About this Unit
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.
Historical Facts
• Origins in the Cold War: The 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing (now Air Control Wing), or 552nd AWACS, was activated on July 8, 1976, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, inheriting the mission of airborne surveillance during the Cold War.
• Premier AWACS Operator: The 552nd was the first unit to operate the Boeing E-3 Sentry, the iconic AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, which remains a cornerstone of U.S. and NATO air defense.
• 24/7 Readiness: The wing has maintained a continuous alert posture since its inception, providing command and control, battle management, and surveillance worldwide.
• Desert Storm Pioneers: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the 552nd AWACS played a crucial role in coordinating the air campaign, controlling thousands of sorties and helping to achieve air superiority.
• NATO Partnership: The wing regularly collaborates with NATO AWACS squadrons, strengthening transatlantic defense ties and interoperability.
• Global Reach: The 552nd has deployed to nearly every continent, supporting operations such as Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and humanitarian missions after natural disasters.
• Technological Advancements: The E-3 Sentry fleet operated by the 552nd has undergone numerous upgrades, including advanced radar, communication, and data fusion systems, keeping it effective in the digital age.
• Airborne Command Posts: The unit’s aircraft serve as flying command posts, enabling real-time coordination of air, naval, and ground assets across vast battle spaces.
• Distinguished Awards: The 552nd AWACS has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and other decorations for its operational excellence and contributions to national security.
• Community Engagement: Based at Tinker AFB, the 552nd is a major presence in Oklahoma, engaging in outreach activities and supporting local communities through education and veteran programs.
