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Fighter Wing gets communications upgrade

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Kim Joye
  • SCANG, A6
MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, South Carolina --  Two years ago, as part of a continuing effort to make the South Carolina Army and Air Guard more joint, the SCANG linked up with its Army counterparts to form a J6 (communications) team. Its mission is to respond to natural disasters and homeland defense events.

During July drill, the SC Army Guard delivered a Joint Incident Site Communication Capability suite to McEntire, and the 169th Communications Flight assumed responsibility for its operations and maintenance. This represents the second JISCC package fielded by the SCNG. The SC Army Guard received the first when they were fielded seven years ago and responded with the new equipment in the wake of Hurricane Rita.

The JISCC package provides communication support to civilian first responders during domestic events. The JISCC's satellite communications capability provides NIPRnet (unclassified military network) and commercial Internet connectivity. In addition, its communication suite provides Voice Over Internet Protocol phone capability plus VHF, UHF, HF and 800 MHz radio service. The JISCC also provides the capability to rebroadcast from one radio frequency to another. This is critical for the coordination of forces during a domestic response.

The SCNG's response team will remain a joint effort. However, the SCANG will assume more responsibility for coordinating with the Joint Operations Center and the Joint Communication Coordination Center for the equipment's sustainment. Its relocation to the Eagle Vision building at McEntire enhances efficiency for the state made possible by the sharing of resources.

The Swamp Fox team who will be working with the JISCC includes Senior Master Sgt. Greg Stevens, Master Sgt. Chris Branton, Tech. Sgts. Kevin Vaughn and Brandt Roach and Staff Sgt. Stephen Wall. The JISCC team is looking for other interested Swamp Foxes to join the team, especially individuals experienced in site survey and operation coordination/planning; satellite, radio, and voice systems; network/transport devices; server/workstation client support; and power pro. To become a part of the team, contact Lt. Col. Mark Hall, 803-647-8410.