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Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: Rochester airport has an enviable safety record
Jun. 7—Most readers of this editorial will be familiar with the 1992 blockbuster film "A Few Good Men," starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson. (If you can't believe it's been 32 years since that movie hit the big screen, then you can't handle the truth.) Anyway, the film's male-centric title actually refers to a mid-'80s military recruiting campaign, in which the U.S. Marines Corps told the world, "We're looking for a few good men." Perhaps the Federal Aviation Administration should reboot and update that ad campaign. Our nation's air traffic control system is looking for good people — and it needs more than just a few. Nationwide, the pool of air traffic controllers system is short by about 3,500. And, based on current data from the FAA and staffing targets from something called the Collaborative Resource Workgroup (CRWG), the Rochester International Airport (RST) is one of just six airports nationwide that has less than 50% of needed controllers on staff. (The goal for Rochester is 23, and currently RST has 11.) Is that ideal? Of course not. But should these numbers concern people who fly into and out of RST? Not really. We can't recall any reported near-misses at RST, let alone any actual collisions involving planes. Yes, a pilot walked away from a single-engine plane crash earlier this year, but the accident had nothing to do with air traffic control. The last fatality at RST happened in 1985, when three people died during a training flight on a Learjet. Again, this was not due to a problem or mistake in the control tower. While we won't claim to have examined the records of every airport in the nation, we feel quite confident in saying that RST has an enviable safety record. We don't hesitate to use it or to have friends and family do so. And it's not as if RST, city leaders, Mayo Clinic or any other local governing body is somehow responsible for any staffing problems at the airport. Controllers are trained and assigned by the FAA and its operational arm, the Air Traffic Organization, which considers staffing levels at airports across the nation as it strives to keep the skies safe. The pool of available talent is assigned where it is most needed, and right now, RST doesn't appear to be anywhere near a crisis. We don't mean to downplay the very real shortage of controllers across the nation, but there does appear to be at least a slight disconnect between the current staffing levels and staffing goals that were set with the assistance of the air traffic controllers' union. In a perfect world, those targets would be achieved, but right now they appear unrealistic. We suspect that controllers at many smaller airports, including RST, would be thrilled if their airport reached 75% of the staffing goal. Hitting even that less-ambitious mark won't be easy, because air traffic control is a tough field to enter. To be considered as a potential candidate, one must be a U.S. citizen less than 31 years old with essentially perfect hearing, vision and blood pressure. You'll face a battery of physical and psychological tests, and even if you clear those hurdles and are admitted to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, there's no guarantee you'll complete the training. It's a demanding program, and the failure/dropout rate ranges from 30-50%. Those who graduate will enter one of the most stressful, thankless occupations in the world. Few professions require perfection on a daily basis, but such is the life of an air-traffic controller. There is no margin for error, no room for lapses in concentration. Some liken the job to a souped-up, insanely difficult remake of the classic video game Tetris — but in three dimensions, with human lives at stake with every move. The reward? Salaries start around $60K. The average annual pay nationwide is about $100K, with top earners reaching $160K. Retirement is mandated at age 56, but many controllers leave the profession years before that date due to burnout and/or health concerns. Given all that, we're surprised the staffing situation in airport towers isn't much, much worse. And here's the truth that everyone needs to grasp: The fix isn't simply to hire more controllers, or even to pay them more. The recent, much-talked-about breakdowns at Newark Liberty International Airport should serve as a warning that the entire air travel system is beginning to crack under the strain of using obsolete, 40-year-old infrastructure to monitor and guide nearly 17 million flights in American airspace every year. The flight delays and cancellations at Newark didn't originate with staffing shortages in the traffic-control tower; rather, they were due to hardware failures that, without warning, left controllers working blind and unable to communicate with pilots. Much to their credit, these controllers somehow managed to avoid disaster in the skies and on the runways. Not surprisingly, some employees took trauma leave after these incidents — which, of course, only added to bottlenecks on Newark's runways. What happened in Newark will happen elsewhere. It's only a matter of time. The latest cost estimate to modernize the national air-traffic control system is about $30 billion, and waiting won't bring the price down. Congress should authorize this spending ASAP, even if that means adding a new federal fee to the price of every domestic ticket sold in the U.S. With more than 800 million domestic passengers flying every year, an add-on of just $2 per seat would raise $16 billion in the next decade. We're already paying at least $35 to check a bag and $14 for a fast-food "value meal" as we wait for our flights, so we believe most fliers wouldn't balk at the thought of spending an extra $2 to ensure that the dedicated, highly trained people working in the tower aren't using technology that, by today's standards, is roughly equivalent to a corkboard and push pins.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US Marines identify soldiers killed in vehicle crash in Santa Teresa, New Mexico
The U.S. Marines Corps has identified the service members killed in a crash near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The two Marines were identified as Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, 22, of Riverside, California; and Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino, 28, of Fresno, California. Both Marines were part of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. They were deployed as part of the Joint Task Force Southern Border operation. A third Marine remains in critical condition. 'The loss of Lance Cpl. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply felt by all of us," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion, the commanding officer for 1st Combat Engineer Battalion and Task Force Sapper. "I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen brothers. Our top priority right now is to ensure that their families, and the Marines affected by their passing, are fully supported during this difficult time.' The three Marines were airlifted to University Medical Hospital in El Paso on Tuesday, April 15. More: Federal judge declines to block Trump's immigration enforcement in sacred places The crash occurred during a convoy movement along the border, according to a news statement from the Joint Taskforce Southern Border operation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border in mid-January in response to what he calls "an invasion" of cartels and immigrants crossing the border, deploying thousands of active-duty troops. There are currently around 6,600 troops along the southern border with Mexico. The Trump administration is seeking to utilize Fort Bliss as a hub for deportation. Construction of the facility is set to start soon. Migrants crossing the southern border are currently at the lowest levels in decades. More: New US Treasury regulations impact money transfers for immigrants; target drug cartels Jeff Abbott covers the border for The El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@ @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @ on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: U.S. Marines identify two soldiers killed in vehicle crash on border
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eldon Strong, 1953-2025: Former Crown Point deputy chief, Lake County Councilman dies
Former Crown Point Police deputy chief and Lake County Councilman Eldon Strong died Saturday after a year-long battle with a rare blood cancer, according to his family. He was 72 years old. A year ago, Eldon Strong was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, which is a rare blood cancer where a person doesn't have enough healthy blood cells, said his wife Pauline Strong. He was taking medications, she said, but about two weeks ago the medication stopped working, she said. Eldon Strong served in the U.S. Marines Corps after graduating from Crown Point High School. After an honorable discharge, he joined the Crown Point Police Department, where he served for 35 years, rising through the ranks to become deputy chief and detective commander, according to his obituary. Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said in a statement that he was hired as a police officer when Eldon Strong was the deputy chief of police, 'so his leadership had a tremendous impact on my early career as a young officer.' 'Throughout his long law enforcement career, he was a dedicated officer for our community and helped build our police department into what it is today,' Land said. 'He challenged all of us to put the community first and serve our city in a professional matter, that we represent not only ourselves but our department.' Bill Babjak, a former Crown Point police officer, said Eldon Strong joined the department three years after he did, and they served together and became friends whose friends grew up together. 'We always knew we had each other's back,' Babjak said. Additionally, Eldon Strong served a four-year term on the Center Township Board, 10 years as Center Township Trustee and six years on the Lake County Council, according to his obituary. Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said when he won his race to become state representative, he had two years left as a councilman. So Niemeyer asked Eldon Strong to run in the caucus for the vacant seat, and he won. Then, Eldon Strong ran and served a full four-year term, Niemeyer said. 'He did everything he needed to do for his district,' Niemeyer said. 'Whatever Eldon Strong told you, you could trust 100%. He was a man of his word.' Cedar Creek Township Trustee Alice Dahl said as a councilman, Eldon Strong helped all the trustees in Lake County receive funding through local income tax to go toward public safety, which was a tremendous benefit to the county. 'Eldon was just the best guy,' Dahl said. 'He would listen to you, and then run with the ball.' Council President Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, said she 'had the honor' of serving on the council along with Eldon Strong. 'His priority was serving his constituents,' Cid said. 'My condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure of his company.' Lake County Council attorney Ray Szarmach said Eldon Strong continued to support law enforcement during his time as a councilman as he served as chairman of the negotiating committee with the Lake County Sheriff's Department. Eldon Strong would not back down on issues important to him and his constituents, Szarmach said, and he stood by his convictions. 'He always acted in a manner he thought best for the taxpayers and citizens of Lake County,' Szarmach said. 'He was a man of integrity.' Pauline Strong said she went to high school with Eldon Strong, but after graduation, they lost touch. Years later, they reconnected and became friends again, she said. Ultimately, Pauline Strong said they were both on and matched together. After a few emails, they realized they knew each other and started dating, she said. 'We got together, and we've been together ever since,' Pauline Strong said. They had been together about 20 years, she said. Eldon Strong is survived by two daughters, a stepson, three granddaughters, a grandson, a sister and a brother, according to his obituary. Her husband was a happy, joyful man who had many friends, Pauline Strong said. The couple lived on Main Street in Crown Point, so the Fourth of July parade always meant a large party was held at their house, she said. 'If you became a friend of Eldon's, you basically became a friend for life,' Pauline Strong said. 'He was the best friend anyone could have.' The couple enjoyed fishing together and with friends, she said. 'He was the organizer in our group. He organized everything, down to his funeral,' she said. A wake will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Burns Funeral Home and Crematory, 10101 Broadway in Crown Point. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, at Burns Funeral Home and inurnment at Historic Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point. akukulka@
Chicago Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Eldon Strong, 1953-2025: Former Crown Point deputy chief, Lake County Councilman dies
Former Crown Point Police deputy chief and Lake County Councilman Eldon Strong died Saturday after a year-long battle with a rare blood cancer, according to his family. He was 72 years old. A year ago, Eldon Strong was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, which is a rare blood cancer where a person doesn't have enough healthy blood cells, said his wife Pauline Strong. He was taking medications, she said, but about two weeks ago the medication stopped working, she said. Eldon Strong served in the U.S. Marines Corps after graduating from Crown Point High School. After an honorable discharge, he joined the Crown Point Police Department, where he served for 35 years, rising through the ranks to become deputy chief and detective commander, according to his obituary. Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said in a statement that he was hired as a police officer when Eldon Strong was the deputy chief of police, 'so his leadership had a tremendous impact on my early career as a young officer.' 'Throughout his long law enforcement career, he was a dedicated officer for our community and helped build our police department into what it is today,' Land said. 'He challenged all of us to put the community first and serve our city in a professional matter, that we represent not only ourselves but our department.' Bill Babjak, a former Crown Point police officer, said Eldon Strong joined the department three years after he did, and they served together and became friends whose friends grew up together. 'We always knew we had each other's back,' Babjak said. Additionally, Eldon Strong served a four-year term on the Center Township Board, 10 years as Center Township Trustee and six years on the Lake County Council, according to his obituary. Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said when he won his race to become state representative, he had two years left as a councilman. So Niemeyer asked Eldon Strong to run in the caucus for the vacant seat, and he won. Then, Eldon Strong ran and served a full four-year term, Niemeyer said. 'He did everything he needed to do for his district,' Niemeyer said. 'Whatever Eldon Strong told you, you could trust 100%. He was a man of his word.' Cedar Creek Township Trustee Alice Dahl said as a councilman, Eldon Strong helped all the trustees in Lake County receive funding through local income tax to go toward public safety, which was a tremendous benefit to the county. 'Eldon was just the best guy,' Dahl said. 'He would listen to you, and then run with the ball.' Council President Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, said she 'had the honor' of serving on the council along with Eldon Strong. 'His priority was serving his constituents,' Cid said. 'My condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure of his company.' Lake County Council attorney Ray Szarmach said Eldon Strong continued to support law enforcement during his time as a councilman as he served as chairman of the negotiating committee with the Lake County Sheriff's Department. Eldon Strong would not back down on issues important to him and his constituents, Szarmach said, and he stood by his convictions. 'He always acted in a manner he thought best for the taxpayers and citizens of Lake County,' Szarmach said. 'He was a man of integrity.' Pauline Strong said she went to high school with Eldon Strong, but after graduation, they lost touch. Years later, they reconnected and became friends again, she said. Ultimately, Pauline Strong said they were both on and matched together. After a few emails, they realized they knew each other and started dating, she said. 'We got together, and we've been together ever since,' Pauline Strong said. They had been together about 20 years, she said. Eldon Strong is survived by two daughters, a stepson, three granddaughters, a grandson, a sister and a brother, according to his obituary. Her husband was a happy, joyful man who had many friends, Pauline Strong said. The couple lived on Main Street in Crown Point, so the Fourth of July parade always meant a large party was held at their house, she said. 'If you became a friend of Eldon's, you basically became a friend for life,' Pauline Strong said. 'He was the best friend anyone could have.' The couple enjoyed fishing together and with friends, she said. 'He was the organizer in our group. He organized everything, down to his funeral,' she said. A wake will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Burns Funeral Home and Crematory, 10101 Broadway in Crown Point. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, at Burns Funeral Home and inurnment at Historic Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point.
