New Eyes in the Gulf

Members of the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron installed a TPS-75 air surveillance radar at an undisclosed air base in Southwest Asia to improve long-range, real-time coverage of Arabian Gulf airspace. The air base is the operating location of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The TPS-75 gives radar operators of the squadron a larger and a more detailed picture as they monitor all air activity in the area, said unit officials. The squadron provides around-the-clock surveillance of the entire Arabian Gulf region, they said. The airmen began coordinating with the host nation in January to find a suitable site to support the TPS-75. A team of airman then set up the radar site in less than two days, completing the task on March 18. “This was a major goal of ours, and it’s a really great feeling to get it accomplished,” said Lt. Col. Steven Breitfelder, 727th EACS commander. (380th AEW report by TSgt. Benjamin Grewe)