Air Combat Command

Air Combat Command
U.S. Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	Air Combat Command
Dates	June 1, 1992 - present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Major Command
Garrison	Langley Air Force Base

Air Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force and is headquartered at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. The command is responsible for organizing, training, equipping, and maintaining combat-ready forces for United States Central Command, United States European Command, United States Pacific Command, and United States Southern Command. Air Combat Command was established on June 1, 1992, as a result of the Goldwater-Nichols Act and the subsequent Base Realignment and Closure Commission decisions, which led to the inactivation of Tactical Air Command and Strategic Air Command. The command's mission is to provide United States Air Force forces for United States Northern Command, United States Space Command, and other Unified Combatant Commands.

● History

The history of Air Combat Command dates back to World War II, when the United States Army Air Forces was established, and Carl Andrew Spaatz played a significant role in its development. The command's predecessor, Tactical Air Command, was established in 1946, and Curtis LeMay was a key figure in its formation. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Tactical Air Command provided air support to United States Army and United States Marine Corps units, with notable contributions from Chuck Yeager and Robin Olds. The Gulf War saw the introduction of stealth technology, with the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk playing a crucial role in the conflict, and Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. leading the United States Central Command effort. The War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War have also seen significant involvement from Air Combat Command, with David Petraeus and Raymond Odierno playing key roles in the conflicts.

● Organization

Air Combat Command is organized into several numbered air forces, including First Air Force, Ninth Air Force, Twelfth Air Force, and United States Air Forces Central Command. The command is also home to several wings, including the 1st Fighter Wing, 4th Fighter Wing, and 20th Fighter Wing, which are equipped with F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-22 Raptor aircraft. The command's personnel are trained at Air University, which is located at Maxwell Air Force Base and includes the Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer School. Air Combat Command also works closely with other United States Air Force major commands, including Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Air Force Space Command, as well as United States Navy and United States Army units, such as United States Naval Aviation and United States Army Aviation Branch.

● Operations

Air Combat Command has been involved in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The command has also provided support to United States Africa Command and United States Southern Command operations, such as Operation Unified Response and Operation Inherent Resolve. Air Combat Command units have worked alongside Royal Air Force, French Air Force, and Australian Air Force units, as well as North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Coalition forces, in various conflicts and exercises, including Red Flag and Exercise Northern Edge. The command has also participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions, such as United Nations Operation in Somalia II and United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti.

● Equipment

Air Combat Command operates a wide range of aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and A-10 Thunderbolt II. The command is also responsible for the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, as well as the E-3 Sentry and E-8 Joint STARS airborne warning and control systems. Air Combat Command units are equipped with AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile and AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile missiles, as well as GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition and AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile precision-guided munitions. The command is also investing in Fifth-generation jet fighter technology, including the F-35 Lightning II and Next Generation Bomber programs, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman.

● Commanders

Air Combat Command has been led by several notable commanders, including John Michael Loh, Richard E. Hawley, and William R. Looney III. The current commander is Mark D. Kelly, who has previously served as the commander of Twelfth Air Force and United States Air Forces Central Command. Other notable commanders include Ronald Fogleman, Michael Ryan, and John W. Handy, who have all played significant roles in shaping the command's mission and operations, in conjunction with United States Air Force Chief of Staff, United States Secretary of the Air Force, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The command's leaders have worked closely with other United States Air Force and United States Department of Defense officials, including United States Secretary of Defense, United States Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and United States Under Secretary of the Air Force.