Eyes in the sky

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Senior Airman Craig Gephardt, 509th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, keeps track of aircraft landing and launching Nov. 7. Gephardt works with a team of air traffic controllers to approve flight clearances, and maintains safety of flying operations in the air and on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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Eyes in the sky

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Staff Sergeant John Roberts, 509th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, watches for approaching aircraft from the control tower Nov. 7. Roberts is able to communicate with the aircraft as a second set of eyes for the pilots to ensure maximum flight line safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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Eyes in the sky

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Air traffic controllers assigned to the 509th Operations Support Squadron, plug in their headsets at shift change Nov. 7. Together the controllers approve flight clearences, coordinate air traffic control with local airports and maintain safety of flying operations in the air and on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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Eyes in the sky

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Major James Schumaker, 394th Combat Training Squadron flight officer, supervises flying operations Nov. 7. Schumaker performs and manages airfield operations, functions and activities including air traffic control, air field management and base operations. He also manages day-to-day operations of facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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Eyes in the sky

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Staff Sergeant John Roberts, 509th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, monitors aircraft taking off and taxiing Nov. 7. Air traffic controllers clear airspace prior to aircraft taking off, transitioning into Whiteman AFB airspace, and landing to ensure aircraft launch, fly and land safely. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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Eyes in the sky

Published Nov. 8, 2011