The 116th Air Control Wing and its partner wing, the 461st Air Control Wing, known together as "Team JSTARS," provide command and control and intelligence surveillance from E-8C aircraft. In the past year, Team JSTARS supported operations in five combatant command areas of responsibility. They also met all 141 tasked sorties to provide support over Libya. On the ground, the 116th continues to receive high ratings for its logistics and maintenance support while also providing security and medical assistance both overseas and domestically.

1. 116th Air mandates by providing 100% air
tasking order coverage. One of the
Control Wing 116th Operations Group’s aircrews
was later recognized as the ANG
2011 Air Battle Manager Aircrew of
With nearly 10 years of the Year. Crew One, from the 128th
continuous deployment in support Airborne Command and Control
of U.S. Central Command, the 116th Squadron, provided exceptional
Air Control Wing (ACW) continues command and control to 7,000
to provide E-8C Joint Surveillance aircraft in a 600,000 square-mile
Target Attack Radar System battle space.
(JSTARS) aircraft for world-class JSTARS was also “on station,” Brig. Gen. William L. Welsh
Command, Control, Intelligence, providing coverage for the Commander,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance withdrawal of the last U.S. troops to 116th Air Control Wing
(C2ISR). Based at Robins Air leave Iraq.
Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga., Operations in support of Northern
JSTARS is the sole provider of the Command and Southern Command
much-lauded and persistently tasked have continued to showcase the
E-8C fleet. The 116th ACW has been JSTARS mission capabilities.
on a continuous deployment cycle In July 2011, the 116th Logistic
since 9/11 and flown over 82,000 Readiness Squadron and the 116th
combat hours as of February 2012, Maintenance Group received an
supporting ongoing contingency “Outstanding” rating during NGB’s
operations around the world. logistic compliance assessment from sister services in an ongoing
On Sept. 30 2011, after nine program inspection. construction project on a new adult
years of being the only “Blended” The 116th Mission Support skills center.
Wing in the U.S. Air Force, the 116th Group provides support both Maintaining a healthy force is
ACW transformed into an active overseas and at home. The 116th always a challenge, but the 116th
associate construct. The 116th ACW Security Forces Squadron deployed Medical Group (MDG) consistently
was established as the host while personnel to Afghanistan supporting provided outstanding medical
the 461st ACW was stood up as the force protection requirements. support. They were able to sustain
associate wing and the newest wing Additionally, the wing’s Explosive deployment medical processing and
in the Air Force. The two wings now Ordnance Disposal unit personnel operational readiness inspection
work together as “Team JSTARS.” excelled in their mission with Tech. preparation, while continuing work
This past year, Team JSTARS Sgt. Barry Duffield being awarded stateside with the 78th Homeland
provided aircraft and personnel the Combat Action Medal and Response Force, FEMA Region
support to five separate combatant Bronze Star (second award) for his IV, and the Georgia Emergency
commanders in five geographically actions in Afghanistan. Management Agency. The 116th
separated areas of responsibility. At home, the 116th Civil Engineer MDG even received a “perfect”
Short-notice deployments in support Squadron (CES) took 42 members score during the final certification
of operations in Pacific Command to St. Michaels Association for process and is fully mission capable
and Africa Command tested the Special Education, Navajo Nation to respond to any emergencies.
readiness of 116th and 461st Airmen, reservation, Window Rock, Ariz. As we begin 2012, the 116th
but each time they met the challenge. The unit participated in a special ACW and Team JSTARS stand ready
While supporting NATO DoD innovative readiness training to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
operations, Team JSTARS was able program designed to provide real- The professionalism and dedication
to meet an unprecedented 141 of 141 world training opportunities to of Team JSTARS to the Air Force
tasked sorties while providing C2ISR prepare for wartime missions while core values of “Integrity First,
for combat operations over Libya. supporting America’s homeland. Service Before Self, and Excellence
Their efforts help save hundreds of During a two-week deployment, in all we do,” ensure a clear path to
civilian lives, consistent with UN the 116th CES worked with units success far into the future.
2011 Annual Report | 22