Senior Airman Patrick Shattlerly, 2nd Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Controller, looks through binoculars on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 4. Air Traffic Controllers monitor flightline operations 24/7 and stay vigilant in ensuring mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Air Traffic Controllers from the 2nd Operations Support Squadron monitor flightline operations on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 4. ATCs have multiple responsibilities which include watching for birds near taxiing planes and keeping the aircrew up to date on flightline conditions and giving them clearance to take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Senior Airman Keona Woods and Airman 1st Class Bryan England, 2nd Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Controllers, look at flight strips on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 4. The flight strips show the aircraft flight plan, including the aircraft departure time and destination. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
A B-52H Stratofortress taxis to the runway on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 4. Air Traffic Controllers inform the aircrew on weather and flightline conditions and provide take-off clearance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Several B-52H Stratofortress bombers taxi pass parked B-52's on the flightline at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 5. Air Traffic Controllers inform the aircrew on weather and flightline conditions and provide take-off clearance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)