McConnell makes 'waves' with AM 530

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  After more than two years of climbing up the Federal Communications Commission "channels," McConnell is finally making 'waves' with AM 530.

The Information Advisory Station, specifically designed to target McConnell drivers, provides listeners with real-time weather and traffic updates. These updates can be life-saving, especially for motorists during inclement weather, said Senior Airman Darryl Kelly, 22nd Communications Squadron plans and programs project manager.

The program was modeled after the information advisory station at Travis Air Force Base's, Calif., which also provides a similar service to its Airmen. Once the idea was presented in 2009, the concept began the long and complicated process of getting the station approved not only by the Air Force, but also by the federal government.

Once the FCC provided the frequency, the actual implementation of the radio station required the participation of the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Contracting Squadron and Mission Critical Solutions to help construct the advertising signs along with construction and wiring of the radio towers and the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Command Post to provide the broadcast updates.

In addition to advising Airman to tune into the station, the signs also feature flashing lights which signal that important information is currently being broadcast. There are currently four signs at McConnell: one by the Main Gate, base housing, West Gate, and by Outdoor Recreation.

"This radio station augments communication at McConnell," said Kelly. "The ultimate vision for the radio station is to have all personnel tune in during inclement weather, particularly during tornado season."

The station is now fully operational with current national weather updates. In addition to these updates, the 22nd CS plans to expand the station's information capabilities over time.

"In the future, we will have programming that is not just emergency management," said Lt. Col. Robert Schroeter, 22nd CS commander. "We are looking at broadcasting wing military events and historical facts about McConnell local points of interests."