JW
552nd AWACS630th MASSq

John Westbrook

U.S. Air Force Veteran

Message

About

Branch

U.S. Air Force

Service Years

1971 - 1976

Units

552nd AWACS

U.S. Air Force

The **552nd Air Control Wing (552nd ACW)**, originally activated as the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing in 1955, is a critical component of the United States Air Force based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The unit's primary mission is to provide airborne surveillance, command, control, and communications using the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Over its history, the 552nd has participated in major operations including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing vital air battle management and situational awareness. Renowned for its rapid deployability and global reach, the 552nd continues to play a pivotal role in both peacetime and combat air operations for U.S. and allied forces.

1972 - 1974

630th MASSq

U.S. Air Force

The 630th Military Airlift Support Squadron (630th MASSq) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing essential airlift support and logistics services. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining and supporting air mobility operations, particularly at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany. Its personnel ensured the smooth handling of cargo and passengers, aircraft servicing, and coordination for military airlift missions across Europe and beyond. The 630th MASSq contributed significantly to U.S. and NATO operations until its inactivation as part of broader post-Cold War restructuring.

1974 - 1972