Pod Squad: ECM shop keeps A-10s out of the line of fire

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tom Talbert
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Long before Steve Jobs introduced his revolutionary I-Pod to the world, the U.S. Air Force had a pretty important pod of its own.

The AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) Attack Pod hangs missile-like on the underside of multiple types of U.S. Air Force aircraft, jamming the radar of enemies who seek the whereabouts of these dangerous fighting machines.

The 442nd Maintenance Squadron's Electronic Warfare Pod Shop devotes their entire duties to ensuring these complex jamming systems continue to bamboozle our enemies and protect the wing's 24 A-10 aircraft and pilots from radar guided missiles.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Edward White, Electronic Warfare Element Chief with the 442nd Maintenance Group, the pods offer some unique challenges to those tasked with their maintenance.

"The shell (of the pod) was bygone era technology for the mid-1970s,'' Sergeant White said. "Raytheon Corporation gutted it, made it digital and created a highly sophisticated pod that saved the Air Force millions of dollars."

With the changes that take the pod forward to be functional until the Air Force is comprised of all stealth planes come some unique challenges and opportunities.

"It's hideously complex with a combination of digital and analog technology that keeps our five full-time and six traditional reservists hopping," Sergeant White said. "It takes a long time to become proficient in knowing these pods."

"To be honest with you, I had no idea what ECM stood for when I joined this group," said Senior Airman Elizabeth Healey, a traditional reservist from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. "I liked the idea of a challenge, so this sounded appealing. You never know what you are going to get."

Airman Geoffrey From, with the shop since getting out of technical school eight months ago has a different perspective.

"I am getting my degree in electrical engineering so this is helpful," the Maryville, Mo., resident said. "Even though this isn't Star Wars, we are the only guys in the world who have it, so that's pretty exciting."