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)
Watchdog Says Military Can Make Cyber Ops More Efficient
Sept. 17, 2025
The Government Accountability Office called for paring down the military's sprawling cyber enterprise in a recent report, amid renewed discussion about standing up a separate cyber force.
