552nd ACW deploys first E-3 Block 40/45 to PACAF Published April 15, 2016 By Darren D. Heusel Tinker public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Members of the 552nd Air Control Wing once again made history recently by deploying the first-ever E-3G "Sentry" Airborne Warning and Control System Block 40/45 aircraft to the Pacific Air Force area of operations. The wing also made history late last year by deploying the first E-3G to a combat theater in Southwest Asia Nov. 18, marking the deployment of the most comprehensive modification to the weapon system in its 38-year history. The Block 40/45 upgrade improves communications, computer processing power, threat tracking and other capabilities. This time around, the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron deployed one E-3G Block 40/45 and approximately 50 552nd ACW personnel to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from March 12-22 to support training objectives in the PACAF area of responsibility. Specifically, the emphasis was on facilitating training objectives near the Korean Peninsula. According to 964th AACS Detachment Commander Maj. Jonathan Ritsema, his squadron flew a total of four sorties during the training event, including the first E-3G sortie over the Korean Peninsula on March 18. "We controlled a number of aircraft conducting training sorties performing aerial interdiction, offensive and defensive counter-air, and suppression of enemy air defense profiles," Major Ritsema said. Additionally, the major said, the squadron supported training for two fighter squadrons and successfully interfaced with Japanese Self Defense Forces. "We also accomplished refueling training with three different tanker squadrons in support of our deployment to and from Kadena AB," he said. What's more, Major Ritsema said, the temporary duty assignment afforded his Airmen the opportunity to deepen their ties with their sister squadron, the 961st AACS, stationed at Kadena AB, adding that, "their support was critical to our successful operations." According to Major Ritsema, 552nd ACW personnel also seized the opportunity to better familiarize themselves with the mission and political situation of the region, while deepening their appreciation of operations at Kadena AB. "We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the people of Okinawa, capitalizing on the opportunity to enjoy some of the local culture in between missions," he said. The 552nd ACW is home to the E-3, with 27 of the fleet's 31 AWACS aircraft being housed at Tinker Air Force Base. Of the remaining four aircraft, two are stationed at Kadena AB, and two at Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, Alaska. According to 1st Lt. James Johnson, assistant officer-in-charge of the 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's Red Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU), the maintenance team integrated with the local E-3 maintenance unit, and worked hand-in-hand to ensure mission success. Kadena AB is home to an E-3 Block 30/35 unit and their presence and aid helped to alleviate many of the challenges that arose during the training. "Deploying the first E-3 Block 40/45 to the Korean theater of operation presented some unique challenges with maintenance experience and equipment," Lieutenant Johnson said. "This required us to bring specialized equipment and personnel that are familiar with the new 40/45 systems." Overall, the combined maintenance forces were able to aid in demonstrating the success of the E-3 Block 40/45 AWACS by completing 100 percent of the scheduled flying. "The maintenance effort during this TDY was a great example of Air Force teamwork and helping each other accomplish the mission," the lieutenant said. Tech. Sgt. Nathan Solosabal, 552nd AMXS Red AMU lead crew chief on the training mission, agreed with his assistant OIC in that their brethren at Kadena AB gave them all the support they needed to be successful. "They let us use all equipment we needed to support our aircraft and they helped to provide us manning to support aircraft launches and recoveries," he said. "In return, we were able to aid in assisting them with redball maintenance and ensured their missions launched out on time." All-in-all, Sergeant Solosabal said, the team integrated extremely well for deploying the first E-3G Block 40/45 to the Pacific AOR.