About this Unit
The 93rd Air Control Wing (93 ACW), based at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, was the first unit to operate the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft. Activated in 1996, the wing provided advanced airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The E-8C JSTARS played a pivotal role in operations such as Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, delivering real-time ground surveillance to commanders. In 2002, the 93 ACW was inactivated, and its JSTARS mission was transferred to the 116th Air Control Wing, continuing its legacy of supporting U.S. and allied ground forces worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 93rd Air Control Wing (93 ACW) was activated on January 29, 1996, at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, specifically to operate the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS).
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JSTARS Mission: The E-8C JSTARS is a unique airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C2ISR) aircraft, able to detect, track, and classify ground targets in all weather conditions.
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First Combat Use: JSTARS was first deployed in combat during Operation Joint Endeavor over Bosnia in 1995, even before the 93 ACW was formally established, highlighting its urgent operational value.
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Gulf War Legacy: The JSTARS concept was proven during the 1991 Gulf War, when prototype aircraft provided critical surveillance for coalition forces, influencing the Air Force’s decision to fully develop and field the platform.
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Global Deployments: The 93 ACW and its JSTARS aircraft have participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operations Allied Force (Kosovo), Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Iraqi Freedom.
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Mixed Crews: JSTARS missions are unique in that they often include both Air Force and Army personnel on board, fostering joint operations and real-time coordination.
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Large Crew Size: Each JSTARS E-8C mission can have up to 21 crew members, including pilots, navigators, and a wide range of mission specialists and technicians.
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Advanced Radar: The E-8C’s AN/APY-7 radar is capable of tracking vehicles and detecting moving targets at ranges up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the aircraft, covering vast battlefields.
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Unit Transition: In 2002, the 93 ACW was inactivated and its mission was transferred to the 116th Air Control Wing (Georgia Air National Guard), reflecting the Air Force’s shift toward integrating Guard and Reserve units into critical missions.
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Retirement and Legacy: The E-8C JSTARS fleet is being retired in the 2020s, but its legacy continues, as the data fusion, command, and control methods pioneered by JSTARS shape next-generation battle management and ground surveillance systems.
