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The 1st Combat Communications Squadron celebrates its 56th anniversary Wednesday.
Constituted on Jan. 28, 1952, and activated March 1 of the same year, the 1st Airways and Air Communications Service Squadron started the tradition of being the first choice for deployable communications supporting the United Nations, NATO, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. European Command, and the Department of State throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
After undergoing several name changes, the unit became the 1st Combat Communications Squadron for the first time March 24, 1976. It then alternated between being a group and a squadron until July 31, 1991, when it received its current designation.
Adapting to the high-operations tempo of today, 1st CBCS has set the standard. With a train-as-we-fight mentality, squadron members enhance their proficiency on their equipment while maintaining the highest degree of physical fitness and operational readiness.
This squadron is committed to coming together as a team and working well after the duty day ends to personally see that the warfighter can deploy within hours of notification. Each deploying member is confident he or she has the best tools and equipment for the mission.
“As the Air Force’s most highly-decorated non-flying unit, 1st Combat Comm has a proud history of achievements,” said Col. Joseph Sublousky, 1st CBCS commander. “This 56th anniversary celebration is the culmination of our effort to capture that proud history.
The Airmen of this squadron can share in the successes of our predecessors as we continue to do great things for the Air Force and the Nation.”
Newly assigned members receive a briefing on the heritage of 1st CBCS and what to bring to the fight when called upon.
“I’m very excited to be assigned to such a highly-decorated unit,” said Airman 1st Class Saunder Simmons, a new squadron member. “I’m thoroughly impressed with the capabilities of this squadron and eagerly anticipate getting the chance to become a part of this highly-mobile communications unit.”
Although 1st CBCS has been re-designated numerous times and relocated five times, recognition of their achievements sets them apart from other communications units. Some accolades to note are the Presidential Unit Citation (Southeast Asia), 28 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards (four with combat “V” device), Air Force Meritorious Unit Award and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
In addition to being the only non-flying unit to receive the Air Force Maintenance Award, 1968, 1st CBCS has earned the Air Force C-E Excellence Award, Major General Harold M. McClellan Award “Large Unit,” 1979 and 1983, Lieutenant General Harold W. Grant Award “Small Unit,” 1996, 1997 and 2001.
Anniversary celebrations begin at 9 a.m. in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe conference center and end at 6 p.m. at the Ramstein Officers’ Club with the anniversary dinner.
For more information about the celebration events, call Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Westra at 480-9131, or Master Sgt. Ray Lara at 480-9105.
