Engineering squadron dismantles unused radar

Senior Airman Jeremy Thatcher, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron, communicates with other team members Feb. 15 as they remove angle bolt plates from tower legs of an excess AN/GPN-20 (V) antenna south of Cody Hall. The tower was dismantled and returned to the supply system via Tobyhanna Army Depot, Pa. The system is valued at more than $436,000. Having the system dismantled by the 85th EIS saved the Air Force money while providing a training opportunity for squadron members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Engineering squadron dismantles unused radar

Published March 1, 2011
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Once again, the 85th Engineering Installation Squadron has come to the aid of the 81st Training Group to remove excess equipment.

The project to dismantle an excess AN/GPN-20(V) antenna not only saved the Air Force money, but it provided a training opportunity for the 85th EIS team, according to Dale Riggins, equipment resources manager for the 81st Training Support Squadron.

Mr. Riggins said the system is valued at more than $436,000. Keesler has three of the systems, but only needs two, so the excess system is being returned to the supply system via Tobyhanna Army Depot, Pa.

"Because it's an older system still being used in the field, parts are in critically short supply," Mr. Riggins explained. "Pieces will be rebuilt and will become available for organizations to order."

The GPN-20 is taught in the 338th Training Squadron's ground radar systems apprentice course. It's a transportable dual-channel radar system with tower-mounted antenna and remote site operator controls. It detects aircraft within 60 nautical miles of the radar site and processes radar information for display on a plan-position indicator.

"Our training group is truly blessed to have the 85th EIS collocated with us at Keesler," Mr. Riggins said. "Since the unit uses our projects as training exercises, we're able to accomplish equipment projects that other bases can only dream about.

"This project is just one more example of the tremendous support the 81st TRG receives from the 85 EIS," he added "They come during the holidays, they come on the weekends, they come after hours at night. Sometimes we might have to wait a week or two until their schedule clears. But they always come, and the price is right!"

The 81st EIS team members were presented commander's coins by Lt. Col. Janet Pattison, 81st Training Support Squadron commander.

They are Senior Airmen Jeremy Thatcher, Rathanak Ear, Seth Reed and Travis Crowell; Staff Sgts. Aaron Bryars, Angelina Clark, Adam Campbell, Steven Hunt and Curtis Perkins; and Tech. Sgts. Walt Ferrell and Rebecca Sargent.