“Significant upgrades” are being completed on the air traffic control tower at Fort Leonard Wood’s Forney Airfield – which also serves as Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport.

The tower’s renovation included new computer consoles, lighting controls and a monitoring system. The upgrades is set to increase civilian and military travel in and out of the area.

“The air traffic control consoles were functional but outdated,” said José Palasi, control tower facility chief in an Army article. “Their layout was useful … when they were built but were not ergonomically or functionally situated for today’s air traffic control operations. The new consoles maximize our small work area and place all the equipment in locations that enhance controller input.”

Officials say the technological upgrades bring the tower into the 21st Century.

Photo by Brian Hill