New DASR/RAPCON facility unveiled
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – (L to R) Col. Jon T. Thomas, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., cut the ribbon for the opening of the new Digital Airport Surveillance Radar/ Radar Approach Control facility April 19. The new RAPCON is replacing the 50-year-old facility here, providing sufficient space for the new radar system and alleviating crowded working conditions for air traffic controllers. The new DASR will replace a 1970s-era radar system and has the capability of interfacing with similar radar systems at other local military installations and air traffic control centers throughout the Federal Aviation Administration's southwest Oklahoma region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Toon/97th Air Mobility Wing-Public Affairs)