The White Falcon - 16.07.1993, Blaðsíða 2

I
tom
ISOM Voice of the North Atlantic
By CAPT Kevin Lover,
CO, U.S. NAVCOMTELSTA
The U.S. Naval Communications Station
(NAVCOMMSTA), Iceland, was commis-
sioned July 1, 1961 when it relieved the
1971st Airway and Air Communications
Service Squadron as the major communica-
tions support for the NATO base.
The command’s mission is to provide rapid,
reliable, and secure communications and in-
formation processing in support of U.S.,
NATO, and allied operating forces and gov-
ernment activities. Over the past 32 years,
the mission hasn’t changed; however, tech-
nological advances have been so profound
that in 1991, the command’s name changed
to Naval Computer and Telecommunications
Station (NAVCOMTELSTA), Iceland.
The command is comprised of the main-
side communications building joined by the
activity providing telephone service, a trans-
mitter site at Grindavfk, a receiver site at
Rockville, and the Anti-Submarine Commu-
nications Center located at the Combined
Operations Center.
When most people hear of N A VCOMTEL-
STA, they think of message traffic. Mes-
sages are only a small part of our mission.
The 250 men and women of NAVCOMTEL-
STA process in excess of 38,400 messages a
month in support of over-the-counter sub-
scribers. They monitor and maintain over
280 circuits and provide communications
support to ships and submarines at sea; U.S.
and allied Maritime Patrol; search, rescue
and emergency operations; and base tele-
phones (tactical and non-tactical).
The station’s capability ranges from satel-
lite communications to landlines utilizing
fiber optics, metallic and microwave means.
From very low frequency (VLF) across the
spectrum to visible light, the command must
continually adapt to changing technology.
As we move into the 21st century, we will
find risks and opportunities in nearly every
aspect of the Navy’s mission. Communica-
tions is no exception. We expect to see
astounding changes in the communications
infrastructure by the turn of the century. Neva
and augmented satellite constellations, breaM
throughs in multiplexing, digital commum*
cations, fiber optic networks passing
enormous amounts of data per second and the
advent of virtual networking will provide
military commanders with abilities consid-
ered science fiction a mere decade ago. These
changes are so drastic that “a military com-
munications technician who retired in 1988
and one on active duty in 1995-will have
worked on entirely different infrastructures.”
The vision of the future has not been lost in
Iceland The first stages of transformation
are already being implemented. Computer
technology has allowed our customers to
send and receive messages via diskette. A
system called Gateguard will allow subscrib-
ers to process messages directly from the
command and eventually desk-top to desk-
top. As we grow into tomorrow’s technol-
ogy, our goal remains targeted toward pro-
viding the most efficient and reliable product
to our customer. We are the VOICE OF THE
NORTH ATLANTIC.
Meet the Vice Commander...
In most cases, it takes a while to
form an accurate opinion of a new
environment. After a little more
than two months as Vice Com-
mander of the 35TH Wing, Col.
Rick Cross has formed some opin-
ions and is optimistic about what he
sees at Naval Air Station, Keflavfk.
Although he has spent most of
his previous assignments in the
warmer climates of the south, Cross
understands the hardships people
face when coming to Iceland. Yet,
he’s noticed the enthusiasm and
dedication to duty exhibited by base
personnel, despite the weather limi-
tations and the remote location of
the base.
“I’m very impressed with the
spirit of the people,” said Cross.
Col. Rick Cross assumed his current position as Vice Com-
mander, 35TH Wing, at NAS Keflavlk, inMay 1993. (Photo
by J02 Carlos Bongioanni)
“Considering the demanding enviroi
ment, they continue to accomplish the
mission here very well.”
Cross hopes to keep the enthusiasm
running high by following a “Quality”
Leadership style while he’s the Vice
Commander. More importantly, he wants
to see the concepts of “Quality” Leader-
ship implemented at all levels of the Air
Force structure in Iceland.
“Even though we have a demanding
schedule ahead with exercises and the
change of command, one of my main
priorities is preparing the wing for the
Inspector General’s Quality Air Force
Assessment. Our wing’s goal is to em-
brace Air Combat Command’s ‘Quality’
culture. We hope to be well on the
‘Quality’ journey when the IG visits,”
added Cross.
nieWhite Falcon
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
RADM Michael D. Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
LT Joseph L. Quimby
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Fridthdr Kr. Eydal
Draftsman
DM2 Danielle J. Kim
Editor
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
Journalist
J03 (SW) Andreas Walter
The White Falcon is printed by the NAS Keflavlk
Print Plant. Photo processing is provided by Fleet
Imaging Command Detachment Keflavlk.
The White Falcon is an authorized, government-
funded weekly publication of the Iceland Defense Force.
Contents of The White Falcon are not necessarily the
official views of or endorsed by, the U. S. Government,
the Department of Defense or the Iceland Defense
Force. Everything advertised in this publication shall be
made available without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, age, marital status, physical handicap, or any other
non-merit factor. The White Falcon is located in Bldg.
936, tel. ext. 4612 or 4552.
2
The White Falcon