963rd EAACS redeploys, makes incredible impact in forward locations

Published Feb. 19, 2008
By 2nd Lt. Kinder L. Blacke
552nd ACW Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The 963rd Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron is home after a 140-day deployment to Southwest Asia and South America where they managed to rack up over 2,700 total flying hours during the AEF cycle.
   The group of 141 Airmen led by Lt. Col. John T. Russell, commander, 963rd EAACS, supported U.S. Central Command's mission by providing command and control support to coalition forces in the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility. "In so doing, we wound up flying over 1,800 hours of combat support over the skies of Afghanistan and Iraq," said Colonel Russell.
   The 963rd EAACS ran at full speed. "The squadron flew more than 160 sorties at an operational delivery rate of 100 percent and maintained a remarkable aircraft utilization rate that nearly doubled the rate at home station," said Colonel Russell.
   The 963rd EAACS also supported U.S. CENTCOM in regional engagement by participating in the month-long Exercise Iron Falcon, which involved six nations working together to support the Air Warfare Center, said Colonel Russell.
   The crews were working hard constantly to provide the best command and control support possible, and their diligence produced significant results.
   When asked whether the impact of the 963rd EAACS was evident, Colonel Russell responded with an enthusiastic "Yes, absolutely!"
   The evidence was tangible on several occasions, he said. For example, the squadron was significantly involved in operations that drove the Taliban from their winter stronghold, liberating the town of Musa Qala.
   "We were flying actual combat missions and saw aircraft drop ordinance continually, which brought absolute death and destruction to the Taliban," said Master Sgt. Doug Cataline, Flight Engineer, 963rd EAACS.
   "We were able to shorten the kill chain due to the increased radar coverage we provided," said Senior Airman Art R. Martinez, Airborne Surveillance Technician, 963rd EAACS. "We could see lower, higher and farther than the ground-based radars they had."
   Airman 1st Class Audrey A. Page, Airborne Surveillance Technician, 963rd EAACS, remarked "our impact was visible every time I watched the news on the TV in the dining facility or the morale center. The headline never had AWACS in it, but all of us flying the missions could see the impact of what we had done."
   "During their sorties, the squadron controlled over 5,300 aircraft, monitored over 2,900 Restricted Operating Zones and more than 2,800 kill boxes," said Colonel Russell.
   The 963rd EAACS played a critical role in executing over 230 attacks on enemies firing at coalition forces. "We were, no kidding, directing operations where things were blowing up daily," said Colonel Russell.
   At the same time that members of the 963rd EAACS were in Southwest Asia fighting the Global War on Terror, crews were simultaneously deployed to Ecuador under the leadership of Lt. Col. Kenneth M. Kniskern, 963rd AACS Director of Operations, to contribute to the Joint Interagency Task Force South mission to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
   According to JIATF South, 963rd crews assisted in the seizure of 70 metric tons of cocaine, 103 law enforcement arrests, and the seizure of 32 aircraft vessels, all with a net worth of 1.4 billion dollars!
   "The 963rd EAACS was specifically credited on three separate occasions with initial detection for the seizure of nine metric tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of 179 million dollars and seven arrests," said Colonel Kniskern.
   He added that in addition to the impact the crew had on the counter drug war, flying over 100 sorties, the members of the 963rd were committed to helping the community through programs such as Toys for Tots.
   Being away from home for four months, especially through the holiday season was tough on the squadron, who all missed their families, friends and the familiarities of home, but witnessing the overwhelming results of their hard work made the time away from home worth-while, said Colonel Russell.
   "It was great to finally be a part of something," said Airman Martinez.
   Master Sgt. Cataline remarked "this was by far my best deployment in 17 plus years of Air Force service."
   The Airmen earned valuable experience being in the Area of Responsibility. "The best part was gaining more knowledge of my job in a real-world atmosphere--points that you can't be taught in a simulator or on a training sortie," said Airman Page.
   "This AEF represents the first time the 552nd Air Control Wing intentionally deployed a single squadron for the full four months," said Colonel Russell, "and during that time, this squadron left a profound impact. I am very, very proud of what my Airmen did. After years of not being in theater, they went back and really put the 'World Famous' back into the 'World Famous Blue Knights.'"
   As far as advice for units deploying in the future, Airman Martinez advises "the deployment is what you make of it. Try to make it the best time possible and learn as much as you can."