Posted on 11/27/2005 9:21:25 AM PST by shield
Sergeant Christopher R. Cales, Cpl. William T. Ryder and Cpl. Warren Douglas, all with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26’s Aviation Information Systems Department, repair a computer. The Marines and their equipment serve an important communications role in the operation of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Photo by: Cpl. James D. Hamel
MALS-26 AISD is network problem ‘dragon slayer’
AL ASAD, Iraq (Nov. 25, 2005) -- Like many bases in Al Anbar, Iraq, Al Asad is heavily reliant on working communications to accomplish its mission, the support of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
While it has many small sections and even an entire squadron dedicated to successful communication, most probably don’t realize there’s another player, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26’s Aviation Information Systems Department, to Al Asad’s communications game.
“We have been providing some of the same network support functions as our counterparts for many years,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ron S. Smith, the department’s staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and Brooklyn, N.Y., native. “The network has significantly changed since (our predecessors from 3rd MAW left). Now we can say (the 2nd MAW network) is uniquely ours. We are totally invested in its operability and integrity. You may consider us the network inside of the network.”
Smith said the communications network is multitiered, with every involved squadron playing different but sometimes overlapping roles. Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, his section at MALS-26 and even the 2nd MAW communications office contribute to successful operations. The AISD Marines work more directly with the flying squadrons at the base.
“If they encounter a problem, we have resident technicians on the spot,” he said. “They identify the problem and guide them to the proper channels to fix it, or fix it themselves.” One of the areas AISD deals with is the maintenance database that allows squadrons to order needed parts for their aircraft, and track the cost of each part.
“They literally run (Marine Aircraft Group 26) aircraft readiness infrastructure and provide the services that make parts and productivity flow,” said Maj. Marion D. Jones, the executive officer of MALS-26.
Recently, AISD has shared more responsibility with their counterparts in the 2nd MAW. But, they still play an important role and could play an even bigger one if needed.
“They can sustain themselves if needed, as a network,” said Jones.
“Collectively, everyone brings something to the plate,” said Smith. “Each tier of communications is there for a purpose. We know we can do these things (that are the responsibility of other units), our core capabilities just extend a bit more.”
Smith’s Marines are on duty all day, every day. They alternate 12-hour shifts to ensure someone is always there to serve as technical support, he said. With 24 Marines, completing all their work is not an easy challenge.
“With the amount of people we have, to provide the level of support we do is really impressive,” he said. “I’m really impressed with my Marines. They work long hours and they really do a great job.”
Jones said their services and expertise are invaluable.
“I consider them my ‘Knights of the Network,’ because they’re often out during the day or at night, slaying dragons to keep the network and its customers operational,” said Jones. “Each of them has a talent that makes the whole a close-knit, high performance asset to the commander. We simply couldn’t be as responsive and effective without them.”
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BTTT
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