The 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron (243 ATCS) is a unit of the Wyoming Air National Guard specializing in mobile air traffic control. The squadron is stationed at Cheyenne Air National Guard Base, Wyoming.
| 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron | |
|---|---|
 243rd ATCS members watch as a C-130 Hercules under their control departs a dirt airstrip during an exercise, 2020 | |
| Active | 1996–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  Wyoming |
| Branch |  Air National Guard |
| Role | Mobile air traffic control |
| Part of | Wyoming Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Cheyenne Air National Guard Base, Wyoming |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major Dan Hochhalter |
| Insignia | |
| 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron emblem |  |
Mission
editThe 243rd ATCS is one of only ten ANG Air Traffic Control Squadrons located throughout the United States.[1] Their mission is to deploy and employ Air Traffic Control services worldwide.[2]
An important part of the Guard air traffic control mission includes establishing bases in locations without existing air traffic control facilities.[3]
History
edit242 Air Traffic Control Flight was given a change of station order on 1 July 1996 from Spokane, Washington to Cheyenne, Wyoming.[4] The 242 Air Traffic Control Flight was redesignated the 243 Air Traffic Control Squadron on 1 November 1996.[5]
The 243rd was one of the first units activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after the September 11 attacks. The unit was deployed to Jacobabad, Pakistan.[6]
Awards
editCareer Fields
editThe 243rd ATCS has numerous career fields including: Air Traffic Controller, Airfield Systems, Ground Radar Systems, Electrical Power Production, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Logistics Plans, Material Management Administrative, and Personnel.[8]
Bases stationed
edit- Cheyenne Air National Guard Base, Wyoming (1996 – present)
References
edit- ^ "243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron". 153rd Airlift Wing. Archived from the original on 23 November 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ "243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron". 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ Grady, Nichole (29 January 2013). "243rd ATC more than controllers". 153rd Airlift Wing. Retrieved 23 October 2015 – via DVIDS.
- ^ NGB Form 5b, 1 July 1996
- ^ Order DAF/XPM 875r, 1 November 1996
- ^ "Wyoming Digest". Billings Gazette. Associated Press. 7 July 2002. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ Delano, Charles (18 March 2015). "Wyoming National Guard Air Traffic Control Racks up more awards". 153rd Airlift Wing. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- ^ "Careers". 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2015.