16page

Airman Ashley Risk, space ground link system operator with the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. She monitors the health and status of Milstar satellites which provides a protected, global communication network for the joint forces of the U.S. military. When needed; she is able to send commands to the satellites to maintain proper operation. The cost of these satellites matters little to these operators. They don’t think too much about their ages or experience levels, either. They are more concerned with doing their jobs and having an impact on the nation’s military and civilian communications capabilities. And, this impact can be felt throughout the Air Force. “The impact of the enlisted space system operators is unbeliev- able,” said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small, AFSPC command chief. “We have young enlisted Airmen who are sitting at consoles 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year to make sure our space systems are doing exactly what they are designed to do.” These enlisted satellite operators are also directly contributing to the nation’s efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the chief said. “These Airmen are literally on the picket lines for the country,” he said. “They aren’t only helping win our current wars; they also work every day to prevent attacks against our nation through the systems deterrent capabilities.” For many, this amount of responsibility would seem overwhelm- ing. And, even though they are geographically separated from the war, knowing every button push can possibly impact operations over there only adds to the pressure. “This job is somewhat intimidating if you think about it,” Airman Cruz said. “But I don’t really think about that. I think more about the good we’re doing … the lives we’re saving and the people we’re helping just by making sure these satellites operate the way they’re supposed to.” This sentiment is shared by Airman Cruz’s peers. “The things we do from inside this room affect what happens con- tinents away,” Airman Risk said, “it’s a good feeling, knowing that.” But, as is often the case, those working behind the scenes, like these satellite operators, are easily overlooked. “There are Airmen operating communication satellites, global positioning satellites and even defense satellites every day,” Colonel Moody said. “The work they do is often taken for granted. We need to remember that the reason people can use GPS or use their radios is because these Airmen are somewhere else, making sure it’s possible.” Still, these operators don’t mind a certain sense of anonymity. “It feels great to work behind the scenes,” Airman Platt said. “We don’t do this job for the notoriety; we do it because it’s what we love, and we know we’re making a difference.” From monitoring space shuttle launches and guiding preci- sion bombs, to helping experts predict the weather and allowing people to hear commercial-free radio, satellites offer a wide range of capabilities and services that are vital to both military leaders and civilian consumers. Operating one of these satellites and one of the nation’s most expensive and vital communications systems, is what Airman Cruz does on a daily basis. So, while he doesn’t own a space suit or has never broken through the earth’s atmosphere in the belly of a rocket ship, this doesn’t mean he isn’t a space man. www.airmanonline.af.mil 14