1st in AF to install blown fiber

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - The 85th Engineering Installation Squadron completed the first blown fiber installation for fiber optic cables in the Air Force on Jan. 14 at Keesler Air Force Base. The fiber optic cable installation was improved using an air compressor that repels the fiber through micro-tubing, setting a pipe that allows the fiber to go from one end of a run to the other. The glass cable works the same way as the fiber optic cable currently used on base, the difference is “it installs way faster and it cuts down the time of getting it to the testing portion and getting it ready for use,” said Staff Sgt. Colton Gallegos, 85th EIS cable and antenna supervisor. The 85th EIS demonstrated how effective the new version of installation was by installing 1,600 feet of fiber in less than six minutes, and can cut down installation from up to 10 days to about three. “This process can triple the customer load the 85th EIS has, providing the mission capability much quicker,” Antonio Matheu, 81st Communications Squadron plans and programs, said. (Source: 81st Training Wing 01/28/20)