About this Unit
The 618th Air Operations Center (AOC), previously known as the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC), is a key unit of the United States Air Force, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Established in 1992, the unit serves as the operational arm of Air Mobility Command, orchestrating global air mobility missions including airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation. The 618th AOC provides 24/7 command and control to ensure rapid, flexible support for U.S. military and humanitarian missions worldwide. Over its history, the unit has played a vital role in major operations such as Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and disaster relief efforts across the globe.
Historical Facts
• Origins: The 618th Air Operations Center (AOC), originally known as the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC), traces its roots back to 1992, when it was activated at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
• Name Change: The unit was redesignated from TACC to the 618th AOC in 2010 to better reflect its role as an Air Operations Center focused on global mobility operations.
• Global Reach: The 618th AOC is responsible for planning, tasking, and coordinating nearly all of the U.S. Air Force’s air mobility missions worldwide, including cargo, personnel transport, and aerial refueling.
• 24/7 Operations: The unit operates around the clock, 365 days a year, ensuring rapid response to global crises, humanitarian missions, and military operations.
• Key Role in Humanitarian Aid: The 618th AOC has supported major disaster relief efforts, such as Hurricane Katrina (2005), the Haiti earthquake (2010), and COVID-19 response missions.
• Command Structure: It operates as a direct reporting unit to Air Mobility Command (AMC), serving as the command’s operational nerve center for mobility forces.
• Large-Scale Coordination: The center manages an average of 900 sorties per day, controlling the movement of thousands of personnel and tons of cargo globally.
• Multi-Service Support: The 618th AOC supports not only the Air Force, but also joint and allied operations, coordinating with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: The unit uses advanced tools and communications systems to track and manage missions in real time, enhancing efficiency and mission success.
• Symbolic Patch: The 618th AOC’s emblem features a globe and aircraft, symbolizing its global reach and critical role in connecting the world through air mobility.
