Whiteman's command post vital to base success

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kenny Holston
  • 509 Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The pressure of executing operations in a command post that contributes to a nuclear enterprise could be overwhelming for some, but the Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen operating in the 509th Bomb Wing Command Post take the pressure in stride operating at a zero-percent fail rate.

Each military installation has what the Air Force refers to as a command post or nerve center. Information coming into and going out to the base must pass through the command post.

Like every other Air Force base, Whiteman's command post is the heart and lifeline of the installation; operating 24/7, 365 days a year.

"We can be classified as the commander's eyes and ears," said Master Sgt. Jerry Simer, 509th Bomb Wing Command Post superintendent. "Whether we're up channeling information to higher headquarters on situations happening on base or pushing information out to all the units we are the wing commander's number one source for information."

On a typical day, the command post serves as an executive agent providing the wing commander the capability to carry out his command and control responsibilities over the forces.

Not only does the command post serve as a mission essential information hub, but Airmen executing operations inside the command post also have a direct effect on Whiteman's overall flying mission which makes them important when it comes to putting bombs on target.

"On a daily basis we monitor all flying activity of the T-38 and B-2," Sergeant Simer said.

With numerous ways to communicate, command post personnel always have 100 percent communication connectivity to the wing commander, according to Sergeant Simer.

"If there's an in-flight emergency we are among the first to be notified through the crash system," Sergeant Simer added. "At which point, we would notify the wing commander and operations group commander keeping them informed and providing them the capability to assess the situation."

The recent move from Air Combat Command to Air Force Global Strike Command has not changed command post Airman's capabilities; instead, it has increased their drive.

"We have always performed at a high level," said Staff Sgt. LaVell Williams, 509th Bomb Wing Command Post training manager. "But since switching to global strike command the standard has been much more rigid, and we are all required to perform at an even higher level. We truly conduct a mission that must not fail."

At the end of the day operations conducted by Airmen in the command post can be said to play a crucial role in keeping leaders informed and Whiteman's mission on target.