961st AWACS

The 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron (AWACS) is a United States Air Force unit established in 1955, originally as the 961st Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron. Stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan, the squadron operates E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, providing airborne surveillance, command, control, and communications for U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific region. The 961st AWACS has played a critical role in regional security, participating in numerous joint and multinational exercises, and supporting combat operations such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Its enduring mission contributes significantly to the air defense and situational awareness capabilities of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.