JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
With today's technology increasing almost faster than we can keep pace, it is easy to dismiss the next update or improvement as routine or unremarkable. The constant flow of ad hoc solutions combined with a generous serving of overhyped disappointments are enough to glaze the eyes of even the most staunch supporter of progress.
Once in a while, however, advances are made that do deserve a second or third glance of appreciation. This particular instance has been in the works around the base for some time, but behind the scenes for most. This project, called 2nd Generation Wireless, may not be as flashy as a new hangar or airplane, but it is certainly a combat enabler that will have a huge impact on Joint Base Charleston's mission.
In essence, this new system is just like a wireless hotspot, or rather a secure, Common Access Card-enabled wireless hotspot that is just as fast as a normal internet connection and covers a large part of this base. 2nd Gen is already heavily leveraged by maintenance crews on the flightline to access technical orders while working on C-17's. It's also used by the aerial port squadron and medical group to connect their wireless handhelds and laptops. This makes inventory tracking and similar tasks more efficient, taking Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century to a whole new level.
According to Bruce Bohon, 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron, "The mechanics can check the status of ordered parts, pull up [technical orders] and initiate paperwork. They can do lots of things with this system."
This equipment has the capability to roam to any connection on base. In layman's terms, one could log on at one end of the flightline and walk all the way to the other, and still keep your work and your connection.
Wayne Lemon, one of the main engineers on the project, spoke on his work stating, "One of the best things about this project is the temporary duty location capability. It allows users from other bases on TDY to connect to the network directly while still using their CAC card from their home base."
To expound on this, consider the procedure whenever personnel arrive at a new base outside of the Major Command. They must establish a new account with the communications squadron at that base, which takes time and resources. However, with this new system, that process is eliminated. Anyone with clearance to use 2nd Gen Wireless can access their email or the network. Your 628th Communications Squadron planners and network folks as well as engineers from General Dynamics have been working long hours to get this technology going. It seems their hard work is certainly reaping rewards.
So, to all you high-speed maintainers, medical techs and port dawgs, as well as everyone who may connect to the new secure wireless network, please enjoy. Also, to all the units that have contributed to this project, aerial port squadron and aircraft maintenance squadron for their escorts, medical group for their input as well as their patience, and especially to the stellar Airmen at the 628 CS Network Infrastructure shop and the General Dynamics team, thank you for all your hard work and diligence in making this project a success.