MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- High above the flightline, Maxwell Air Force Base’s air traffic control tower serves as the center hub of every takeoff, landing and airfield movement. The Airmen inside the tower are responsible for maintaining flight operations that directly support both Maxwell’s training and operational missions.
ATC controllers from the 42d Operations Support Squadron oversee aircraft entering and departing Maxwell’s airspace and coordinating closely with pilots and the ground crew to ensure safety and precision. Their communication and quick decision-making keep the flow of aircraft steady, even in high-traffic or adverse weather conditions.
“Our main priority is separating aircraft and making sure they get where they need to go safely and expeditiously,” said Staff Sgt. Chase Stimpfl, 42d OSS air traffic control watch supervisor. “Even though Maxwell isn’t as busy as some bases, when traffic surges from inclement weather such as hurricanes in Florida, 30 helicopters could arrive at once.”
Every flight movement contributes to the larger Air Force mission of readiness and global mobility, making the tower’s work essential to the success of the installation.
“Being a strong controller takes confidence in your decision-making and knowledge,” said Stimpfl. “If you sound hesitant over the frequency, pilots can lose trust in you, and in a fast-paced environment, that can quickly become dangerous.”
One of Maxwell’s tenant units, the 908th Flying Training Wing, has received multiple MH-139A Greywolf helicopters after being selected as the training schoolhouse. In response, Maxwell added four new helipads and developed updated flight procedures to support the transition as a helicopter training location.
“We oversee both runways and ensure planes have a safe place to land with no vehicles or hazards on the airfield,” said Stimpfl. “From the tower, we have eyes on the entire base, so if something looks out of place or unsafe, we report it immediately.”
Inside the tower, each controller plays a vital role in keeping operations running safely and efficiently.
“Teamwork is everything in air traffic control,” said Senior Airman Logan Jerrett, 42d OSS air traffic controller. “Every aircraft movement depends on clear communication and trust between controllers. The biggest misconception is that people think we’re aircraft marshallers with batons. Air traffic control is fast-paced, demanding and incredibly rewarding. There’s no such thing as a normal day.”
Air traffic controllers undergo rigorous training to ensure they can perform under pressure and maintain safe, efficient control of the airspace.
“Each position has its own responsibility, but we all back each other up to keep operations safe and efficient,” said Stimpfl. “We’ve shifted toward helicopter training operations and developed new regulations to support that transition.”
The work of Maxwell's air traffic controllers is critical to the daily flight operations and overall mission readiness of the base.