by Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson
Combined Endeavor 2007 Public Affairs
Twenty-eight Airmen and civilians from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, tested new communications systems at the U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, Combined Endeavor, held April 27 through May 10.
The 1st Combat Communications Squadron's team from the 86th Airlift Wing is at the Lager Aulenbach testing site to participate in the world's largest communications-interoperability exercise.
The exercise includes nearly 1,500 people from 42 countries spanning four continents and two international organizations. Representatives from U.S., NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP) and other nations plan and execute interoperability testing of command, control, communications and computer systems from participant nations in preparation for future combined humanitarian, peacekeeping and disaster relief operations.
"We've been participants at CE for five years, this year is different, though," said Capt. Trey Felton, plans and readiness flight commander, 86th AW. "We have something new on our agenda."
For CE 07, the squadron rolled out a suite of theater deployable communications equipment. The unit is also providing the satellite communications, or SATCOM, connectivity to the forward operating site in Yerevan, Armenia.
During the two-plus weeks of testing, these Airmen have participated in more than 100 voice and data tests that will be documented by the Joint Interoperability and Testing Center. The JITC is contracted to collect the test data and compile it into the Combined Endeavor Interoperability Guide. The guide is provided to participant nations as a reference for the interoperability of communications information systems. The database currently lists more than 13,000 test results that provide crucial information used in coalition operations.
Of the 100-plus tests scheduled, many included testing a new telephone-switching unit, the high-density exchange switch. "I'm extremely excited about using the HDX. Its physical make-up and design allows us to do more with less. It provides more capability, while at the same time diminishes bulk," said Senior Airman Jason Sampeer, integrated communications access package technician, 1st CBCS.
The HDX is designed to do the work of one large voice module and two basic access modules. The LVM is used as a telecommunications hub while the BAMs are used to branch off the LVM on a larger scale according to the number of users. For example, an LVM could be used at an established forward operating site to provide telephone-switching capabilities. The BAMs would then be used to branch off the LVM like spokes on a wheel. One LVM weighs 185 pounds and each BAM weighs 195 pounds.
An HDX weighs 125 pounds and can do the work of five BAMs or 2.5 LVMs, according to Sampeer.
"The HDX reduces 75 percent of bulk," Airman Sampeer said. Reducing the bulk leads to more effective logistics and less cost.
The test results will aid in determining whether the HDX is a feasible addition to the Air Force inventory where telephone-switching modules are concerned.
"We will use the results we garner here to create a talking paper on the HDX. That paper will, in turn, be presented to the Air Force as support to adapt this new system into our communications inventory," Captain Felton said.
The team is also testing and training on a new quad-band dual-hub satellite terminal. The hub is capable of servicing 12 end users.
"This equipment has only been in our unit's inventory for a year and has only been deployed twice before," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Evans, 1st CBCS NCO in charge of satellite wideband communications systems.
"This satellite dish is powerful. The dual hub enhances our reach-back capability which allows redundant paths for voice and data," Captain Felton said. He said his team is taking full advantage of the time here in Lager Aulenbach. "CE gives us the opportunity to work out some minor issues and to gain invaluable training time on the new hub."
While testing and training on two relatively new sets of communication equipment, the airmen are getting an education in cultural interoperability as well.
"This has been such a rewarding event for us in terms of learning more about our own equipment and how it works with that of other nations'," Sergeant Evans said. "Learning how to work with members of other countries has provided me with a foundation of interoperability I will use now and long into the future."
Members of the 1st CBCS are tasked for mobility operations on a regular basis. For example, squadron members deployed to six locations in five countries over a six-week period. The tests results learned here can be applied in those real-world contingencies they are asked to support.
"As the United States Air Force in Europe's premier deployable communications unit, we're proud to work side by side with our partner nations to ensure we can communicate effectively and that we are prepared to handle any contingency operation that may arise in the European, Central and African Command Area of Operations," said Lt. Col. Joe Sublousky, 1st CBCS commander.
