Airmen controlling Haiti skies trained at Keesler Published Jan. 27, 2010 By Susan Griggs Keesler News editor KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- The special operations Airmen who've been controlling the aid planes on a single runway in the wake of Haiti's earthquake began their training in the 334th Training Squadron. Lt. Col. Michael Callender, 334th TRS commander, explains, "We build the foundation of future special operations forces warriors -- academics, physical fitness and mental fortitude." Both enlisted combat controllers and special tactics officers are trained at Keesler. "Special tactics officers are in charge of both initial air traffic control and initial airfield management of the airport in Haiti," he added. "Air traffic control instructors set the foundation for our mission -- to control air traffic in any environment," said Tech. Sgt. Jake Chandler, noncommissioned officer in charge of combat control. "Combat control instructors set the physical foundation for the rest of the 18-month combat control pipeline. During the physical training, students are often pushed to new limits, mentally adapting to reach any goal despite perceived outcome."