270th Air Traffic Control Squadron exercises on Oregon Coast Published Aug. 18, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy 173 FW/PA NEWPORT, Ore. -- The 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron mobilized for this year's annual training August 8, convoying all their gear and Airmen nearly 300 miles to Newport, Oregon, for a week to train on establishing and operating air traffic control in a remote location. The 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron's annual training in Newport, designated Badger Sunburn, was able to successfully stage their equipment and provide the air traffic services and support capabilities their mission outlines. Preparing for a natural disaster like an earthquake and the resulting tsunami is crucial training experience for these Airmen, who respond within 72 hours of being called out by the state's governor. "Responding to a natural disaster is a logical scenario for this unit," said Master Sgt. Luduska Wright, the 270th ATCS First Sergeant. "The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a serious threat and our operations are vital for rescue and recovery. You want well-trained Airmen when faced with that kind of pressure." The unfamiliar weather conditions in Newport tested the capabilities of the mobile air traffic control tower and the controllers utilizing it. "Newport provided a mix of varied weather--one minute it can be socked-in and foggy and the next minute you can have clear skies," said Tech. Sgt. Raymond Murphy, the non-commissioned officer in charge of training and standardization for the 270th ATCS. He also emphasized how important it was for the controllers to gain experience and learn this information so members can bring their experiences back and be better prepared for their next mission. 173rd Airmen gained experience using the TRN-48 Tactical Air Navigation system and integrating with U.S. Coast Guard aircraft during the week. They also had the opportunity to practice driving and directing five-ton cargo trucks through the mountainous terrain, as well as clearing space for equipment staging with chainsaws and machetes. Mobility training like learning to drive the trucks, using the wenches to get them unstuck, or using chainsaws provides Airmen with the skills necessary to operate in response to a domestic response like a natural disaster said Capt. Alex Fugate, the 270th Chief of Air Traffic Control Operations. The 270th ATCS, located in Klamath Falls, Oregon, provides fixed based air traffic control for the sole F-15 aircraft training house at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base.