The Air Force’s upgraded E-3G Sentry made its Pacific debut last month. The 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB, Okla., deployed the upgraded Airborne Warning and Control System Block 40/45 to PACAF in March, flying the first E-3G sortie over the Korean peninsula on March 18, according an April 15 Tinker release. The aircraft was stationed at Kadena AB, Japan, from March 12-22 and also flew missions alongside the Japanese Self Defense Forces. The AWACS helped control other aircraft in aerial interdiction, counter-air, and suppression of enemy air defense training missions, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron Detachment Commander Maj. Jonathan Ritsema said in a release. The upgraded AWACS made its combat debut in November. The aircraft’s $2.7 billion upgrade program includes modern communications, enhanced computer processing, and improved threat tracking.
ACC Unveils New Way to Measure Readiness
May 9, 2025
Air Combat Command is changing how it measures and tracks readiness for its fleet of aircraft, with a top general saying the focus is on “simplicity” and better articulating what its wings need.