The Crows of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing welcomed the Air Combat Command leadership team and their spouses to Eglin Air Force Base, recently, where they saw firsthand the wing's role in providing joint and coalition partners with electromagnetic warfare capabilities needed to dominate the spectrum.
The wing, activated in 2021, has its origins in the 53rd Wing at Eglin; the same wing Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, previously commanded. The now inactive 53rd Electronic Warfare Group, went on to become eight squadrons across the 350th SWW that Wilsbach had the opportunity to engage with during his visit.
"Going through the 350th today and seeing how much has changed was impressive," Wilsbach said. "The advancements, changes and speed at which the wing operates enhances the focus on the primary challenge - China."
Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, ACC's command chief, were briefed on the wing's current process to rapidly reprogram critical mission data under wartime contingencies and how it is reshaping its approach to combat adversaries in the spectrum.
"Electromagnetic spectrum operations are a significant part of how we operate," Wilsbach said. "The operations that are happening today in the Pacific will inform the data and what will happen here at the 350th. That data will in turn be used by those same operators for an advantage against China."
Part of that reshaping includes the planned activation of the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group at Robins AFB, Georgia. The 950th SWG is projected to expand the wing's ability to assess every aircraft in the Combat Air Force inventory, ensuring readiness through assessment of EMS-based combat capabilities.
The wing conveyed the resourcing challenges associated with reinvesting in spectrum-based capabilities, including the ability to gain experienced Airmen who are familiar with EW-a challenge on both the officer, enlisted and civilian sides of the force.
