The Missouri Air National Guard’s 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron in St. Joseph recently acquired a new Tactical Air Navigation System, or TACAN, for its operations. The 20,000-pound deployable system is “an electronic lighthouse for aircraft,” explained MSgt. Michael Thomsen, a member of the unit. It features a transmitter and antenna that sends out bearing and distance information to aircraft. It has a longer range than the previous system it replaces and airmen can maintain it remotely, said squadron officials in an April 19 release. The TACAN packs up into its own rolling trailer for towing around an airfield or airlift aboard a C-130 of larger cargo aircraft. Upon its arrival at an airfield, it requires about two hours to set up, said the unit members. (St. Joseph report by MSgt. Mike R. Smith)
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.