Boots on the ground: Altus command team sees firsthand how Air Traffic Control leads from the tower in a hands-on immersion tour

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vincent Rotolo, 97th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control radar approach control trainer, demonstrates how to use the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System simulator at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. As a part of a hands-on immersion tour with the 97th OSS, the command team engaged with personnel assigned to Altus’ air traffic control tower and RAPCON. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)

Boots on the ground: Altus command team sees firsthand how Air Traffic Control leads from the tower in a hands-on immersion tour

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luke Hodgen, 97th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, monitors an aircraft taking off at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. Hodgen sequenced arrivals and departures so aircraft remained safely separated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)

Boots on the ground: Altus command team sees firsthand how Air Traffic Control leads from the tower in a hands-on immersion tour

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luke Hodgen, 97th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, clears an aircraft for takeoff at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. During a hands-on immersion tour, the 97th Air Mobility Wing command team had the opportunity to see air traffic controllers in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)

Boots on the ground: Altus command team sees firsthand how Air Traffic Control leads from the tower in a hands-on immersion tour

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Reazon Cleofas, 97th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control radar approach control trainer, guides the 97th Air Mobility Wing command team through the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System simulator at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. The hands-on immersion tour allowed the command team to see how radar approach controllers monitor aircraft and communicate with pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)

Boots on the ground: Altus command team sees firsthand how Air Traffic Control leads from the tower in a hands-on immersion tour

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, adjusts the flight progress strips while using the Tower Simulation System at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. During a hands-on immersion tour with the 97th Operations Support Squadron, the command team had the opportunity to use simulation systems for both the tower and radar approach control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)

Boots on the ground: Altus command team sees firsthand how Air Traffic Control leads from the tower in a hands-on immersion tour

Published Aug. 10, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Emma Wright
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

The 97th Air Mobility Wing command team completed a hands-on immersion tour with the 97th Operations Support Squadron, gaining an inside look at the air traffic control tower and radar approach control, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. During the tour, the command team used the Tower Simulation System and Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System simulator to experience the fast-paced decision-making and teamwork required to safely manage aircraft on the ground and in the air.