By Tech. Sgt. Daniel Martinez, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs / Published October 01, 2019
Members of the 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron pose for a group photo after the unit's inactivation ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sept. 30, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Martinez)
Lt. Col. Adam Blanchard, 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron commander, speaks during the 43rd EECS inactivation ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sept. 30, 2019. Blanchard praised his team for contributing to various missions within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Martinez)
Airmen attend the 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron's inactivation ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sept. 30, 2019. The squadron has operated with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing since 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Martinez)
Col. David Morgan, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander, speaks during the 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron's inactivation ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sept. 30, 2019. Morgan presided over the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Martinez)
Col. David Morgan, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander, and Lt. Col. Adam Blanchard, 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron commander, step off stage after the conclusion of the 43rd EECS inactivation ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sept. 30, 2019. Morgan presided over the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Martinez)
The 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron inactivated Sept. 30, 2019, after operating with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing since 2015.Lt. Col. Adam Blanchard, 43rd EECS commander, handed the unit guidon to presiding officer, Col. David Morgan, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander, a traditional and symbolic gesture indicative of leadership change or when a unit ceremoniously transitions from its operational status.Blanchard thanked base leaders and supporting personnel for attending, heaping praise to his unit for their successful tenure in support of U.S. Central Command mission objectives.“This is definitely a humble brag but we’ve been essential in helping defeat the vicious ISIS caliphate in Iraq and Syria,” Blanchard said. “We disrupt enemy command and control communications that limits adversary coordination essential for enemy force management. To put it simply, we jam the “you-know-what” out of bad guy [communications]. If it’s hard to talk, it’s that much harder to stay organized, and that just makes it easier for the good guys to do their thing.”The 43rd EECS team mobilize in a modified C-130 Hercules airframe, the EC-130H Compass Call, where they perform electronic attack missions to degrade enemy communications. The unit has participated in various operations to include Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Freedom Sentinel, Resolute Support and Inherent Resolve.The unit has amassed more than 5,700 flying hours across more than 760 sorties. Additionally, the 43rd EECS jammed more than 5,300 frequencies, helping to protect U.S. and coalition forces who contributed to the capture or kill of more than 12,000 enemy combatants.“The team has always risen to the occasion in the past and always will in the future,” Blanchard said. “This is an inactivation ceremony, not a deactivation one, so do not be surprised if you see us again. We will remain ready to pick up, set up and execute airborne electronic attack whenever and wherever we’re called upon. I have been blessed to be the 43rd commander.”Morgan praised the 43rd EECS Airmen for contributing to the “EC-130 Compass Call legacy of unmatched excellence.”“During this final rotation, your team has dominated the EM spectrum and protected nearly 2,000 coalition war fighters, directly enabling the capture or kill of over 140 ISIS [members],” Morgan said. “I thank you and all of your families for your continued service and sacrifice.”