5th MOB, let’s go! Robins comms group to celebrate 60th anniversary

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE — The 5th Combat Communications Group, also known as the 5th MOB, is responsible for six decades of tactical communications excellence at Robins Air Force Base.

To celebrate this milestone, the MOB is planning a wide array of events from June 27 through June 29 for past and current members, including a golf tournament, no-host social, a tour of the 5th MOB, Heritage Room Ribbon Cutting, a dinner banquet, and a chance to revisit 5th MOB stomping grounds.

“This is a chance for our alumni and our current airmen to interact to hear stories and really celebrate our history and heritage,” 5th MOB Commander Col. David Abel said.

Split into four subgroups, three squadrons under the 5th MOB are located at Robins. According to Abel, the 5th MOB provides readily available communication capabilities to military forces worldwide within 72 hours. 

“We can support any number of people, from one individual to a brand new base with two to 3000 people. Our Airmen receive specialized training to ensure that they can be successful regardless of the environment they’re deploying to or the complexity of the mission,” Abel said.

Since Abel took command in July 2022, the 5th MOB has been responsible for deployment to around 30 countries, and supported 300 missions for close to 50,000 mission days, including missions in Europe, California, Niger, Guam and the Arctic. The 5th MOB is also in detail for the Secret Service.

The 5th MOB’s history spans decades, beginning in July of 1964. The group was originally named the 5th Mobile Comm Group, where its nickname originates.

Since then, the group has supported nearly every major military operation, including Vietnam, Operation Eagle Claw, and Operation Desert Storm. While current deployments are confidential, many recent operations support NATO allies in Europe.

Abel describes the 5th MOB as a tight-knit group that is always ready to lend a hand, both on base and abroad. He said the team makes a point to look out for each other.

“Camaraderie is really important for mission success and the nature of what we do requires teamwork, trust and dedication. Our culture here is how we develop that teamwork and dedication,” Abel said. “We’ve got a legacy of loyalty, brotherhood, that was established in 1964, that has helped us get through some tough missions and some tough challenges. I think it creates a common bond between the generations of mobsters over the years.”

The team is prepared for anything, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

“As a commander, I can go at any office in the group and I can yell out, ‘5th MOB,’ and the Airmen are gonna shout, ‘Let’s go!’ I think that kind of captures the spirit of our unit. It’s a lot of good fun,” Abel said.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Karl D. Griffin served with the 5th MOB for seven years, joining shortly after 9/11. He retired from the group in 2009, and in his experience, working in the 5th MOB is crucial, anything but your typical 9-to-5.

“When you come to the 5th Combat Communications Group, it’s in the name. You will be going out to some very adverse conditions,” Griffin said.

Because of the conditions, he said a key motto for the team is “embrace the suck.”

“Get rid of all your BMW before you get on that aircraft. Once we land, we don’t want to hear no more [bellyaching, moaning and whining,]” Griffin said. “Because once you get there, the people depend on combat comms.”

Speaking on the 5th MOB’s role to be ready at a moment’s notice, he said it perfectly embodies the Air Force’s core mission and values, and said the 5th MOB’s team may be a cut above the average because of this mindset.

“The people who are still in the fight, those people still wearing the uniform … They can come into work one day and you could get orders the next day. Then you’ve got to tell your family, ‘I got to deploy,’ and sometimes you can’t tell them where you’re going. Because the needs of the mission come first. We take care of our people, but at the end of the day, you wear that uniform. It’s a reason why the United States Air Force is over your heart, because service before self is part of the Air Force’s core values: integrity, service before self in all that we do.”

It was a value he perpetuated as Chief Master Sgt, saying as a leader, his goal was to ensure everyone returned home safely.

“I believe in leading by example. And we’re going to go to some bad spots. I’m going to make sure I’m the first person that’s telling everybody. ‘Let’s go.’ I’m gonna be right there with my commander. Whatever orders we get, we’re going to execute those orders,” Griffin said.

Future missions are also crucial to the 5th MOB. As technology advances and power competition stays at the forefront, the 5th MOB is ready for whatever takes place. 

“We’re embracing the Air Force’s commitment to dynamic and adaptable operations. In a world where a lot of our fixed spaces now are kind of held at risk, because they’re not mobile, our capability to shoot, move and communicate sets us apart. We can swiftly repair broken comms and ensure the Air Force stays in the fight,” Abel said.

More information about the 5th MOB can be found by clicking here.

Those who are interested in attending the 5th MOB’s 60th anniversary celebration can RSVP by by emailing 5thMOB60@gmail.com.