Photo By Staff Sgt. Ariel OShea | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexandra Wiskow, 432nd Aircraft Communication Maintenance...... read more read more
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CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- In a rapidly evolving Air Force, adaptability and resilience are more crucial than ever. The Airmen of the 432nd Aircraft Communications Maintenance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base exemplify this adaptability from the moment they arrive on the installation.
Unlike traditional communications squadrons, the 432nd ACMS at Creech assumes a hybrid role that combines elements of cyber operations and aircraft maintenance. Their work supports the maintenance of remotely piloted aircraft and the critical infrastructure that ensures successful operations. In contrast to communications units that follow traditional cyber protocols, ACMS Airmen operate under maintenance guidelines, requiring them to develop a unique skill set, bridging both worlds.
Because the nature of its mission challenges its Airmen to be the absolute best in leadership and resilience, the squadron both attracts and produces individuals who perform at a higher caliber in both technical skill and Airmanship. These men and women also usually have the hardware to prove it.
Despite being relatively new to the ACMS, Staff Sgt. Alexandra Wiskow, MQ-9 communications systems craftsman, demonstrated her ability to lead and mentor others from the moment she arrived. Her hard work and attention to detail resulted in her earning the top prize at Airman Leadership School: the John L. Levitow Award. The Levitow, the highest honor presented to a graduate of Air Force Enlisted professional military education and reserved for the top person in a given class, was a first for the squadron.
Peers and supervisors alike recognized Wiskow’s natural leadership ability, emphasizing how her experience in niche mission sets prepared her for success. "She hit the ground running," said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Hopper, RPA production noncommissioned officer in charge. "She was an absolute natural leader from the get-go. If you had to ask me how long she's been here, I would think years."
Those arriving to the ACMS receive technical training in communications and are often surprised to learn that the squadron falls under the 432nd Maintenance Group, providing an opportunity to prove their flexibility from the start.
“You're essentially taking a communications troop and saying, ‘Hey, you're going to do comm things, but we're going to flip it on its head, and you're actually going to be taking more of a maintainer role,’” said Hopper.
This means that these Airmen must quickly acclimate to a completely different operational framework—one that prioritizes aircraft readiness and direct mission impact over conventional cyber operations. The ACMS is also involved in testing new capabilities, such as Link 16 relay aircraft, which will enhance secure, real-time data exchange among airborne platforms. This capability is particularly crucial in contested environments, where secure and resilient communication is essential. This, along with other factors, represents the shift from local satellite launch and recovery operations to supporting mission control elements.
“We always hear doom and gloom about not being ready, but we are developing people,” said Wiskow. “We have high-caliber Airmen who are ready to tackle any challenge.”
From maintaining critical RPA infrastructure to developing resilient leaders, the ACMS proves that the Air Force is not only ready for the future but actively shaping it. Moving forward, they will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring airpower dominance.
“We are transitioning to combat operations,” said 1Lt Josephine Trager, communications maintenance officer in charge. “Not only are we continuing training and flying combat missions from Creech, but we are also preparing for increased deployments and new operational demands.”
The Air Force often describes NCOs as the "backbone of the force," and NCOs like Wiskow at ACMS at Creech exemplify this role. Despite concerns about readiness in the face of emerging threats, the squadron’s ability to adapt and excel demonstrates that the Air Force is preparing its leaders for the future.
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 17:25 |
| Story ID: | 517476 |
| Location: | CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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