117th Air Control Squadron Control of the highly charged and congested airspace over a given combat zone is the responsibility of the Georgia Air National Guard’s unique 117th Air Control Squadron, of Savannah. During exercises, contingencies, or actual war, the 117th Air Control Squadron’s Command and Control mission is to provide air support activities and to advise and assist the ground force commander in planning, requesting, coordinating and controlling close air support, tactical air reconnaissance, and tactical airlift. Trained air controllers have the responsibility of directing aircraft entering, exiting or crossing congested airspace using an array of sophisticated radar equipment
165th Air Support Operations Squadron Close air support for advancing ground units is often critical in perilous combat environments like Afghanistan. The “Battlefield Airmen” of Brunswick’s 165th Air Support Operations Squadron deploy with, advise and assist joint force commanders in planning, requesting, coordinating and controlling close air support, reconnaissance, and tactical airlift missions. Fourteen 165th ASOS members were deployed with Army ground units during 2010. Ten deployed with Georgia’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan, while one unit member deployed to support 5th 23 | Georgia Department of Defense
and sensors that provide greater coverage than most small city airports. Air controllers of the 117th deployed in early 2010 to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Savannah Air Guard unit partnered with 603 ACS from Aviano AFB, Italy, along with personnel from Britain’s Royal Air Force, and Royal Australian Air Force. The combined 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron was under the command of Lt. Col Kevin Alwood, 117th Commander. The 71 EACS earned the “Grand Slam” award, recognizing the squadron’s contribution to the wing’s overall mission. The “Grand Slam” underscores the superior teamwork and accomplishments from the diverse multinational military team. In addition to overall unit accomplishments, individual
Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division – also in Afghanistan. Another ASOS Guardsman deployed to Djibouti and Kenya in support of Africa Command and its operations around the Horn of Africa. Returning Guardsmen assisted non-deployed unit members in the intense unit training schedule for close air support, training at bombing ranges in Florida and at Moody Air Force Base.
members of 117th ACS were also recognized for their singular accomplishments by the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and Operations Group. Not only have operations personnel excelled at providing command and control for the air war over Afghanistan, but the maintenance team also continues to assure a 100% operational rate for its myriad of high-tech communications equipment amidst the punishing desert environment.