RAWS keeps ‘em flying at CAFB

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Aircraft rely on radar and communication systems when navigating the skies over Columbus AFB. Personnel that maintain those systems must ensure they do it safely, especially when often having to climb up to 100 feet above the ground to assess equipment. But, when its support of air traffic controllers, National Weather Service counts, and command and control across the wing, the 14th Operations Support Squadron’s Radar, Airfield and Weather Systems (RAWS) Flight provides around-the-clock upkeep of base and regional radar equipment, ground-to-air radios and weather systems. “It’s our job to work on radios, radars, landing equipment, and electrical equipment that aids the Radar Approach Control to communicate with planes, and outside agencies,” said Senior Airman Brandon Culp, 14th OSS’ RAWS journeyman. Maintaining the systems and equipment requires RAWS Airmen to be seasoned climbers. “The attention to detail over here is amazing and the depth of knowledge that the Airmen have to know to do their job is impressive,” said Chief Master Sgt. Kellie Brisse, 14th Operations Group superintendent, who had the opportunity to experience the RAWS flight training. As an experienced climber, Culp said he enjoys training Airmen, but some things are not taught through normal training - like sudden fear of heights or high winds. The climb training sets Airmen into real-world experiences and it is the duty of the instructors to coach them through stressful situations, how to hook in properly, take a break when needed, and propel down. (Source: CAFB 02/03/20)