Bagram controllers make it happen
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --
When people land at Bagram Airfield, many don't anticipate how busy the flightline will be. Just last month, there were more than 18,000 flights in and out of Bagram Airfield.
As one of the busiest single runways in the world, a mission is flown every two minutes.
Shelby Streunk, Midwest Air Traffic Controllers chief controller, says Bagram has the potential to allow for even more aircraft to take off.
"There is constant construction and the aircraft are a composite mix, but the runway is not set up for the maximum amount of flights," said Mr. Streunk. Mr. Streunk was also at Bagram from 2006-2007, and since then, the amount of flights has doubled.
Tirzah Berlin, an air traffic controller here, was previously an air traffic controller at Incirlik, Turkey, and Robins Air Force Base, Ga., but they do not compare to what she refers to as the "organized chaos" here.
"I don't think I've ever seen a base so busy," she said. "It feels good though to help with medical evacuations and patients that need to get to a hospital right away. The pilots are also very helpful."
Being an air traffic controller is job with many responsibilities, but the responsibilities are greater at Bagram.
"Many potential controllers washout, civilian and military, so I have pride that I have made it," said Ms. Berlin.
All but one of the Bagram controllers are civilians and here on one-year contracts. Ms. Berlin has been here for three months.
"The best part of my job is when we have all done a good job and everyone, not just in the tower, but the pilots, passengers and crews are all safe," said Ms. Berlin.
As one of the busiest single runways in the world, a mission is flown every two minutes.
Shelby Streunk, Midwest Air Traffic Controllers chief controller, says Bagram has the potential to allow for even more aircraft to take off.
"There is constant construction and the aircraft are a composite mix, but the runway is not set up for the maximum amount of flights," said Mr. Streunk. Mr. Streunk was also at Bagram from 2006-2007, and since then, the amount of flights has doubled.
Tirzah Berlin, an air traffic controller here, was previously an air traffic controller at Incirlik, Turkey, and Robins Air Force Base, Ga., but they do not compare to what she refers to as the "organized chaos" here.
"I don't think I've ever seen a base so busy," she said. "It feels good though to help with medical evacuations and patients that need to get to a hospital right away. The pilots are also very helpful."
Being an air traffic controller is job with many responsibilities, but the responsibilities are greater at Bagram.
"Many potential controllers washout, civilian and military, so I have pride that I have made it," said Ms. Berlin.
All but one of the Bagram controllers are civilians and here on one-year contracts. Ms. Berlin has been here for three months.
"The best part of my job is when we have all done a good job and everyone, not just in the tower, but the pilots, passengers and crews are all safe," said Ms. Berlin.
