The White Falcon - 14.01.1994, Blaðsíða 7

In the spotlight: 932 ACS
Surveyors of the Icelandic skies
Making the best of
life in Rockville
Situated about five miles west of NAS
Keflavfk, the unassuming, yet highly
important complex known as Rockville
is home base for approximately 180 Air
Force members assigned to the 932nd
Air Control Squadron (932 ACS).
For nearly 42 years, the 932nd has
played an integral part in the air defense
of Iceland. The squadron is responsible
for detecting, tracking, and identifying
all aircraft entering what’s known as the
Military Air Defense IdentificationZone,
an area reaching to Greenland on the
west and half-way to Norway on the Diners enjoy a
east. When necessary, the squadron also
directs F-15 fighters to intercept aircraft that may pose a
threat to Iceland.
Although the 932nd plays a major role in the defense of
Iceland, many people at NAS Keflavfk have no idea what
goes on at Rockville, who is there or even where it’s
located.
“Sometimes we feel like a forgotten part of the Air
Force out here,” remarked Tech. Sgt. Marvin Tisdall, the
MWR coordinator for Rockville. “We’re not abandoned,
but we don’t get a lot of publicity, even though we’re such
an integral part of Air Force operations.”
Comprised of just over 30 buildings, the five acre
complex stretches about six football fields in length and
four football fields in width. Although small, the Rockville
site is self-sufficient.
“I’m like a mayor of a small town,” noted 932 ACS
commander Lt. Col. Clark Wigley. “We have our own
post office, fire department, theater, gym, club, eating
facility and even a small exchange.”
Wigley was quick to point out, though, that the Rockville
community is still closely tied to NAS Keflavfk. “We’re
part of the 35th Wing,” said Wigley. “There are a bunch
of good folks out here who are a living, breathing exten-
sion of the Keflavfk community. Many of our people are
the backbone for numerous programs at the main base,
ranging from youth sports to chapel sponsored activities.”
According to Wigley, life at Rockville has many advan-
tages, but also some drawbacks. “The close friendships
developed will never be equalled anywhere else, but just
like in a small community, sometimes the strengths also
lead to weaknesses,” said Wigley. “Because everyone
knows each other, nothing remains hidden. Gossip and
rumors tend to spread quickly.”
Additionally, Wigley noted that the issue of transporta-
tion is a concern at times. Nearly 60 percent of those as-
signed to Rockville are single or unaccompanied and live
in the barracks. Because Air Force members in that status
are here for only one year, they are not allowed to bring
their vehicles. Hence, transportation can be very limited
meal at the Northern Lights dining facility.
The Rockville gym draws many patrons every day.
and sometimes those living in Rockville are left feeling
isolated.
“Despite some of the drawbacks, Rockville personnel
enjoy being here,” said Tisdall. “Many have been here
before and have come back. Because we’re so small and
isolated, we’re like a family, so we tiy to take care of our
people.”
In explaining how they take care of their people,
Tisdall referenced the fact that the Rockville MWR had
at least 21 different outings planned for its personnel for
the upcoming two months. According to Tisdall and
others, life at Rockville is what you make of it.

Stories and ph^^^
,102 Carlos
•ers of the 932nd ACS monitor the main
k?r.s at the Iceland Regional Operations
fl Center. Above, the "golf ball" is a dis-
tinctive landmark at Rockville.
Who’s the
best scope?
For the past two weeks, the 932nd Air
Control Squadron (932 ACS) has been in-
volved in its annual Top Rock competition.
The competition is designed to test the
squadron’s ability to integrate all air surveil-
lance information, as a computer generates
different simulated air attack scenarios.
When the contest wraps-up next week,
the squadron will select its top operations
personnel to represent them in the North
American Aerospace Defense Command
competition known as Top Scope.
Last year, the 932nd took first place in the
Top Scope competition and are expected to
do as well this year. “I’ve never worked
with a better group of technicians,” stated
Capt. Ralph McHenry, the operations train-
ing officer for the 932 ACS.
Rockville
on Rush
What do you think
about AFRTS airing
the Rush Limbaugh
show?
“I like the fact it's a different view point
from the regular news. I prefer the news
analysis rather than just the news.” Lt.
Matthew Webb
“I don’t like listening to him. He’s a
dreamer.” Tech. Sgt. Floyd Cooper
“As an American, I like to hear the full
range of oppinions and draw my own con-
clusions. I’m infavor of the show.” Master
Sgt. William Hallwachs
6
The White Falcon
January 14,1994
7