Rob Weaver, 4th ERS director of operations deployed from
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., where he is an A-10
Thunderbolt pilot. "Our mission is to deliver combat
airpower and overwatch to the joint fight in theater."
Since the squadron stood up in December 2009, the
all-volunteer unit, known as the "Crows," has flown 130
sorties, logging more than 600 hours. The four-man MC-12
aircrews fly the aircraft, a modified King Air 350
commercial plane, to augment information gathered by other
intelligence-collection capabilities operating in theater by
providing real-time full-motion video and signals
information to help military leaders make battlefield
decisions. |
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| Lt. Col. Rob Weaver,
director of operations of the 4th Expeditionary
Reconnaissance Squadron and an MC-12W Liberty
pilot, briefs a departing MC-12W aircrew prior
to "stepping" to their aircraft for a mission,
Feb. 27, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The
four-person MC-12 aircrews fly the aircraft, a
modified King Air 350 commercial plane, designed
to augment information gathered by other
intelligence-collection capabilities operating
in theater, by providing real-time full-motion
video and signals information to help military
leaders make battlefield decisions. Photo by
USAF SSSgt. Manuel Martinez |
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"We had an operation where one of our teams received
actionable intelligence regarding a potential suicide
vehicle-borne improvised explosive device," said Special
Agent Jeffrey Engel, Air Force Office of Special
Investigations Expeditionary Detachment 2405 deployed from
Langley Air Force Base, Va. "The MC-12 aircrew was able to
provide visual intelligence, which enabled us to see the key
points on the ground, enter the area safely and apprehend
five insurgents before they could evade Coalition forces'
custody or use their device against both Afghan and
Coalition forces."
"When we first got the intelligence about this operation we
needed some validation of the intel. we received," said Lt.
Col. Vasago Tilo, AFOSI EDet. 2405 commander deployed from
Langley AFB, Va. "Without the MC-12 squadron, this operation
would have never been executed and these targets would have
never been neutralized. There is no doubt — executing this
operation saved the lives of Coalition forces and Afghan
citizens."
For these total-force Airmen with backgrounds in many
different aircraft, such as the A-10, E-3 Sentry Airborne
Warning and Control System, E-8 Joint Surveillance Target
Attack Radar System, RC-135 Rivet Joint, T-1 Jayhawk and
others, becoming an effective special-mission tactical ISR
squadron didn't happen overnight.
First, there were two-weeks of training in Atlanta,
including a check ride in an MC-12 simulator. Next, there
was a 7-week flying course at Key Field, a Mississippi Air
National Guard Base near Meridian, Miss., when the
four-person aircrew of one pilot, a copilot, a sensor
operator and a crypto operator get 12 flights aboard the
MC-12.
Their 13th flight was in combat.
"With every Airman in this squadron being a volunteer from
different aircraft, we had to gel together quickly," said
Weaver, a native of Seneca, S.C. "As an A-10 pilot I don't
normally fly with a four-man aircrew, so this has been an
adjustment for me. As a team we have met each challenge as
professionals. It's a true testament to the professionals we
have working on the various airframes in the world's
greatest Air Force."
While the mission is meeting with success there have been
some unique experiences for Airmen flying the Air Force's
newest ISR aircraft.
"Just getting to talk to the (joint terminal attack
controller) Airmen on the ground is a new experience for
me," said Staff Sgt. Edward Shepherd, 4th ERS sensor
operator deployed from Tinker AFB, Okla., where he is an E-3
AWACS radio operator. "I get to build a relationship with
that guy on the ground and hopefully positively impact his
day. That direct contact makes me feel like I am making a
difference for those forces on the ground and it is
something that fills me with pride."
"Getting to see the diverse skills from around the Air Force
come together to make this mission a success has been
great," said Senior Airman Alvar Lam, 4th ERS crypto
operator deployed from Offutt AFB, Neb., where he is a
linguist. "Our diversity is our strength and we have been
able to come together and make our strength a strong asset
for the ground commanders we serve."
The MC-12 program was dubbed the Project Liberty Program as
a nod to a World War II effort that quickly built and
transitioned commercial ships to the fight in Europe — much
like how the Air Force fielded the MC-12. The Air Force
plans to increase the MC-12 inventory to 37 by the end of
2010.
"The Airmen and this asset are proving their worth on a
daily basis," Weaver said. "I hope the MC-12 can find a
permanent home base in the U.S. where Airmen can gain more
experience on this critical ISR asset. Our Airmen have
proven it means trouble for the enemy." |
By USAF TSgt. Oshawn Jefferson, U.S. AFCENT Combat
Camera Team
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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