A Look Inside the New "Green" Air Traffic Control Tower at Pope Field

'Warrior Tree fife foxtrot, Pope Tower, runway twenty-three, cleared for immediate takeoff' is what the pilot might hear over his two-way radio from the Air Traffic Controller (ATC).

Atop Fort Bragg's new 11-story $7.5 million tower at Pope Field a crew of 29 employees work the shifts to operate the tower 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"This tower is an example of what we are doing as we prepare to go into the future," said Brig. Gen. Norman Ham, Jr. at Tuesday's ribbon cutting ceremony at Pope Field. "In 1943 the 440th was here at Pope Field long before it was an Air Force base, and we were training with the 82nd then to go overseas, so it's only right that we are still here supporting the 18th Airborne Corps and the 82nd."

Replacing the previous tower that was built nearly 40 years ago the new tower stands two stories higher increasing visibility of the flightline. Updated technology integrated into the new tower improves communications, efficiency and capabilities for the personnel and services the tower is able to provide.

General Ham humorously joked that the new state-of-the-art tower easily rival the old 'start'-of-the art tower.

The new environmentally conscience tower is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified meeting or exceeding requirements right down to the two parking spots designated for electric cars with charging stations, and the green painted bicycle rack.

Builders are awarded points for incorporating sustainable "green" technologies and practices in construction projects and certifications on military bases around the world.

Inside the tower

The 135 foot 11-story tower includes a simulator room on the ground floor, well appointed conference rooms and offices on some floors, a designated floor for restrooms, and of course an elevator and stairs that lead to the top of the tower.

"This place is wired for sound. It has a lot more LAN drops and a lot more phone drops. That is very fundamental, but as air traffic control goes we have a lot more growth potential as technology improves in the future," said Marco Walton, the Pope Field air traffic control manager.

A civilian employee, Caroline Pryor shared with Patch about her duties and responsibilities as an Air Traffic Controller in the tower. Transitioning into the civilian job, she received her training in the U.S. Air Force where she served for nine years in the job, and also worked Radar while deployed to Afghanistan.

"My favorite part of the job is knowing where the planes are going," said Pryor. "It's a lot of fun working with the team here."

The job of an air traffic controller demands a high level of situational awareness and the ability to think quickly when faced with situations that arise. Their priority is to keep the flow of air traffic orderly both on the ground and in the air sectors above our community.

Whether it's the 82nd paratroopers leaving on a C-130 for a jump at Luzon Drop Zone, the U.S. Army's Golden Knights heading to a compeition, or just touch and go practice for the pilots stationed at Pope, traffic is always busy at Fort Bragg's Pope Field.

Thanks to the Air Force Public Affairs staff and personnel for making the tour available to the media, but next time I'll take the elevator.