TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Much like his counterparts overseas, Master Sgt. Andre Grant found himself in deep sand and sweltering heat upon deploying in support of Operation Noble Eagle (ONE).
A communications technician from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sergeant Grant deployed here to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., to maintain the system administration portion of the ONE communications-computer mission.
Sergeant Grant is one of several thousand Airmen who deploy each year from their home bases in support of ONE, an ongoing mission to protect the continental United States from further terrorist aggression originating from inside and outside of U.S. borders.
Tyndall Air Force Base is the headquarters for the Continental North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) and First Air Force. A component of the NORAD, CONR provides airspace surveillance and control and directs air sovereignty activities for the continental United States . Since Sept. 11, 2001, CONR has been the lead agency for ONE.
“As the system administrator, I provide the same user support for the ONE personnel as I would for an overseas area of responsibility, which focuses mainly on the same problems and upgrades required on the user’s computer system,” Grant said. “Communication helps keep the ONE mission healthy.”
Of course, being deployed stateside has some advantages.
“The obvious positive is being in the good ‘ole USA,” Grant said. “But the most beneficial experience for me has been working with our professional Air National Guard members and seeing how they do business. I may not have had the opportunity overseas.”
Senior Airman Charles Clerc, also deployed from Holloman AFB, provides vital computer system support for ONE by reporting and tracking outages and problems. In short, whenever there’s a problem with communication devices, he resolves it.
“Being the first line of defense for the United States and [providing for] its protection is of huge importance,” said Clerc. “Experiencing the ‘behind the scenes’ defense of the United States and what actually goes on to protect the U.S. is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
He too appreciates the benefits of a stateside deployment.
“Being deployed CONUS makes life less stressful…I’m able to make sure all my bills get paid and communicate easily with my unit back at Holloman without any major problems,” he said.
Although convenient, both Sergeant Grant and Airman Clerc agree that an ONE deployment is no vacation.
“Whether deployed stateside or overseas, never let down your guard,” he said. “We have a mission that is just as important as anywhere else, and it requires our utmost expertise and dedication.”