2nd OSS demolish barriers for new datalink center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lillian Miller
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

The 2nd Operations Support Squadron began taking steps forward in the Integrated Operations Center for a datalink operation center Aug 27, 2019.

The B-52H Stratofortress’s communication system was recently upgraded to a datalink center and the 2nd OSS is working to make one room dedicated to corresponding with the aircraft.

This project creates a one-stop shop for providing in-flight communications training for the B-52H Stratofortress crew. The datalink ground station is projected to run from the new operations center and will provide beyond line of sight communication for both training and real world missions.

“The end result for that room is a datalink center which will allow us to coordinate with the B-52H Stratofortress within line of sight and beyond,” said Maj. Brian Groth, 2nd Bomb Wing datalink manager.

Currently, the 2nd OSS has the capability to use these datalinks but they are spread out, the new operations center will give them the ability to concentrate all of the communication systems in one location and enhance the ability to provide realistic training.

“The national defense strategy depends on our ability to communicate over long distances and this center will help us train to do that,” said Col. David Gordon, 2nd Operations Group commander. “I am really excited about this project coming to fruition and I want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible.” 

The datalink operation center is expected to be fully up and running in early to mid-January 2020.