Fort Worth, TEXAS -- "We're not co-located, we're one team! One team, one fight," stated Roy Queretaro, 301st Operations Group air space coordinator.
The combining of Navy and Air Force air space management assets cumulated last week in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newest joint venture at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Navy Capt. T.D. Smyers, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth commander, assisted by Col. Kevin Pottinger, 301st Fighter Wing commander, cut a ribbon signifying the official opening of the Joint Air Space Facility. This newest joint venture was one that both services wanted to accomplish as a customer service improvement.
The 301st Operations Group air space office move to base operations gives the two services a chance to help each other.
"We're parterning together to enhance our mission readiness," said Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Scott, Navy air traffic control specialist. "Our job is to update our equipment status so people know what's up and what's down. We advise on weather conditions, process flight plans, assist transient pilots as well as work any In Flight Emergencies that may arise. It's a true jointness and definitely a step in the right direction."
When new Navy personnel arrive at base operations, an extra set of hands helps to keep the flow moving is an asset said PO Scott. Having the 301st come to base ops frees up Navy instructors to work radar and tower issues. This gives the new Navy member the chance to complete their Local Qualification Standards which is equivalent to the Air Force Job Qualification Standards. When a Navy person arrives, they start at base ops for refresher or original training before moving on to the control tower, said the Petty Officer. This training can range from one to three months. Having the Air Force available gives the instructors more time to concentrate on upgrading troops to a greater proficiency.
The idea to combine these efforts took five short months from conception to completion. Working on the Host Tenant Support Agreement, a document that governs the dealings between the base host and tenant units, took the most time said Mr. Queretaro.
"The rest was just a matter of working office space for us and moving the people and furniture."
"I personally enjoy it," said Ann Marchione, Air Traffic Control specialist. "I started my career in this building in 1992 and here's where I'll finish. I really enjoy the interaction with people verses how it was in the old office, just waiting around for the phone to ring. It's good for us old folks to get with the Navy and help with training to keep the job uniform. It's good!"
The Navy seems to feel the same way about the new arrangement.
"Its great having them [301st Fighter Wing] down here, it gives us more opportunities to get our people trained," said Petty Officer Genz, Air Traffic Control specialist.