243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron

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
Active1996–present
Country United States
Allegiance Wyoming
Branch Air National Guard
RoleMobile air traffic control
Part ofWyoming Air National Guard
Garrison/HQCheyenne Air National Guard Base, Wyoming
Commanders
Current
commander
Major Dan Hochhalter
Insignia
243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron emblem

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.

Mission[edit]

The 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[edit]

242 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[edit]

  • 2014 - RAPCON D. Ray Hardin Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year[7]

Career Fields[edit]

The 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]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron". 153rd Airlift Wing. Archived from the original on 23 November 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  2. ^ "243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron". 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  3. ^ Grady, Nichole (29 January 2013). "243rd ATC more than controllers". 153rd Airlift Wing. Retrieved 23 October 2015 – via DVIDS.
  4. ^ NGB Form 5b, 1 July 1996
  5. ^ Order DAF/XPM 875r, 1 November 1996
  6. ^ "Wyoming Digest". Billings Gazette. Associated Press. 7 July 2002. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ "Careers". 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2015.

External links[edit]