Inactivation of the 3rd Combat Communications Group

News > Inactivation of the 3rd Combat Communications Group

Inactivation of the 3rd Combat Communications Group

Posted 3/6/2012 Updated 3/6/2012

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by Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

3/6/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Air Force Space Command officials announced the inactivation of the 3rd Combat Communications Group at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, as part of the overall Air Force force structure changes released today.

"The inactivation of the 3CCG is part of a larger Air Force effort to shape the force," said Col Joseph Scherrer, 689th Combat Communications Wing commander. "In accordance with the President's National Security Strategy, the Air Force is reducing deployable communications capabilities to match the reduction in combat air forces."

According to the Air Force Chief of Staff, the Air Force's strategy is to apply resources to the people, programs, and systems that will best contribute to the new DoD strategic guidance.

"We made a deliberate decision to avoid a "hollow force" by prioritizing readiness over force structure," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said. "A smaller, ready force is preferable to a larger force that is ill-prepared because it lacks adequate resources."

The 3CCG inactivation will affect 600 military billets at Tinker AFB.

"Our primary responsibility right now is to take care of our Airmen and their families in the 3CCG as they begin to transition to other units," Scherrer said.

Combat communicators from the 3CCG have served the nation in support of combat operations and humanitarian missions across the globe for more than 50 years.

"Combat communicators are an integral part of 24AF's cyber capabilities," he said. "We will continue our legacy of Combat Communications excellence through the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins AFB, Georgia."

For more information contact Air Force Space Command Public Affairs at (719) 554-3731.

Comments

12/19/2012 5:06:56 PM ET
Wow. Just found out about this. Served in the 3rd Herd from 84-94. Best job I ever had in the military. Been retired since 2001 but I will always remember my time in the 3rd.

John Parry, New Jersey

7/5/2012 10:39:44 PM ET
This is why leaders are needed not managers. Only a manager would destroy the BEST Combat Comm in the Air Force.

Ed Finlay, Belleville Illinois

6/11/2012 3:22:42 PM ET
I couldn't believe it when I read on Wikipedia that the Third Herd was going away and having read the official story I still can't believe it. My last USAF permanent party assignemt was the 3CCG - I ETSed in 1982 - and though I can't say I enjoyed TABs and exercises and being away from my family I don't regret my time in the Herd. I'm proud to have been part of the unit and - continuing the long rivalry - I'd just as soon they shut down the 5th Mob.

Robert McKay, Albuquerque NM

3/27/2012 7:07:04 PM ET
Sad news for sure. I served in the 3ccg in the early 90's. I have been separated from the USAF for almost 20 years now but have a lot of fond memories at Tinker and the many deployments.

Dan McCoy, Kansas

3/15/2012 8:32:10 PM ET
I always used to hear rumors about the Group being forced to relocate one day but this is quite shocking.Probably the best camraderie in the AF although I do have mixed feelings about the loss of the Group. Combat comm gives excellent perspective for 2nd termers coming from regular AF but I have always questioned the choice to allow FTA there.Not to disregard the very storied legacy of 3CCG but combat comm will continue to exist elsewhere indefinitely.Howdy Rooster So glad to see you chime in here.

DAustin, Lackland

3/12/2012 7:18:09 PM ET
@Lt Col Campbell Hopefully HQ AFSPC A1M does the right thing and deactivates the CCW and aligns 5 CCG directly under the NAF as they were in ACC. A dedicated CCW was a nice experiment while it lasted but you can't justify wing status with one group and I don't think PACAF nor USAFE will give up their CCGs. Next issue would be a NAF with only two wings especially when existing wing manpower numbers were already iffy but that's another fight for later

JAFSO, Colo Spgs

3/7/2012 4:45:39 PM ET
You are so right. There's a lot of history with the group and a lot of good people.

Lee Caldwell, Eglin AFB

3/7/2012 10:51:37 AM ET
Served in the 3rd three separate times over a 20 year career. It was the best combat comm unit in the Air Force.

Jim Ziemba, Oklahoma City OK

3/7/2012 10:16:12 AM ET
TSgt Stewart Tuesday's force structure announcement is about the inactivation of the 3CCG at Tinker AFB. We cannot speculate on any other Air Force force structure decisions at this time. Thank you for your question.

Lt Col Brenda Campbell, HQ AFSPC

3/7/2012 9:46:22 AM ET
This leaves a lot of potential questions to be answered about the future structure of 24 AF not just the 689th...

Adam Palmer, Hurlburt Field FL

3/7/2012 6:07:52 AM ET
This will leave the 689th Combat Communications Wing with only one group. Any plans for the wing

TSgt Stewart, Afghanistan

3/6/2012 8:37:29 PM ET
Sad day. Losing a lot of capability here.

mike rousey, Tinker Afb Ok

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