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The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing is an operationally focused, forward-postured, and ready-every-day-to-face-the-adversary-in-this-theater wing. The 435th AGOW spent the last two years reoptimizing for the fight here in Europe, adapting the wing’s mission to the changing adversaries in the theater and beyond. Col Matthew Bartlett, 435th AGOW commander, tasked his Airmen to “…set the conditions in this wing so we are always able to adapt and, with agility, be who our nation needs us to be and enable ourselves and those that follow us to prevail when faced with adversity.”
In 2024, the 435th AGOW showcased its operational prowess, rapidly deploying forces across the battlespace to establish, secure, and operate the theater. Airmen from the wing played a pivotal role in supporting NATO partners, providing critical air advising, communications, and weather support throughout the continent. Notably, the 1st Combat Communications Squadron launched its inaugural landing zone safety certification course, specifically designed for contingency response. This initiative was part of the wing’s broader effort to enhance Agile Combat Employment and mobile capabilities. Meanwhile, the 435th Construction and Training Squadron supported a short-notice request to support President Biden’s visit to France, constructing a helicopter landing pad for Marine One in less than 48 hours from notification. The 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron’s air advisors also traveled extensively throughout Europe, providing training to partner nations and fostering greater interoperability between the U.S. and NATO partners.
Throughout the year, the 435th AGOW participated in several exercises that allowed its Airmen to refine their skills and demonstrate their operational expertise. One notable example was Exercise ASTRAL KNIGHT 24, which saw wing teams deployed across the European continent to test their ACE skills, including command and control, degraded communications, and refueling. This exercise provided a valuable opportunity for Airmen to hone their abilities in a dynamic and contested environment. In Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 24, Airmen worked closely with NATO partners to train on ACE skills and multinational interoperability. This joint exercise fostered greater cooperation and understanding between the U.S. and its allies, ultimately enhancing the collective ability to respond to emerging threats. Finally, the 435th AGOW capped off the year with Exercise RAMSTEIN FLAG 24, a complex and large-scale live-fly exercise held in Greece. This exercise showcased the wing’s capabilities in a dynamic and challenging environment, demonstrating its ability to operate effectively in a variety of scenarios.
Innovation was a hallmark of the 435th AGOW’s operations this year, as the unit focused on preparing for the challenges of Great Power Competition and ACE. At the forefront of this effort was the 1st CBCS, which drove innovation in expeditionary communications, command and control, radar airfield weather systems, and austere landing and drop zone capabilities. A major milestone in this push for innovation was the introduction of the Mobile Digital Infrastructure vehicle. This cutting-edge, small-form communications package empowers 1st CBCS Airmen to extend C2 capabilities, providing a mobile and flexible solution for expeditionary operations. The MDI vehicle significantly improved the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy and operate in a dynamic, contested environment.
The 435th AGOW also achieved several notable milestones in 2024. In February, the 435th Contingency Response Group marked a significant anniversary, celebrating 25 years of contingency response for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. Established in response to the 1999 crisis in Kosovo, the 435th CRG has played a pivotal role in numerous major operations throughout the years, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Octave Quartz, the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Niger withdrawal. In June, the 435th Air and Space Communications Group was redesignated as the 435th Communications Operations Group. This change reflects the unit’s evolving mission and alignment with the wing’s recent re-missioning effort. The same month, the 435th AGOW participated in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. As an organization with its own roots tracing back to Normandy, it was a profound honor for its Airmen to take part in the various events and ceremonies, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before them. This milestone served as a poignant reminder of the wing’s rich history and its commitment to upholding the legacy of its predecessors.
The wing remained committed to prioritizing the well-being of its Airmen and families throughout the year, continuing to focus on Line of Effort 1: Taking Care of Airmen and Families. Early in the year, the commander and command chief launched the 435th AGOW Women’s Council, a dynamic and inclusive forum where Airmen across the wing could openly discuss topics affecting them, receive leadership support, and drive positive change. The wing also introduced two significant additions to support LOE 1: A full-time strength and conditioning coach and a full-time social worker. These new resources brought mental and physical health services directly to Airmen, providing convenient and accessible support. The strength and conditioning coach offered tailored fitness programs and guidance, while the social worker provided counseling services to promote emotional well-being. By investing in the health and resilience of its Airmen, the AGOW demonstrated its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
As the wing looks to the future, it does so with a strong foundation built on innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to its Airmen and families. In 2024, the 435th AGOW showed it was ready for any adversity and preparing to face future challenges head-on.
