KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 8th Fighter Wing Command Post serves as the nerve center of the base, overseeing flight schedules, responding to emergencies, and ensuring smooth and reliable communication.
Command post ensures the base is well-informed and prepared, disseminating vital messages and activating emergency systems. Their collaborative efforts under different programs ensure comprehensive support for the mission.
“Command post serves as the information hub for both commanders and the base populace,” said Tech Sgt. Lee Smith-Whaley, 8th FW Command Post non-commissioned officer in charge of operations and the current interim superintendent.
Airmen like Senior Airman Daniel Evanson, 8th FW Command Post emergency actions controller, coordinate with agencies and relay critical information to commanders.
"My job is to listen and wait for our helping agencies like BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) and the fire department to call in with emergencies,” Evanson describes. “Then we route that information up to the commanders."
Despite working primarily in the background of Kunsan’s mission, Evanson takes pride in his role.
“We work behind the scenes and I love it,” he said. “It makes me feel like I'm an integral part of the team."
While recognition may be limited, the dedication of command post Airmen remains unwavering. Controllers work 12-hour shifts that involve thorough checks and changeover meetings to keep everyone updated on base operations 24/7.
Beyond phone calls, mediums like the giant voice public address device and the AtHoc Notifications system are utilized by command post to communicate critical information during emergencies. Their efforts ensure the base is well-prepared and informed, functioning as an integral piece to mission success at Kunsan Air Base.