950th Spectrum Warfare Group, 17th Electronic Warfare Squadron activates at Robins Air Force Base

WARNER ROBINS – The Museum of Aviation hosted an activation ceremony of the 950^th Spectrum Warfare group and 17^th Electronic Warfare Squadron on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The group is crucial to ensuring readiness of warfighting capabilities across electromagnetic warfare. It will assess effectiveness and integration into exercise and combat operations. 

Community leaders were present at the ceremony, celebrating another achievement at Robins Air Force Base. The 950^th Spectrum Warfare plans to develop, administer and assist electromagnetic spectrum operations across U.S. Air Force weapons systems.  

Col. Michael Middents commands the 950^th Spectrum Warfare group and oversees the United State Air Force electronic warfare assessment program. 

He said he is excited about the activations, a work in progress since Aug. 1. He also shares they were able to host the occasion to give thanks to the community for their support. They will strive to work on the mission as fast as they can.

The Air Combat Command has three different missions at RAFB working on electronic warfare assessments.

“What it means to Robins [Air Force Base] and what it means to the community, it’s a great place for this mission. JSTARS [Mission] was divested and went away but the Air Force retained the ability to put people on missions into this area,” he said. “It so happens there’s a lot of technical expertise in the middle Georgia area and so as an electronic warfare assessment group we get to capitalize and take advantage of a lot of that expertise around here. Standing up this unit allows us to get going, start to make those connections and those networks. As we have that vision for the future, start building towards that.”

Col. Middents said RAFB has a lot of “cool” equipment, and the USAF is the dominant force on the planet that owns the air. He shares there are a lot of areas they are not as strong as they thought, and the enemy is trying to exploit.

He makes the comparison of having the newest iPhone, but not having cell phone connectivity.

“Electronic warfare capability allows us to make sure that’s all going to happen. We can prevent the enemy from using their systems and we can make sure that ours are more effective. That’s what this mission is going to do here,” he said.

Lt. Col. Ryan Cox will command the 17^th Electronic Warfare Squadron, under the 350^th Spectrum Warfare Wing and the USAF Warfare Center.

The 17^th EWS verifies Electromagnetic Spectrum Operation interoperability and high-level integration across Air Force, joint and coalition strike packages to ensure an agile force. 

Lt. Col. Cox also spoke at the ceremony and shared his excitement for activating the 17^th EWS. The 17^th EWS was deactivated 46 years ago due to financial issues but is activated once again. 

Cox said it was reactivated to ensure the base knows what it takes to win and trains effectively to reach victory.

“For the reactivation of the 17^th is a sign of turning tides. It’s proof that our leaders are actioning to ensure what it takes to win and that we are effectively trained to get us there,” he said.

The 950^th SWG is under the 350^th Spectrum Warfare Wing, which is headquarters at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Commander of 350^th  Spectrum Warfare Wing, Col. Larry Fenner was also present at the activation ceremony.

He thanked both Middents and Cox and their families for taking on the opportunity.

“As we execute and celebrate these activations and assignments, we cannot forget the monumental task that lies ahead for our organization and for our continued dedication; to the unwavering commitment to steering, securing our nation’s future, dedication and commitment that will be played out in real time right here in middle Georgia,” he said.

Fenner said their journey into mission expansion has been a priority. He shares it is a journey that will continue to increase the measure of legality of war fighters ready to take on the pacing threat in the spectrum and win.

He also said it is important to note the spectrum is a battlefield that enemies wish to exploit and can do so successfully with successful technology. However, he promises that no enemy is amassing forces.

“As we gather here today, I want you all to understand the gravity of our mission. The establishing of the 950^th Spectrum Warfare group and its squadrons is pivotal to expanding our capacity to assess the electromagnetic systems of our platform,” he said. “It is driven by the need for a dedicated spotlight on ensuring our weapon systems will achieve combatant commanders’ intent when it matters most in combat. As a unified fighting force, even as we speak, the enemy is digging their trenches and looking for our weak points. Our team at Robins [Air Force Base] will identify these weak points.”

According to Fenner, the 950^th SWG is projected to comprise 400 personnel including civilians, contractors and their families who will call Warner Robins their home.

Col. Middents adds his thanks to the support of the community and everyone involved in the mission.

“We actually have a great landing, and we’re excited to continue to go towards this mission’s success,” he said.

To learn more about the activations read our latest edition of This is Robins.