728th Air Control Squadron

The 728th Air Control Squadron is a unique squadron with a mission different than any other squadron assigned to the 552d Air Control Group, 552d Air Control Wing. The 728th's mission is focused around providing air control (radar) services for combat air operations. Officially, the 728th provides a mobile, combat-rated, senior radar element of the Theater Air Control System for worldwide contingencies. Additionally the 728th provides combat and control of joint air operations by conducting surveillance identification, weapons control, battle management and theater communications data link.

The squadron was activated by the Ninth Air Force commander in September 2, 1950 at Turner Air Force Base, Georgia. The unit, originally designated 728th Tactical Control Squadron was stationed at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina in November 2, 1950 followed by move to Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina in January 16, 1954. Shortly after in 12 June, 1956 the squadron was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. In the early 1960s, as Army airborne units were training for deployment to Vietnam, Detachment 1 of the 728th TCS operated out of a field deployment on Fort Bragg and set up mobile communications systems for Army field exercises. This detachment moved from Fort Bragg to McCoy AFB, Florida in 1965 and was involved in providing radio relay communications for the Inter-American Peace Force at San Isidro AB in the Dominican Republic. The detachment relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC in 1967. The 728th, in those days, was an element of the Air Force Communications Service and supported the Composite Air Strike Force (CASF). The 728th moved to Eglin Air Force Base Auxiliary Field #3 (Duke Field) in August 15, 1977 as a tenant unit. The squadron was finally relocated to Eglin Air Force Base proper in June 5, 1994.

Since the squadron's creation, the 728th has received six Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and has participated in several major command, U.S. Readiness Command and Joint Chiefs of Staff directed exercises and deployments throughout the world. During Operations Desert Shield/Storm, the 728th fulfilled a vital role in the coalition effort while they were deployed to King Kalib Military City, Saudi Arabia. The 728th also participated in Operation Deny Flight, the suppression of flight activities over Bosnia, while deployed to Jacotente, Italy. Additionally, the 728th is known for its significant contribution to the fight against illegal narcotics in Central and South America and for supporting an ongoing rotation to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Calm. They also have been Deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Currently, the 728th Air Control Squadron is part of the Ninth Air Force, 552d Air Control Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is always poised and ready to provide a Control and Reporting Center in support of tactical air operations throughout the world.

ources

*http://ageranger.com/728ACS.htm
*http://www.33fw.acc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4390
*http://www.33fw.acc.af.mil/