MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Like an all-seeing eye, the Marines posted in MCAS Miramar's 115-foot Air Traffic Control tower are responsible for tracking the movements and controlling the actions of all aircraft that pass into Miramar's air space.

The ATC Marines control all the air space within a five-mile radius. The fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft that ATC Marines take charge of within this area are not just the assets of the 17 squadrons belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, but all aircraft needing to pass over or land at Miramar. Those aircraft include American and foreign military aircraft and sometimes civilian planes and helicopters.

The training ATC Marines receive is different depending on the type of airfield to which they are assigned. At Miramar, both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft are capable of landing, so Marines must be prepared to facilitate both.

There are various positions within the tower ATC Marines must master. In order to become proficient in all these areas, constant training and testing is required.

One area is the flight data position, which assists local controllers and authorizes aircraft to enter and land within Miramar's airspace.

"Safety is the number one priority at all times.  ATC Marines are responsible for the control of aircraft and they must instruct people on what to do with regards to safety," said Lance Cpl. Christopher Reep, air traffic control specialist, MCAS Miramar.

Air Traffic Control is on top of safety even before the planes launch. The ground control position within the tower is in constant contact with pilots while they are on the runway preparing for takeoff.

In addition to pre-launch procedures, the ground controller is also responsible for ensuring the safety of aircraft and crew upon landing. This Marine contacts emergency response vehicles or other needed personnel if there is a problem during a landing.

The radar room, also under the cognizance of ATC, is crucial to successful launching and landing of aircraft. Pilots receive vital information, such as weather conditions and glide path, from the radar controllers and are guided in by these Marines and their equipment.

"The information provided by ATC is key in de-confliction, especially around congested air space. They provide pilots with the current weather conditions and make sure they have the correct altimeter setting which is necessary for landing," said 1st Lt. Jason Ladd, pilot, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW.   

With Marines deploying, changing stations and transitioning out of the Corps, maintaining consistency in training is a constant challenge. 

To combat this problem, Miramar employs civilian air traffic controllers to ensure the best training is maintained regardless of where Marines go after their time in the tower.

Whether civilian or Marine, Miramar's air traffic controllers keep the skies over Miramar safe.