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Dec 8 2016

RAMSTEIN DUST-II 2016 – testing DACCC capabilities

The Agency's CIS Support Unit (CSU) Poggio Renatico, Italy, ensured that NATO's DARS - the spearhead of NATO's Air Component deployable command and control capability – could successfully exchange operational services with the Deployable Air Operation Centre (DAOC) both at static and deployed locations.

NCI Agency, along with DACCC CIS, was responsible for integrating and testing radar feeds, provided by the Host Nation Italy, so that all participants could communicate and share the same air picture and information.

CSU Poggio Renatico specifically provided a large range of support services to all exercise participants onsite at Poggio Renatico, as well as remote support to those deployed to Sardinia.

This included providing reach-back capability so participants could access their data at headquarters location on secure networks.

The Deployable Air Control Centre, Recognized Air Picture Production Centre, Sensor Fusion Post (DARS) and the DAOC are both elements of the Deployable Air Command and Control Centre – or DACCC.

The DACCC protects European airspace and is the only deployable unit of NATO's Allied Air Command, which delivers air and space power for the Alliance on behalf of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe – or SACEUR.

Twice a year, the RAMSTEIN DUST exercise series tests the DACCC's ability to plan, manage and execute full-spectrum air command and control operations.

Major General Dré Kraak, Commander DACCC highlighted that such a complex exercise could not have been successful without the close cooperation of several entities:

"I am proud of a successful second deployment exercise for the DACCC this year.

We have been able to accomplish our set goals of providing seamless air command and control both from Poggio and deployed at Decimomannu. This major success has been possible thanks to the great contributions from all stakeholders and participants; my special appreciation goes to Host Nation Italy for their outstanding support," he said.

The aim of the RADT-II 16 exercise was to execute a safe and effective deployment of equipment and personnel to Sardinia, and to ensure the adequate testing of interconnectivity, interoperability, and execution of live and simulated operations.

"Training is a key element to NATO's readiness," said General Tod D. Wolters, Commander AIRCOM.

"Exercise RAMSTEIN DUST proved that our Deployable Air Command and Control Center, the DACCC, is capable and ready to provide Air Power to NATO's High Readiness Joint Task Force."