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380AEW Article

The “Blue Knights” Arrive in the AOR

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Ben Wilkes
  • 963rd EAACS/AWACS
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed the 963rd Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron to the fight on Jan. 9, 2009. The "Blue Knights" are commanded by Lt. Col. Robert M. Haines and their home station is Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. The men and women of the 963rd fly aboard and support the E-3 Sentry. Based on a Boeing 707-320B airframe, the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System provides surveillance, command-and-control, battle management, combat identification and communications functions for tactical and air defense missions.

The 963rd was activated on March 8, 1955, at McClellan AFB, Calif. The squadron was equipped with the RC-121 Constellation, a modified C-121 aircraft outfitted with long-range surveillance radar, identification friend or foe equipment, and a variety of communications systems.

On July 1, 1976, the 963rd became the first operational squadron of the 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing, Tinker AFB, Okla. Along with a new designation, a new parent command and a new home station, the squadron was equipped with new E-3 Sentry aircraft. With this unique system came an expanded mission for the "Blue Knight" crews: employ the E-3's enhanced capabilities for all-altitude and deep look surveillance, early warning, intercept control and air battle management in a variety of tactical, strategic and special missions.

Since activation, the "Blue Knights" have been involved in every major conflict and operation, including the Southeast Asian conflict, the Iran and Iraq conflict, Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Uphold Democracy, Proven Force, Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, and Allied Force, along with Counter Drug Operations in South America. 

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the "Blue Knights" flew the first Operation Noble Eagle sortie. E-3s around the country took over air traffic control responsibilities and controlled all aircraft entering the U.S. borders and arranged alternate destinations in wake of the terrorist attacks. This role continues today to protect the U.S. from terrorist attacks against key leadership, infrastructure and population centers. 

The "Blue Knights" initiated the 552nd Air Control Wing's involvement in current conflicts by deploying to Thumrait Air Base, Oman. They took the lead role in command and control for Operation Enduring Freedom. Then, in February 2003, the "Blue Knights" were the first squadron to depart for the buildup of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

The 963rd was last deployed here during 2007 for AEF 9/10. Today, the "Blue Knights" are back in the fight! To keep the AWACS flying here in the 380th AEW requires extreme dedication from operators, support personnel, and maintenance. Since their arrival the men and women of the 963rd EAACS are calling themselves the "Desert Knights," a name that encapsulates the environment and coming together of their warriors. And in the words of these warriors they are here to "meet the frag," win the war, and support the team!