1. 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 (ACS), of
Savannah. During exercises, contingencies, or actual war, the 117th ACS’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 and sensors that
provide greater coverage than most small city airports.
The 117th became the first air control squadron to participate in the Joint User Interface
Communications Evaluation in June 2011. This exercise tested tactical communications
equipment employment, and this year the exercise specifically evaluated a new “everything over
IP” method of digitalizing all communications.
The 117th was the first Air Guard ACS to receive new command and control software, and
the unit was also specifically chosen to be the first ACS (active duty or Air National Guard) to
receive a major upgrade to the TRC-215 Remote Radar/Radio System due to unit expertise.
During 2011, the 117th focused on reconstitution and training of its unit following the 2010
deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit also received a simulation
training upgrade that allows its simulation equipment to link into the Air Force’s secure
Distributed Mission Operations network.
Not only have operations personnel excelled at providing command and control for the air
war over Afghanistan and Iraq during recent deployments, but the maintenance team also
continues to assure a 100% operational rate for its myriad of high-tech communications
equipment.
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