Airmen assigned to Ellsworth AFB, S.D., along with some contractors, recently completed the installation of a state-of-the-art digital airport surveillance radar system that will allow air controllers in the base’s Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility to control more airspace in Rapid City and other locations in South Dakota and work more effectively with Rapid City Regional Airport. “We have lived with 1960s technology until today and our controller force now has state-of-the-art equipment to provide the safest air traffic control service possible to our military and civilian flying communities,” said CMSgt. Brian Lavoie, chief controller for the 28th Operations Support Squadron. The new radar eliminates ground distractions and is able to display multiple levels of precipitation. (Ellsworth report by A1C Abigail Klein)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
