Voice from above keeps base informed

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
At military installations there is a need to get prudent information out very quickly and clearly to signify the start and close of business, honor those that are missed and weather emergency notifications.

To serve this purpose there is the installation warning system, or giant voice.

Tyndall's giant voice is a system that is maintained by the 325th Communication Squadron and implemented by the 325th Operation Squadron Command Post.

"The instillation warning system is comprised of 33 speaker systems and four controllers, or devices that can activate the system," said Tech Sgt. Michael Esarey, 325th CS Radio Frequency Transmission Systems section chief. "The purpose of the mobile one is to give the ability to activate the mass notification messages from anywhere on base. The mass notification is used at least three times per day with Reveille, Retreat and Taps."

Airmen for 325th Command Post monitor situations on base and inform residents and others as need be.

"As an emergency actions controller, also known as a command post controller, we are the primary unit in the activation of the giant voice system," said Staff Sgt. Rodolfo Garza, 325th Command Center emergency actions controller. "The system is used to disseminate emergency and awareness notifications to the base populace. The giant voice is one of many Emergency Mass Notification Systems utilized in command posts."

 

The giant voice stacks are placed throughout the base, Garza added.

 

This system is tested weekly every Wednesday at noon.

"Installation warning system consist of 35 different scenarios, other scenarios must be activated by an emergency actions controller," said Garza. "Reveille, Retreat and Taps are pre-programed to play automatically. Some examples range from security events such as an active shooter to weather notifications such as lightning warnings."

 

Tyndall's installation warning system also serves another purpose, housing a raptor. Although not an F-22 Raptor that Tyndall is known for, but the bird of prey, the Osprey.

"Out of the 33 speaker systems, 14 of them are home to Ospreys," said Staff Sgt. McKenzie Lauber, 325th CS Radio Frequency Transmission Systems supervisor. "We have tried various ways to get the birds to not nest on the speakers, but nothing seems to bother them. Even when the notifications or weekly test goes off they won't move."

The important thing is the messages that are sent out, Lauber added.

Whether it is day or night, rain or shine the instillation warning mass notification system will continue to be a helpful voice from above to help assist keeping Airmen and their families safe.