OVER COLORADO (AFPN) -- An EC-130H Compass Call aircraft flies over snow-covered hills during a training mission. The aircraft is from the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The spouses of the Airmen who work onboard the aircraft took part in a spouses flight at Davis-Monthan AFB March 27. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christina D. Ponte

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Spouses introduced to the Compass Call

Published April 12, 2010
By Lt. Col. Marty Reynolds
55th Electronic Combat Group deputy commander

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Spouses of the 55th Electronic Combat Group got a unique opportunity to see the Compass Call mission up close and personal here March 27. As part of the 55th Wing's Year of the Air Force Family, they were able to fly on an EC-130H aircraft over Tucson, Ariz., during a spouse's flight.

The event, gave the spouses a chance to better understand both the electronic attack mission and what their loved ones go through while deployed supporting contingency operations.

"Today was a big hit with our military families," said Col L. Dean Worley, Commander of the 55th ECG. "Compass Call has been deployed continuously for six straight years this month and to nine different locations since 9/11. So, we wanted our spouses to experience what it is like to go through mission preparations and fly on an EC-130H."

"It was a blast and a lot of fun. I now know why Billie likes what he does so much," said Liz McCaleb, wife of Senior Master Sgt. Billie McCaleb, superintendent for the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron.

As part of the event, military spouses received a medical screening, flight briefing, tour of operational squadrons, an unclassified mission briefing, life support training, a 45-minute flight around the Tucson area and were special guests at a group-wide family barbeque.

"When you are on the road as much as we are, it is important those on the other end of the phone have a better sense of what we do day-to-day," said Capt. Geoff Brasse, 42nd ECS chief of stan-eval and the event's organizer. "Seeing our mission up close is worth a thousand words."

"Before I could only imagine what he does, but today I was able to sit where he sits and see his job from his view," Mrs. McCaleb said. "I have a much better understanding and appreciation of what he does."

The 55th ECG plans to wrap up its YOAFF calendar with a dining out, Honorary Squadron Commander Golf Tournament, fundraisers and a family bowling day.

"Although we have a number of additional family events coming up, today really helped put the pieces together for our spouses," Col. Worley said. "It not only helped support the aim of the Year of the Air Force Family, but it also was another great opportunity to bring everyone together."