689th Combat Communications Wing Inactivates

The 689th Combat Communications Wing furled its colors during an inactivation ceremony at Robins AFB, Ga., on June 12, according to a base release. The inactivation is part of the Air Force’s planned force structure changes included in the President’s Fiscal 2013 budget. “New technology that is smaller and requires less manpower to set up and operate, combined with our ability to leverage enterprise capabilities is enabling the Air Force to provide a similar (combat communications) capability with significantly less personnel,” 689th CCW Commander Col. Joseph Scherrer said. The two civilians assigned to the wing will transfer to the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins and the 33 military members either will be reassigned, retire, or separate, states the release. The President’s budget also directed the Air Force to stand down the 3rd Combat Communications Group at Tinker AFB, Okla.—a move that is expected to take place in September. It will impact about 700 airmen. “Our primary responsibility right now is to take care of our airmen and their families as they transition to other units,” said Scherrer. The 689th CCW was activated in 2009 as a subordinate of the 24th Air Force—USAF’s cyber arm.