Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst is undergoing installation of a major National Airspace System Modernization project. This modernization program includes a complete facelift of the Lakehurst airfield’s air traffic control tower and equipment. This effort will dramatically improve the amount and quality of air traffic control information provided for Navy Lakehurst’s air traffic controllers. Lakehurst’s control tower will receive installation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS).

The STARS system has commercial off-the-shelf computer processors, displays and local area network (LAN) connectivity. Commander Jeff McLean, Air Operations Officer stated, “through the STARS equipment, Lakehurst’s air traffic controllers will be able to see a regional radar plot of all air traffic approaching and departing the airfield.”

This modernization project can provide its controllers a regional radar plot without having a radar system located at the airfield because the Navy will share a radar picture from one of its sister services located at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ. This approach saves the Department of Defense the expense of providing redundant radar capabilities at the Lakehurst airfield. “This modernization project is the first of its kind nationally. This truly “JOINT” project will involve not only the sharing of radar and air traffic control data, but joint maintenance and management of the equipment as well,” stated McLean. Letters of agreement between the Commanding Officers of Lakehurst and McGuire will define duties and responsibilities for maintenance and management of the joint use system.

Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst and McGuire Air Force Base, along with Fort Dix form a 42,000+ acre contiguous expanse of military facilities that is unique within the United States. Capitalizing on this unique arrangement, the bases have engaged in Joint Installation Partnerships such as this one to increase both mission effectiveness and efficiency.

The increased rate of information exchange and the radar’s visual plot of aircraft locations, headings, altitudes and airspeeds resulting from this system upgrade and partnership agreement will go a long way to improve the efficiency and safety of flight of local military aviation operations.
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