243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron

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.

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

Mission

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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

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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

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

Career Fields

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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

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References

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  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.
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