57th OSS integrates new ATC radar system Published Oct. 22, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Loftis 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Over the last month, the Nellis Air Traffic Control facility activated a new radar system called the Standard Terminal Automation Modernization Replacement System, or STARS, to replace capacity-constrained, older technology systems. The purpose of the Air Force wide system is to integrate all ATC facilities into the same system. With all Air Force bases eventually moving to STARS, it will allow controllers to be on the same page when they move on to a new location without the worry of having to train on a different system. "In my seven years in ATC, I have worked with four different systems," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Alvarez, 57th Operational Support Squadron air traffic controller. "It's more efficient with everyone learning and working on the same system." STARS is a command-automated control system that was designed to modernize and integrate aircraft surveillance and flight plan data as well as present the information to controllers on high resolution color displays. The displays are specifically developed for controllers and are capable of displaying six distinct color coordinated levels of weather data simultaneously. Additionally, real time data exists to help the controllers distinguish between things such as altitude, speed, and the destination, aiding in the separation of aircraft and expediting them to either mission airspace or returning home. "STARS gives the controllers the ability to have and receive more information as well as finding things quicker." said Alvarez, "This new system has the potential to be more efficient than the old system." The activation of STARS at Nellis and Creech will allow controllers to operate under one system, not require as much retraining and ensures the 57th OSS is moving toward the Air Force standard. "STARS is a good system," said Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Wilson, 57th Operations Support Squadron chief of the Nellis Air Traffic Control Facility. "The biggest advantage is it's an Air Force wide system and it allows Nellis controllers to meet their wartime commitment down range once they arrive versus having to get recertified on a different system."
