965th AWACS, Tinker, AFB OK

The 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron (965th AACS), based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is a key unit within the U.S. Air Force’s airborne command and control community. Activated in 1955, the squadron has operated the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft since the late 1970s, providing all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications to U.S. and allied forces. The 965th AACS has played vital roles in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, delivering crucial airborne battle management. Its continuous mission readiness and global deployments underscore its importance in maintaining air superiority and situational awareness for U.S. and NATO operations.