Combat Comm hooks up African ops

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Culbertson
  • USAFE News Service
KIGALI, Rwanda (USAFENS) --  Anyone that's experienced a power outage or even a network outage at home station appreciates the necessity of communications in every facet of accomplishing the mission. When deployed, that necessity intensifies.

As a "first in, last out" unit, the eight members of the deployed 1st Combat Comm team from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, are providing critical connectivity for the 150-person 86th Air Expeditionary Group here.

"This mission couldn't happen without (combat communication)," said Capt. Richard Brown, deployed 1st Combat Comm commander. "We had all systems--secure voice, DSN, video teleconferencing, NIPR and SIPR -- up and running within 24 hours of beginning set-up."

Combat Comm handles tactical communications set-up, versus the day-to-day operations of base communication. The teams handle short-notice missions and bare base operations.

The 86 AEG here is supporting the African Union airlift mission and is scheduled to move 550 AU peacekeepers to the El-Fashir airstrip in the Darfur region of the Sudan, as well as redeploy 200 AU troops back to Kigali. The mission is part of an international effort by NATO and the European Union to help the AU significantly expand its presence in Darfur in an attempt to halt continuing violence.

The eight combat comm Airmen here represent seven specialties -- communications officer, satellite technician, tech controller, telephone technician, data technician, power production and radio technician.

Each combat comm Airmen has a large responsibility -- he is the sole available expert on his communications package. Staff Sgt. Rich Bundy, for example, as the only data technician in the 86 AEG, handles network infrastructure, software and hardware configuration and network administration. He stresses, however, the team aspect of combat comm.

"It's been a team effort since we got here," said Sergeant Bundy. "Everyone was working on setting up his package then helping out those that hadn't finished."

New to combat comm and Ramstein AB, he was impressed by the spirit of cooperation at his new squadron.

"One individual in particular stayed at work until 10 p.m. the night before I left (for this TDY) to ensure I knew how to set up my communications package. Teamwork -- not just out in the field, but back at home station -- that's what combat comm is about," said Sergeant Bundy.

The sentiment was echoed by Captain Brown.

"Only one of these eight Airmen was on the last mission to Africa, and it's been very rewarding to see them come together as a team," said Captain Brown.

In one-deep positions, the unit is vulnerable to the effects of sickness or extenuating circumstances that would leave a package expert absent.

"We've spent time comparing notes about our jobs so that if something happens to someone, another person can monitor his system," said Sergeant Bundy. "At base comm, you'd only hold one piece of a system, one small task. Here, you're the one guy to hold the whole package."

The communications mission has gotten easier with each operation in Africa, said Senior Airman Johnny Dao, satellite technician, who has been to previous missions here.

"With each mission, we've become more familiar with what capabilities are needed and how to best fulfill them," said Airman Dao.

Airman Dao also noticed differences in the Rwandan landscape.

"Since the last time I was here, more roads are paved, sidewalks have been completed, and more grass has been planted," he said.

One thing that hasn't changed, he said, is the kindness of the people.

"Everyone is so kind and courteous. I'm glad to be here and contribute to the airlift mission," said Airman Dao.

"This is an amazing opportunity," said Sergeant Bundy. "It's been a phenomenal experience to be able to come out here and help the African people."