Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan –
The 374th Communications Squadron hosted its annual Facility Control Office Conference on July 12 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to discuss updates to the Department of Defense Information Network.
FCO Japan ensures node sites, or network hubs, throughout its area of responsibility adhere to the most current standards established by the Defense Information Systems Agency. Currently, it is one of six facility control offices in the eastern region of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, responsible for overseeing node site operations at 12 major Department of Defense installations across mainland Japan, Singapore, and Diego Garcia, ensuring they operate effectively and seamlessly.
“It can be difficult for us to interface with each site individually, so we hold these yearly conferences to disseminate information to all the sites at the same time,” said Tech. Sgt. Corey Lewis, 374th CS FCO NCO in charge. “It also allows members to ask questions and voice any concerns.”
Designated representatives, known as node site coordinators, are assigned to and responsible for improving and supporting their servicing node sites and facilities. Through NSCs, both the connectivity of the network and the security protocols remain operational.
“We are the first line of help for our NSCs when an issue arises,” said Senior Airman Kim Yabut, 374th CS FCO technician. “Usually if they are unable to solve the issue independently, they call us and we guide them to a solution.”
NSCs throughout the eastern Indo-pacific region attended the conference, with many tuning in virtually. The conference allowed the opportunity for members to review old and new network methods.
Lewis relayed the importance of supporting one another through everyday tasks due to the immense responsibility NSCs take on in the communication operations field.
“Although we interface with each site daily for technical assistance, sometimes members don’t know of all the support functions we can provide,” said Lewis. “This conference provides a platform for sites to meet, learn and share experiences.”
The 374th CS focuses on maintaining and providing essential communication support and ensuring information superiority throughout the Indo-Pacific. Conferences, like the annual one FCO Japan hosted, enable Airmen to build upon current communication capabilities essential to developing mission over function mindset.