Bulgarian and U.S. air traffic controllers perfect teamwork

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Donner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GRAF INGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria --  One of the busiest places on an airfield during missions is the control tower. During Exercise Immediate Response 2006, the control tower is not only a hot spot of activity, it is where Air Force controllers from the 48th Operations Support Squadron have the opportunity to pass on experience and build friendships with their Bulgarian counterparts. 

Bulgaria is a new addition to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Exercise IR06 gives the Bulgarian military a chance to become familiar with NATO procedures and processes. The purpose of the exercise is to allow the Air Force controllers to share experiences, supervise the operation and assist when needed. 

“Since (Bulgaria) became a member of NATO recently, the best way to learn is to practice,” said Maj. Stoyan Petkov, Bulgarian tower controller. “Every day we work something new. This is good because this training helps us move into a NATO team more smoothly.” 

“The operations are running very smooth, and the language barrier is minimal,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Walker, 48th OSS assistant radar approach control chief controller.
Sergeant Walker acts as a military liaison, teacher and supervisor for the tower operations. Before operations started July 17, he gave the Bulgarian air traffic controllers a run down of the U.S. Air Force’s F-15Es performance, landing and take off procedures. F-15E Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath are here supporting the tri-lateral NATO exercise. 

“I just stand back and observe the operations. If needed, I will help the controller talk to the pilot or assist if a procedure needs to be tweaked,” said Sergeant Walker.
Sergeant Walker is not the only U.S. controller working with Bulgarian tower controllers. Tech. Sergeant Andrew Fraser is at the Plovdiv International Airport in case aircraft need to divert. 

“Some procedures run differently,” said Sergeant Fraser. “Overall, the operations have been running smoothly, and it’s been quite enjoyable.” 

Most of the Bulgarian air traffic controllers have worked with the U.S. Air Force before IR06. The Bulgarian government is a strong supporter in the Global War on Terror, and it has given the Bulgarian military a chance to deploy with U.S. service members.
Additionally, the Bulgarian air traffic controllers have different requirements than U.S. controllers. Instead of trained enlisted members, the controllers and radar approach operations are pilots or former pilots, and the radar operators are MIG navigators. 

“I’m looking forward to working more with the Americans, and this training and the exercise is a step closer a good working relationship,” said Major Petkov.