AMCC: Controlling the situation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Computer screens line the walls of the dimly lit room, each displaying complicated data of various aircraft operations. Inside the room are three different sections, each self-contained, but in coordination with one another.

Partitions separate desks, but it seems nothing can separate the flow of information continuously being shared between each section. This is the 730th Air Mobility Squadron communications hub, where aircraft operational information is received and distributed. This is the Air Mobility Command Center.

The AMCC at Yokota ensures aircraft's operability and cargo movement here and also Diego Garcia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Misawa Air Base, Japan, if necessary.

Its command center is split into three different sections: Command and Control (C2), Maintenance Operations Center and Air Terminal Operations Center.

The C2 portion of the AMCC tracks aircraft times and handles sequences of events affecting the aircraft on an operational crew standpoint.

Like other parts of the AMCC, C2 sometimes deals with several aircraft at once.

"The AMCC flight follows all AMC aircraft that is en route to Yokota," said Senior Airman Matthew Bean, Airlift Operations controller. "It can get extremely hectic in here sometimes."

The MOC section receives information on grounded aircraft through personnel on the flightline. Information varies from flight to flight and can be anything from fuel times to inspections completed on the aircraft. From there, MOC personnel take any necessary steps to ensure the aircraft is operational to leave on time.

With so many moving pieces in play, working in the MOC requires the honing of certain skills.

"Attention to detail is a necessity in my job," said Staff Sgt. Paul Orasco, MOC controller. "If we don't keep careful track of what is going on, then the misinformation we give someone could cost a high price."

After the MOC performs its necessary tasks on an aircraft, it's turned over to the ATOC to perform any loading operations that may need to be completed. The ATOC serves as the communications hub for all entities involved in the loading process.

"Dealing with so many sections means there are a lot of regulations you need to know," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Kallio, ATOC duty officer. "Multitasking is also important because you could be answering phone calls, answering questions for leadership, and balancing that symphony between the port and all of the other sections."

Being busy is just one part of working in the AMCC, but for Bean, it's all worth it at the end of each day.

"The responsibility is sometimes stressful, but I think it's a good stress, and it's the kind of stress that helps you get through the day," Bean said. "When you get home, you think, 'I accomplished something today. I have done something today that will affect someone down the line.' Even if it's just one person, it means a lot."