Electronic Warfare keeps skies safe Published April 13, 2007 By Airman Mindy Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Deny, Deceive, Defeat---these three words may not mean much to the average citizen, but to the members the 43rd Maintenance Squadron's electronic warfare section, these are powerful words to live by. Thanks to this motto, Tech. Sgt. Jason Alton, section chief of the 43rd MXS electronic warfare's team, can proudly attest to the base's safety record. "We've never had one of our C-130s hit by a missile," Sergeant Alton stated. "As for the entire Air Force, I believe only one C-130 was hit by a missile, but the missile didn't actually explode." Sergeant Alton said electronic warfare is an integral part of the fight against terrorism. His squadron's mission is to make sure all of the systems are running properly on the C-130s to fend off an attack from an enemy missile. The aircraft has a missile warning receiver that detects when an enemy's missile is launched, said Sergeant Alton. Since this missile is heat seeking, it locks on to the heat coming from the C-130's four engines. The missile warning receiver detects the launch of the missile and tells the flare system to expel its flares. The flares confuse the heat seeking missile by getting the missile to lock onto them instead of the engines. The missiles are then defeated due to this defensive strategy. This process is where we get the phrase: Deny, Deceive, Defeat, said Sergeant Alton. Sergeant Alton and his team of 16 realize the importance their job plays in bringing servicemembers home safely. "We help protect people and keep them safe, said Airman 1st class Silas Deal, 43rd MXS electronic warfare section, who is scheduled to deploy in May. "I love this job." For Staff Sgt. Sean McGowan, 43rd MXS electronic warfare section, knowing the planes come back safely makes it worthwhile. "If it wasn't for us, they wouldn't come back," said Sergeant McGowan. "So knowing they do come back gives you a good feeling." "We make sure the aircraft gets to Iraq to pick up our people and brings them back." said Sergeant Alton. Because this team's mission is so vital to the global war on terrorism, it is important to pay attention to detail, said Sergeant Alton. Part of that attention to detail involves a yearly inspection of the aircraft called an isochronic inspection. During this inspection, everything is taken apart so the wiring and all the systems can be checked thoroughly. Sergeant Alton must double check everything to make sure the aircraft is in excellent condition to do the job. "It's a team effort," Sergeant Alton said. "We have a great shop with great people who come together to get the job done."