Officials at Tyndall AFB, Fla., recently came together to mark the activation of the Florida Air National Guard’s 101st Air and Space Operations Group. These Air Guardsmen help man the 601st Air and Space Operation Center at Tyndall, the state-of-the-art hub that monitors all the air traffic in the continental United States. “The 601st is made up roughly of 550 people, with 350 of those folks being 101st AOG members,” said Col. Randy Spear, 601st AOC commander. He added, “If the 601st were a car, the 101st would be the engine and the drive train that makes the 601st AOC mission happen.” Brig. Gen. Joseph Balskus, Florida ANG commander, presided over the late-August ceremony, which included the changing of the flags representing the 101st AOG’s transition from its former designation as the Southeast Air Defense Sector. (Tyndall report by Capt. Jared Scott)
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.