Mission and Units

Mission and Units
United States Air Force Warfare Center Purpose The United States Air Force Warfare Center ensures that our forces are sent into the combat arena well trained and well equipped to conduct integrated combat operations. From our testing and tactics development programs to our training schools and venues, we provide a means to equip the force with proven technology, the most current tactics, superb academic training and a unique opportunity to practice integrated force employment. The USAFWC vision, mission statement and focus areas are central to fulfilling our role in aiding Air Combat Command's mission to provide unrivaled combat forces.

Commander's Intent
The USAFWC commander's intent is to provide support to air and space component commanders in air, space and cyberspace. Our vision outlines the future of our organization and is the unifying target that directs our efforts.

United States Air Force Warfare Center Mission
The USAFWC mission is to shape the way our force fights through advanced training, operational testing, and tactics development in air, space and cyberspace at the operational and tactical levels. By defining what the USAFWC does and why we exist, our mission statement adds substance and structure to our overarching vision. The USAFWC has adopted five specified tasks which help shape our efforts and communicate to our Airmen what is important, why it is important and where we are headed in the future.
• Adversary Analysis - Provide a unified and coordinated "Red Force" ready to oppose the United States and its coalition partners during operational test and evaluation, tactics development and training exercises.
• Certify Equipment - Provide weapons systems certified for combat operations to the Air Component Commanders and their major commands.
• Define Tactics - Provide single source, joint, integrated, definitive combat employment tactics for the USAF, U.S Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
• Train Leaders - Train the future operational and tactical leaders of the USAF through advanced operational and tactical courses.
• Enhance Performance - Provide directed, joint, integrated exercise and composite training venues for operational and tactical units from the USAF, USN, U.S. Army and USMC.

Organizations
To execute this mission, the USAFWC oversees the operations of five wings: the 53rd Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla.; the 57th Wing, Nevada Test and Training Range and 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis AFB, NV; and the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Additionally, the USAFWC directs the operations of the Coalition and Irregular Warfare Center of Excellence at Nellis. The USAFWC also includes its own inspector general, staff judge advocate, protocol office, and historian.

Protocol Office
The Protocol Office supports all units on Nellis. This office plans, coordinates and orchestrates official visits, receptions, dinners, ceremonies and related protocol activities for military, political and civilian dignitaries visiting the base. It provides guidance in selecting restaurants, cultural events and other places of interest for visitors. This office also coordinates and provides tenant units with protocol requirements upon request.

USAF Warfare Center History Office
The USAFWC History Office helps the commander and his staff make informed decisions based on past events. Services include publishing a periodic history for the center, conducting special studies and special projects and answering historical inquiries.

Staff Judge Advocate
The office of the Staff Judge Advocate is responsible for the delivery of all legal services to the USAFWC commander. Legal support is also provided to the Nevada Test and Training Range, 99th Air Base Wing, 57th Wing and 53rd Test and Evaluation Group.

One of the SJA's primary responsibilities is to provide legal advice to commanders regarding military justice implemented under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The office also helps military members, retirees and their family members with personal civil legal problems. In addition to these services, it monitors and analyzes civil law matters including government contracts, ethics issues, military and civilian personnel law, fiscal law issues, claims and environmental law.

57th Wing
The 57th Wing is the largest composite wing in the Air Force. It oversees the dynamic and challenging missions for most flying operations at Nellis.

The wing was reorganized in 2007 to reflect its current structure. There are four groups: 57th Operations Group, 57th Adversary Tactics Group, 57th Maintenance Group and the USAF Weapons School. Additionally, the USAF Aerial Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds," the 561st Joint Tactics Squadron and the USAF Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School report directly to the 57th Wing commander.

57th Operations Group
The 57th Operations Group consists of six squadrons at Nellis AFB and three geographically separated locations. The group numbers approximately 390 military and civilian personnel. The 57th OG mission is to educate, exercise, advocate and provide support for airpower integration into the joint fight. The 57th OG is the single DoD focal point for joint education and training in concepts, doctrine, control systems and tactics, techniques and procedures for air and surface force integration into 1) major theater contingencies (RED FLAG exercise) and 2) preparation for today's fight (GREEN FLAG exercise) in combat locations worldwide. The group is also responsible for Nellis AFB airfield management and air traffic control services.

Today, through the 6th Combat Training Squadron, the 57th OG provides air-ground academic instruction via six academic programs to over 1,300 resident/1,800 nonresident officer/enlisted students per year. The 57th OG is also the ACC executive agent for exercise GREEN and RED FLAG programs providing integrated, joint, air and ground training. The 549th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis AFB and the 12th Combat Training Squadron at Fort Irwin, Calif., execute exercise GREEN FLAG-West 10 times per year at the U.S. Army National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. The 548th Combat Training Squadron at Barksdale AFB, La., and their Detachment 1 at Fort Polk, La., execute exercise GREEN FLAG-East at the U.S. Army Joint Readiness Training Center. The 414th Combat Training Squadron executes exercise RED FLAG five times per year over the Nevada Test and Training Range.

57th Operations Support Squadron supports Nellis AFB flight operations with air traffic control services, base operations support, airfield and airspace management, weather forecasting and related services. The 57th OSS is responsible for scheduling, training, life support, weapons and planning staff functions. Additionally, the 57th OSS maintains administrative oversight of the 57th Wing and Operations Group staff.

414th Combat Training Squadron
(RED FLAG)
The 414th Combat Training Squadron conducts exercise scenarios to maximize participant combat readiness and survivability. Combat units from the United States and allied countries worldwide engage in combat training scenarios conducted within the Nevada Test and Training Range Complex.

In a typical RED FLAG exercise, blue forces (friendly) engage red forces (hostile) in major theater contingency combat flight scenarios. Units from Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and select coalition air forces organize and function as the blue force. A blue force commander orchestrates an employment plan to lead large, integrated, composite formations against targets located on the NTTR. Red forces (primarily 64th/65th Aggressor Squadrons flying F-16s/F-15s) emulate enemy tactics; Aggressor aircraft provide a hostile air threat to blue force formations. In addition to 64th/65th Aggressor aircraft, other U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units fly in concert with electronic ground defenses, communications and radar jamming equipment to provide a formidable integrated threat to blue forces.

Each RED FLAG exercise normally involves a variety of interdiction, attack, air superiority, defense suppression, airlift, air refueling and reconnaissance aircraft. More than 1,200 aircraft fly over 20,000 sorties annually to train over 26,000 personnel. RED FLAG provides a peacetime "battlefield" where our Combat Air Forces can train. Inside the battlefield, aircrews train to fight together, survive together and win together.

6th Combat Training Squadron
(Air Ground Operations School)
The 6th Combat Training Squadron and associated Detachment 1, Fort Sill, Okla., are academic squadrons tasked to train joint terminal attack controllers, air liaison officers, forward air controller-airborne, joint forward observers and ground liaison officer personnel. Early in the Korean War, Air Force leadership concluded that many World War II air-to-ground lessons learned had not been passed on to next-generation warriors. As a result, Headquarters Tactical Air Command directed 9th Air Force to establish a "school of air-ground operations." On Sept. 25, 1950, the first class of 15 Air Force officers began the course of instruction at Pope AFB, N.C. As the school expanded, it moved to Southern Pines, N.C., Keesler AFB, Miss., and to Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Air Ground Operations School schoolhouse moved to Nellis in November 1997 to consolidate Joint Terminal Attack Controller training with the then AIR WARRIOR exercise. Academic students from all services receive training in tactics, techniques and procedures to request, plan, coordinate and control close air support tactical operations. Academic instruction includes lecture, seminar and joint planning exercises covering areas such as service doctrine, mission and organization, command and control, tactical operations and weapons systems. The course finishes with a field training exercise integrated with GREEN FLAG-West and National Training Center operations at Fort Irwin, Calif.

549th Combat Training Squadron
(GREEN FLAG-West)
The 549th Combat Training Squadron provides the ultimate peacetime close air support training opportunity for close air support aviation squadrons preparing to deploy in support of combat operations worldwide. U.S. Air Force units and theater air control system elements from the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and occasionally allied nations perform close-air-support missions over the National Training Center, a training area of almost 1,000 square miles. Similar to RED FLAG, the realistic simulated combat scenarios provide valuable close air support training on a scale not available to units at or near home station. Friendly and enemy ground forces pit approximately 400 armored and support vehicles and more than 4,500 soldiers against each other in a dynamic and unscripted battle exercise.

These fast-paced battles, the intense real-time command, control and communications requirements and visual simulations of armor, anti-armor, artillery and air defense weapons systems combine to present a highly realistic training environment for fighter pilots, forward air controllers and air liaison officers.

12th Combat Training Squadron
The 12th Combat Training Squadron is located at the U.S. Army's National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. The unit is formally designated "Team Raven" within the NTC operations group. The mission of Team Raven is threefold. First, it acts as the division liaison element for the NTC operations group and the deployed brigade tactical air control parties. Second, it is prepared to deploy with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment permanently stationed at Fort Irwin. In that capacity, the 12th CTS is tasked like any other operational air support operations squadron. Third, it conducts observer and controller duties providing over-watch, "coaching" and instruction to the deployed air support operations squadrons as those units work with assigned brigades. Team Raven functions as the "eyes and ears" of the NTC and 57th Operations Group commander with regard to effective integration and synchronization of air power into the brigade's maneuver scheme. Team Raven also provides critical input to the 549th Combat Training Squadron to assist in the assessment and debriefing of aircrews flying missions at NTC.

548th Combat Training Squadron
(GREEN FLAG-East)
The 548th Combat Training Squadron and Detachment 1 execute exercise GREEN FLAG-East over the U.S. Army Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., to provide operational control, safe employment and realistic training in close air support to air and ground squadrons preparing to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Participating aircrew and ground controllers receive excellent training in light- and medium-intensity close air support and terminal air control. The squadron hosts up to 10 multi-service field exercises each year, training more than 45,000 DoD and international personnel. A diverse unit at two geographically separate locations, the squadron's mission includes exercise planning, opportunities for live ordnance delivery, field training, munitions replication, weather support, radio maintenance and air traffic control.

57th Adversary Tactics Group
The 57th Adversary Tactics Group provides a coordinated Red Force to train U.S. personnel and coalition partners during exercises and deployments. The group oversees USAF-wide air, air defense, space and information Aggressor initiatives/threat academic programs. The 57th ATG instructs courses on adversary air, space and cyberspace capabilities and employment. It replicates realistic full-spectrum threat by functioning as adversaries for the USAF and directs intelligence support for Nellis AFB units.

547th Intelligence Squadron
The 547th Intelligence Squadron analyzes, refines and disseminates intelligence on adversary tactics and force employment for customers throughout the DoD. It conducts all-source intelligence support for Air Combat Command's premier live-fly training exercises and Nellis AFB combat, test and training units. The squadron operates the ACC Threat Training Facility and United States Air Force Warfare Center Special Security Office.

527th Space
Aggressor Squadron
(at Schriever AFB, Colo.)
The 527th Space Aggressor Squadron prepares USAF, joint and allied forces for combat through realistic and challenging threat replication, training and feedback. It enhances readiness and effectiveness of combatants and planners by providing highly specialized and certified spacecapable aggressors for live-fire exercises. The squadron operates adversary space systems, develops new tactics, techniques and procedures to counter threats and improve U.S. military space posture.

507th Air Defense Aggressor Squadron
The 507th Air Defense Aggressor Squadron is the Air Force's only Air Defense Aggressor Squadron. It provides the world's most realistic surface threat replication for U.S. and allied RED FLAG exercises, USAF Weapons Instructor Course and USAF test missions. The squadron instructs expert threat academics to more than 1,000 aircrew annually. It is the sole source for Electronic Combat Officer training providing the Combat Air Forces with future F-15, F-16, and A-10 ECOs.

64th Aggressor Squadron
The 64th Aggressor Squadron is one of two dedicated USAF F-16 Aggressor squadrons. The Aggressors function as adversaries to provide the world's most realistic threat replication for the Combat Air Forces. The squadron leads large-force red air for U.S. and allied RED FLAG and MAPLE FLAG Exercises as well as Weapons Instructor Course upgrades and priority test missions. The Aggressors provide expert threat academics to more than 1,000 aircrew annually and serve as liaison to national intelligence agencies.

65th Aggressor Squadron
The 65th Aggressor Squadron is the USAF's only dedicated F-15 Aggressor squadron. The Aggressors employ as adversaries to provide the world's most realistic threat replication for the Combat Air Forces. The squadron leads large-force red air for U.S. and allied RED FLAG and MAPLE FLAG exercises, Weapons Instructor Course upgrades and priority test missions. The Aggressors provide expert threat academics to more than 1,000 aircrew annually and serve as liaison to multiple national intelligence agencies.

57th Information Aggressor Squadron
The 57th Information Aggressor Squadron trains USAF, joint and allied forces for operations through realistic and challenging threat replication, training and feedback. It serves as professional Information Operations Opposition Force to challenge cognitive processes, contest U.S. decision superiority and replicate threats in cyberspace for training, tactics development and testing events. The squadron instructs threat academics and serves as a liaison to national intelligence agencies.

57th Adversary
Tactics Support Squadron
The 57th Adversary Tactics Support Squadron plans, coordinates and integrates actions of 300 Airmen in seven squadrons with wing, Numbered Air Force, MAJCOM, national and international agencies to replicate air, space, surface-to-air and cyber threats to train US and allied forces to defeat them. It directs several key programs including scheduling, training, threat assessment, adversary tactics development, mobility, public affairs and disclosure. It provides threat information to support warfighters and Air Force-wide acquisition, test, evaluation and training.

57th Maintenance Group
The 57th Maintenance Group is the Air Force's most diverse maintenance group, providing maintenance for more than 120 assigned A-10, F-15C, F-15E, F-16, F-22 and HH-60G aircraft. The 57th MXG supports 14 flying programs as well as Air Force Special Operations Command. The group generates more than 16,000 sorties annually for operational test and evaluation, USAF Weapons School operations and contingency operations world-wide. It also provides direct support for 700 visiting RED FLAG, GREEN FLAG and operational test and evaluation aircraft.

57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
The 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is Air Combat Command's second largest and most diverse maintenance squadron, consisting of more than 900 personnel maintaining more than 120 A-10C, F-16C/D, F-15C/D/E, and F-22 aircraft. The squadron generates more than 16,000 sorties annually for 11 different flying programs in both the 57th and 53rd Wing. The aircraft maintenance squadron directs maintenance support for the USAF Weapons School, 64th and 65th Aggressor Squadrons, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron and RED FLAG/GREEN FLAG exercises. It manages a $30 million budget and an aircraft fleet valued at $4.2 billion.

57th Component Maintenance Squadron is Air Combat Command's most diverse component maintenance squadron, supporting more than 120 A-10C, F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, F-22 and HH-60 aircraft flying more than 18,000 annual sorties. The squadron maintains fuel, electrical, environmental, egress, and pneudraulics systems, and 175 F100-PW-220/220E/229 and F119-PW-100 engines. It operates a calibration laboratory maintaining more than 9,470 test equipment items. It also maintains avionics line replaceable units and 110 sensor, data link and electronic warfare pods.

57th Maintenance Squadron
The 57th Maintenance Squadron is Air Combat Command's most diverse equipment maintenance squadron. It has 671 personnel supporting more than 120 F-22, F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, A-10C and HH-60G aircraft. The squadron provides munitions, aerospace ground equipment, armament systems, wheel and tire, aircraft phase inspections, crash recovery, repair and reclamation, and fabrication support, including low observables maintenance at two locations. It manages base transient alert contract, 99 facilities, 173 vehicles, and a $12.3 million budget.

United States Air Force Weapons School
Composed of 16 squadrons, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers of the Combat Air Forces. Every six months, the Weapons School produces approximately 90 graduates who are expert instructors on weapons, weapons systems and air and space integration. They take to their respective squadrons the latest tactics, techniques and procedures for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The Weapons School also produces the Weapons Review magazine, the Combat Air Force's premier professional tactics publication.

The Weapons School began in the late 1940s as the USAF Gunnery School. This school was designed to teach air combat lessons learned and sought to improve pilots' aerial gunnery skills in the P-51, F-80, F-84 and F-86. In 1953, the school was renamed the USAF Fighter Weapons School and in 1992, with the advent of Air Combat Command and inclusion of bomber courses, the school changed its name to the USAF Weapons School.

Today's Weapons School encompasses 16 squadrons, teaching 20 combat specialties at eight locations. Only 30 percent of today's students come from the classic fighter specialties which built the initial reputation of the "patch." The 50+ year tradition of excellence associated with the Air Force Weapons School continues as today's graduates go to units worldwide to focus on the integration challenges of tomorrow. The Weapons School instruction consists of graduate level: A-10, AC-130, B-1, B-2, B-52, C-17, C-130, F-15, F-15E, F-16, F-22, HH-60, KC-135, MC-130, MQ-1/9, command and control operations, intelligence, and space weapons instructor courses. Students are fully qualified instructors, chosen by a central selection board, and among the top of their peers. During the course, students receive an average of 400 hours of graduate-level academics and participate in demanding combat training missions. The climax of the course is the mission employment phase, a twoweek staged air battle over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Students demonstrate their ability to manage a battle and effectively integrate multiple weapons systems. Upon graduation, the new weapons officers return to the field to serve as unit weapons and tactics officers, providing advanced instruction and technical advice to their commanders, operations officers and personnel.

United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron
(Thunderbirds)
Nellis is home of the world-renowned United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Proudly known as "America's Ambassadors in Blue," the Thunderbirds have performed for more than 300 million people in all 50 states and 60 countries around the world.

From mid-March through mid-November each year, the Thunderbirds are on the road. During these 200 days, they plan and present precision aerial demonstrations in one of America's front-line multi-role fighter aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Objectives of the squadron are to demonstrate to the public the professional competence of Air Force members, to support Air Force community relations and people-to-people programs and to support Air Force recruiting and retention programs.

57th Wing Advanced Programs
The 57th Wing Advanced Programs office manages advanced programs for the 57th Wing in direct support of the USAF Weapons School, RED FLAG, 57th Adversary Tactics Group, F-22 operations and maintenance and United States Air Force Warfare Center.

United States Air Force Advanced
Maintenance and Munitions Officer School
The mission of the USAF Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School is to provide graduate-level instruction to maintenance and munitions officers in the USAF distinctive capability of agile combat support. The USAF AMMOS offers a demanding 14-week course built around the six master ACS processes of readying the force, preparing the battle space, positioning the force, employing and sustaining the force, and recovering the force. The school educates students on the role of aircraft and munitions maintenance in planning and executing an air campaign. Graduates of USAF AMMOS can skillfully balance aircraft long-term fleet health and sortie generation to sustain combat capability. They are qualified instructors able to effectively share their knowledge with their peers. They also act as advisors to wing leadership on combat support planning and execution at home station or deployed. Graduates are assigned to maintenance leadership positions for a minimum of three years after graduation.

Nevada Test and Training Range
The Nevada Test and Training Range was re-designated from the 98th Range Wing on June 21, 2011. The 98th Range Wing was activated at Nellis Oct. 9, 2001. The history of the 98th RANW can be traced to the 98th Bombardment Wing Very Heavy, formed Oct. 24, 1947. The 98th BW was inactivated July 12, 1948, and re-designated the 98th BW Medium the same day. Further re-designations followed, including the 98th Strategic Aerospace Wing Feb. 1, 1964, and later the 98th Strategic Wing June 25, 1966. The 98th Strategic Wing was inactivated Dec. 31, 1976.

The NTTR provides command and control of the Nevada Test and Training Range. The commander coordinates, prioritizes and is the approval authority for activities involving other governmental agencies, departments and commercial activities on the NTTR.

The mission of the NTTR is to formulate concepts and advocate requirements to support DoD advanced air combat composite force training, tactics development, and electronic combat, as well as DoD and Department of Energy testing, research and development. The NTTR integrates and provides support for test and training programs that have a direct effect on the warfighting capabilities of the Combat Air Forces.

NTTR Operations Group
The NTTR Operations Group commands two squadrons with 60 military and civil service personnel responsible for operating the 2.9-million-acre Nevada Test and Training Range, with functional oversight of over 650 contractor personnel. It directly supports Air Force joint and multinational test and training activities with over 105,000 participants per year. The group prioritizes all activities in 12,000-square-nautical-miles of airspace, 13 percent of the state of Nevada and oversees scheduling of all range users while coordinating range airspace issues with military and federal agencies. It ensures all range flight and ground activities are executed safely. In addition to the NTTR, the Operations Group also operates the Air Combat Command bombing range on the National Training Facility, Leach Lake Tactics Range, near Barstow, California, in support of GREEN FLAG-West exercises. The OG provides a simulated adversary Integrated Air Defense System, ground control intercept operations, flight-following safety de-confliction, simulated adversary command and control operations, communications, data link operations and range access control for NTTR users.

NTTR Operations Support Squadron
The NTTR Operations Support Squadron is the scheduling, command and control and project support authority for over 40,000 sorties annually on the NTTR and the Leach Lake Tactics Range. The Command and Control Flight provides qualified ground control intercept and Link 16/SADL operations for all test and training sorties. The Current Operations Flight is responsible for range scheduling, range monitoring and advisory control (Blackjack), and provides Range Integration Instrumentation System and Integrated Tactics Assessment System for CAF aircrew. The Operations Plans Flight coordinates all exercise, test and experimentation customer assistance and develops strategic plans for over 1,900 range targets. They also plan, source, and evaluate target arrays to meet current and future CAF requirements. The Weapons and Tactics Flight manages test and training target/threat requirements and integrates range technical and non-technical contract support to ensure relevant battle space.

NTTR Range Squadron
The NTTR Range Squadron is responsible for technical support of Air Force, joint and multinational aircrew training on the NTTR. The squadron accomplishes this mission through three flights and one support element: The Communications/Computer Services Flight provides network administration and management services, small computer technical support, software development and geographic information services to range users and managers. They manage all fielded and programmed, wired and wireless communications on the range including acquisition, system configuration and equipment control.

The Operations and Maintenance Flight provides the highest quality electronic combat threat environment possible to meet user requirements on the NTTR to include bed-down, operation and feedback of surface-to-air and anti-aircraft artillery threat simulators. It is the single focal point for all warfighter threat needs and electronic combat activities. The Engineering Flight meets current and future range requirements through research, creative engineering and project management. They act as the focal point for all joint integration and interoperability issues involving the NTTR and represent the 98th Range Wing at all levels of DoD engineering working groups.

The Quality Assurance Staff Support Element validates services performed by Range contractors to ensure that requirements of the contract are met, advise acquisition and contract management on quality assurance surveillance plans and investigate and administer customer complaints and deficiency reports.

NTTR Mission Support Group
The NTTR Mission Support Group commands two squadrons with 70 military and civil service personnel and functional responsibility for 507 contract personnel. It provides base operating support on the three-million-acre NTTR with contingents at several geographically separated locations, including Tonopah Test Range, Creech AFB, Point Bravo, Tolicha Peak Electronic Combat Range, and Range 63A. It operates a physical plant with two major airfields and 700 facilities, a 900-vehicle fleet, 1,214 bed spaces, one dining facility, one "all-ranks" club, three supply warehouses and can store 2.2 million gallons of bulk fuel. It executes a $26-million budget to deliver range civil engineering, fire protection, security, dining, custodial, lodging, logistics, fuels and transportation services.

NTTR Northern Ranges Support Squadron
The NTTR Northern Ranges Support Squadron provides management oversight for Tonopah Test and Training Range airfield, Tolicha Peak and NTTR Northern Ranges, and coordinates contractor support for tenant organizations. It also provides support to deployed forces, operates the airfield in support of deployed forces and as an emergency divert base for fighter, bomber and transport aircraft flying on the NTTR, authorizes airfield access, oversees NTTR Northern Range operational activities (1.8 million acres) and controls range access and provides initial response on-scene command for security, fire protection, environmental incidents and medical responses.

The Tonopah Test Range Airfield-Northern Ranges mission is to provide domestic support for internal and external range customers, provide a capability for emergency divert landing and serve as a forward-support location for various Nellis training, testing and tactics development activities. The squadron accomplishes its mission through two flights: The Civil Engineering Flight is responsible for analyzing existing structures, facilities, roads and utility systems to determine engineering requirements for upgrade or rehabilitation and management of environmental issues.

The Operations Flight oversees daily operations of Tonopah Airfield Operations on three distinct airfields. It hosts squadron-sized deployments, supports Red Flag, Green Flag, USAF Weapons School, JEFX, other large force exercises and Targets management for NTTR.

Support services available include lodging, dining facility, transportation and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

NTTR Southern Ranges Support Squadron
The NTTR Southern Ranges Support Squadron provides management oversight for Creech AFB and NTTR Southern Ranges. The squadron provides base operating support for Creech AFB, Point Bravo Electronic Combat Range, Angel Peak, Silver Flag Alpha, and the NTTR southern ranges (880,000 acres). The 98th SRSS coordinates Air Force and contractor support for four wings: 53rd Wing, Nevada Test and Training Range, 99th Air Base Wing, and 432nd Wing at Creech AFB. Additionally, the squadron provides support to deployed forces and oversees NTTR Southern Range operational activities.

99th Air Base Wing
Enabling America's Combat Edge
Across Nellis, Creech and the Range
The 99th Air Base Wing traces its lineage to the 99th Bombardment Group during the early days of World War II. The group activated without personnel or equipment in 1942 at Orlando Army Air Base, Fla., and quickly transferred to Gowen Field, Idaho, where it received its initial manning. Air operations mobilized to Algeria in May 1943, where the group and its B-17 Flying Fortresses aircraft distinguished themselves while flying bombing missions against targets in Italy, Sardinia and Sicily. Then, in December 1943, aircrews moved to Italy and conducted missions throughout Europe. The group inactivated in 1945.

After this brief inactivation, the 99th was re-designated the 99th Bombardment Group Very Heavy in the Air Force Reserve at Birmingham, Ala., from 1947 to its inactivation in 1949. In 1953, the 99th was again reactivated as the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, based at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Although the years brought several changes in name, equipment, mission and a move to Westover Air Force Base, Mass., in 1956, the organization operated continuously until a second inactivation closed its doors in 1974. Again, the 99th was reactivated, this time at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., in 1989 as the 99th Strategic Weapons Wing. Major reorganizations and name changes occurred until September 1995, when the 99th Wing inactivated and was reactivated at Nellis Air Force Base as the 99th Air Base Wing Oct. 1, 1995.

Today, it serves as the host wing for Nellis, Creech, Tonopah Test Range and the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Public Affairs Office
www.nellis.af.mil
Public Affairs Office (main): (702) 652-2750
Nellis Television: (702) 652-7310
Photo Lab: (702) 652-4603
The 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office is responsible for communicating the missions of the United States Air Force Warfare Center, 57th Wing, 53rd Wing, 505th Command and Control Wing, 99th Air Base Wing, Nevada Test and Training Range, and the three-million-acre Nevada Test and Training to internal and external audiences.

PA works with senior commanders and agencies to ensure the base community is well informed about Nellis activities that impact Airmen, their families and the local community. PA contributes to and maintains the Nellis AFB public website, www.nellis.af.mil, which includes local and Air Force news and features highlighting Nellis and units.

PA conducts tours and operates an active community outreach program, giving the American public a behind-the-scenes look at their Air Force in action. PA also runs an active media relations program, working with hundreds of local, national and international journalists annually to inform the public of Nellis' missions, people and activities.

Public Affairs includes the base photo lab and Nellis Television, which provide news and feature coverage as well as historical documentation.

99th Comptroller Squadron
The mission of the 99th Comptroller Squadron is to provide professional financial management services to the organizations and individuals at Nellis AFB. The squadron is comprised of the Financial Analysis Flight, the Financial Services Flight and an analyst for all non-appropriated funds. The Financial Analysis Flight prepares, updates and administers the base's $650-million budget. It also provides cost and economic analysis support to the base commanders. The Financial Services Flight is responsible for disbursing, collecting, accounting and reporting all government funds at Nellis. It also provides pay and travel support for more than 9,000 military, 3,700 civilians and 20,000 retirees and annuitants. The non-appropriated fund analyst provides financial oversight of all base NAF activities in addition to detailed accounting review and budget analysis for the various NAF functions.

99th Mission Support Group
The mission of the 99th Mission Support Group is to operate and maintain Nellis AFB and provide base-level support such as communications, engineering, contracting, logistics readiness, information management, education, billeting, family housing, fire protection, disaster preparedness and mission support. The group provides support to Nellis AFB, Air Combat Command's largest installation, and also Creech AFB, home of Unmanned Aerial Systems and the Nellis Range Complex. The group is also responsible for mobility, deployment processing, and provides quality-of-life services for all active duty, dependents, retirees, civilians and TDY personnel.

The 99th MSG oversees operations of five squadrons: 99th Civil Engineer Squadron, 99th Communications Squadron, 99th Contracting Squadron, 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 99th Force Support Squadron.

99th Civil Engineer Squadron
The 99th Civil Engineer Squadron provides life-cycle operation, maintenance and repair of facilities and infrastructure; integrated management of natural infrastructure and real property assets, including environmental management, housing management, energy/utilities management and base development; facilities project planning, program development, design and construction management; installation emergency management and counter chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear planning, training and response; fire prevention and protection, firefighting, rescue and HAZMAT response; and explosives ordnance disposal. The 99th CES also supports contingency operations and provides expeditionary engineering through the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Program.

99th Communications Squadron
The 99th Communications Squadron's mission is to provide voice, video and data communications in support of combatant commanders, Nellis and Creech warfighters and their supporting communities at both locations. The squadron accomplishes its mission through the Operations Flight, Plans and Resources Flight and a support staff.

The Operations Flight sustains, and maintains air traffic control and landing systems, voice, data and video networks, both wired and wireless. It also manages and sustains all information technology devices and applications used to provide mission critical communications services.

The Plans and Resources Flight manages activities related to Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) systems planning, integration and implementation; provides base support functions to include information assurance, knowledge management, mail, asset management services; manages radio frequency for Nevada, southern Idaho and western Utah; coordinates budgeting and billing in support of C4 systems; and provides human resources/functional management, including agreements and contract management.

The support staff conducts quality assurance on personnel and systems, coordinates all commander programs and manages the squadron's readiness and deployment activities. This staff also advises the commander on a wide range of issues including morale, quality of life and discipline.
99th Contracting Squadron
The 99th Contracting Squadron executes the installation contracting program to provide contracting policy, planning, contract execution and contractor performance management to Nellis and Creech AFB assigned and tenant units. The squadron also trains and equips contingency contracting officers for worldwide deployment. The squadron accomplishes its mission through four flights: the Infrastructure Flight (supporting construction requirements), the Base Operations Support Flight (supporting base support requirements), the Plans and Programs Flight (supporting the Government Purchase Card Program), and the Quality Assurance Evaluator Program and Specialized Flight (supporting requirements not normally found at operational level).

99th Logistics Readiness Squadron
The 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron mission is to guarantee Nellis' combat effectiveness, support the USAF's premier training programs and be ready anytime, anywhere to respond to the nation's fuel, supply, transportation, vehicle and logistics planning needs in peacetime, contingencies and war. The squadron was activated in January 2003, and at nearly 600 members it is the largest of its type in Air Combat Command. The squadron currently consists of four functionally oriented flights, along with the Nellis Support Center, the Creech Support Center and Operations Compliance. Air Force-directed changes will take place in the coming months regarding the squadron's organizational structure.

The Readiness Flight is the wing Office of Primary Responsibility for plans, war reserve materiel management, deployment planning, training and execution, base/expeditionary support planning, sustainment, redeployment, mobility bag, small arms weapons management and logistics command and control. The Supply Chain Management Flight is responsible for receipt, storage, issue and shipment of cargo, passenger movement, personal property, dispatch operations and decentralized inventory management of DoD supplies and equipment. The Vehicle Management Flight is the single authority and source for maintenance and management of the base motor vehicle fleet. The Fuels Management Flight ensures quality petroleum products and cryogenics fluids are stocked and safely issued to using organizations.

The Nellis Support Center provides all logistical support including supply, transportation, logistic plans, airfield management and lodging services to live-fly exercise units deploying to Nellis.

The Creech Support Center provides 24/7 customer support for combat operations, managing all MQ-1/MQ-9 kits. The CSC also provides dedicated support personnel that deploy to the area of responsibility. Operations Compliance provides procedural compliance, training, resources and systems required to ensure the efficient and effective operation of squadron processes and provides interface between internal functions and external customers.

99th Force Support Squadron
The 99th Force Support Squadron is composed of highly trained professionals from a variety of support flights including Manpower and Personnel Flight, Airmen and Family Services Flight, Sustainment Services Flight, Force Development Flight, Community Services Flight and the Creech Operating Location Military Personnel section. Through the combined efforts of these flights, the 99th FSS provides a range of education, manpower, quality of life, food services, lodging and personnel services to a wide variety of Nellis customers, including active duty members, dependent personnel and retirees.

99th Medical Group
The 99th Medical Group provides medical care for the military community to ensure maximum wartime readiness and combat capability. The group's functions include flight medicine, surgical services, maternal and childcare, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, dental care, medical benefits and information and diagnostic and therapeutic services. Squadrons that report to this group include the 99th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 99th Dental Support Squadron, 99th Inpatient Squadron, 99th Medical Surgical Squadron, 99th Medical Operations Squadron and the 99th Medical Support Squadron.

99th Security Forces Group
The 99th Security Forces Group provides security, law enforcement services and protection for Nellis AFB, consisting of 11,000 acres of patrolled area. The group fills Air Combat Command's largest mobility commitment and supports the USAFWC, 53rd Wing, 57th Wing, Nevada Test and Training Range, 99th Air Base Wing and 23 tenant units.

99th Security Forces Squadron
The 99th Security Forces Squadron provides protection, security and police services to Nellis' 14,000 military, dependents, retirees, civilians and 414,000 TDY personnel annually. The Central Security Control/Law Enforcement Security Forces Desk controls security for numerous and varied aircraft and associated resources located in multiple areas of the flightline and base facilities.

99th Ground Combat Training Squadron
The 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron provides warrior skills training for all Air Combat Command's security forces and combat support elements at Creech AFB. This squadron provides advanced ground combat weapons and tactics instruction that enhances the combat capabilities of Air Force ground forces essential to sortie generation who are confronted with a potential for combat during hostilities.

53rd Test and Evaluation Group
The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group is responsible for the overall management of the 53rd Wing's flying activities at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, as well as Barksdale AFB, La.; Beale AFB, Calif.; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Dyess AFB, Texas; Tyndall AFB, Fla.; and Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Members of the group execute operational test and evaluation and tactics development and evaluation projects assigned by ACC for A-10, B-1, B-2, B-52, F-15C/E, F-16, F-22, HH-60G, MQ-1, MQ-9, RQ-4 and U-2 combat aircraft. The unit performs functional management for acquisition, modification, testing and certification for fighter, bomber and combat support aircrew training systems. The group also conducts foreign military exploitation and special access projects.

422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron
The 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron is a composite squadron executing Air Combat Command Headquartersdirected operational test and evaluation and tactics development and evaluation for A/OA-10, F-15C, F-15E, F-16C and F-22 hardware, software and weapons upgrades to maximize combat capabilities prior to Combat Air Force release. Mission areas include combat tactics development, foreign materiel exploitation and field visits to instruct operational aircrews on new systems/tactics.

505th Operations Group
The 505th Operations Group leads five geographically separated units and is responsible for the operational level of war command and control testing and training. Its units develop operational-level tactics, techniques and procedures and conduct advanced training for air and space operations center personnel. They also conduct operational testing of air and space operations center, Airborne Warning and Control System and Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System command and control systems. The 505th OG hosts joint training and experimentation events.
505th Operations Squadron
The 505th Operations Squadron conducts advanced training at the operational level of war for air, space and information operations warriors. It develops and documents tactics, techniques and procedures to support the joint and international operational warfighter, planner and commander in the Falconer weapon system. The squadron also provides a world-class air and space operations center facility to support training, experiments and tactics, techniques and procedures development and testing.