Royal Air Force Tactical Air Traffic Controllers (TacATC) have worked with a US Combat Control Team to conduct joint training at an unprepared landing zone in the UK.
The UK and US Landing Zone controllers have conducted multiple joint training serials culminating in enabling a UK Atlas C Mk.1 (A400M) and a US MC-130 aircraft to conduct essential training for operations.
The RAF Atlas C Mk.1 and the US MC-130 conducted landings at Pembrey Sands in Wales. This tidal beach provides controllers a challenge to setup, mark out the runway, test the landing zone, and provide Air Traffic Control to the aircraft – all in a race against the tide. The UK Atlas C Mk. 1 conducted initial training during daylight hours, whilst the US MC-130 conducted Night Vision Goggle assisted night landings.
This is a routine task for the Royal Air Force, with TacATC enabling temporary landing zones at Pembrey Beach for Atlas C Mk.1 and visiting C-130 training serials regularly. This was a great opportunity for the team to demonstrate the capability and share their tactical techniques and procedures with their US counterparts.
This is a first for the 321 Special Tactics Squadron, based at RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk. Master Sergeant Rob Krauser said:
“We have been closely working with the RAF TacATC over the past few years, training with them and sharing experiences with airfield standard operating procedures, specifically covering beach landing zone sites. Overall, this training event will grow our interoperability alongside our close partners and increase our reach to parts of the world where we couldn’t reach before.”
Master Sergeant Rob Krauser
321 Special Tactics Squadron USAF
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