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54th Combat Communications Squadron [54th CBCS]

[Note: Combat Communications Squadrons[CBCS] are sometimes incorrectly referred to using the acronym CCS]

The mission of the 54th Combat Communications Squadron is to provide combat-ready forces that directly support the CINCs, JTFs and combatant commanders with command and control communications, computer support and air traffic services during wartime and contingency operations.

The 54th is the newest of the 5 CCG's four mission squadrons, having officially activated in June 1993. Most of the unit's equipment and personnel was obtained from other 5 CCG mission squadrons and the deactivated 2nd Combat Communications Group at Patrick AFB, Florida. During its first year of activation, the 54th spent most of its time standing up as a new squadron and training its personnel for combat readiness.

The 54th played a significant role in the 5 CCG's overall "Excellent" rating during the 1994 Operational Readiness Inspection--it augmented the other mission squadrons with equipment and personnel. In addition, the squadron participated in, and helped support, the 5 CCG's 1994 winning "Combat Challenge" team at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Combat Challenge is the USAF's premier tactical communications competition involving units from all over the world. Since its activation, the unit has filled over 1300 individual personnel and/or equipment tasking supporting worldwide contingencies and exercises.

In October 1994, the 54th deployed over 40 personnel to the Middle East in support of Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR. The services provided by the 54th directly supported a tanker task force in Qatar with five short-tons of communications equipment, setting up a bare base suite of communications infrastructure for comprehensive command, control and communications operations. In the last year, the 54th has continued to improve its combat readiness by participating in six major local training deployments, to include three major evaluated exercises.

In keeping with our squadron motto, "Blazing the Way", the 54th was the lead squadron for augmenting the Wing Initial Communications Package (WICP) when F-16s and A-10s from Moody AFB, Georgia deployed as part of the "Air Expeditionary Force I" (AEF I) to Bahrain.

The 54th provided line-of-sight microwave connectivity and on-site secure/non-secure voice capabilities. Also, this was the first time, since Desert Storm, that the 5 CCG had deployed TRC-170s (Tropospheric Scatter Radio Sets) to the region. During this same time period, the unit deployed a team of 26 personnel to austere Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait in support of A-10 flying operations out of the USAF's most forward deployed air base. While there, personnel from the 54th continued to provide complete communications services ensuring the success of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In March 96, the 54th was involved in supporting another AEF deployment; this time AEF II deployed to Jordan. Personnel from the 54th augmented Langley AFB's Wing Initial Communications Package (WICP) in support of 1st Fighter Wing F-15/F-16 flying operations. The squadron also provided on-site secure/non-secure voice, data networking, and on-site microwave linking capabilities. In addition, the 54th deployed a mobile tactical air navigation system (TACAN) in support of KC-135 refueling operations.

The 54th is at the forefront of testing the next generation of tactical communications equipment. As the lead squadron in this effort, the 54th CBCS has been heavily involved in the operational testing and evaluation of the Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminal (LMST) as well as other portions of the "Theater Deployable Communications (TDC)" program including the Option-11 phone switch and IDNX multiplexed. In August 95, the 54th deployed several personnel, along with other members from the group, to the Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID) '95 at Hanscom AFB where it set up, operated and maintained a complete suite of the new communications equipment for several weeks. The 54th continues to set the pace by helping establish a TDC training environment for all 5 CCG personnel. Also, the squadron serves as the lead squadron for operational testing of the new Tower Restoral Vehicle (TRV), the replacement for the current mobile air traffic control tower (TSW-7).