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MCAS Cherry Point News

 

MASS-1 updates aviation command, control system

24 Oct 2013 | Lance Cpl. Joshua Heins Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Communications between warfighters on the ground and the wing Marines who support them just got better thanks to a upgrade to Marine Air Support Squadron 1’s Common Aviation Command and Control System earlier this month.

“Previously, the equipment that individual units used was not standardized,” said 1st Lt. Andrew W. Estko, Data Platoon officer-in-charge. “Units used basically an amalgamation of various laptops and different software which varied from unit to unit.”

The upgraded system is a cohesive suite of computers, software and support equipment that will be standardized throughout the Marine Corps. The system was first fielded to MASS-1 in August 2012.

The update is being conducted Marine Corps-wide to standardize the equipment. Other Marine Corps units scheduled to receive the update are Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Support Squadron 6, and Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28.

Many of the functions operators conducted manually are now made automatically with the new update, said Lance Cpl. Kolby M. Phorp, a systems administrator with MASS-1.

MASS-1 has and will be opening their doors and hosting training for Marines in the aviation command and control electronics maintenance, air control and support, and air traffic control military occupational specialties. The units that will be receiving the training include MACS-2, MTACS-28, MASS-3, MASS-6.

“The training was monumental, it made it so we knew more than just the basics of the system making us more proficient,” said Phorp.

“The foundation for the current training is the new equipment training that occurred in 2012 when CAC2S was originally fielded,” said Estko. “This training will increase Marines proficiency with the system and provide enhanced knowledge they can then teach to their Marines. In addition, this training will serve as a refresher course for some members who recently returned from Operation Enduring Freedom.”
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point