752nd Operations Support Squadron inactivated, 71st Air Control Squadron activated at Tinker
Photo By Garrett Cole |
From left, Col. Andrew Babiarz, commander of the 552nd Air Control Group; Lt. Col.......read moreread more
Photo By Garrett Cole | From left, Col. Andrew Babiarz, commander of the 552nd Air Control Group; Lt. Col. Brian Hamilton, commander of the 752nd Operations Support Squadron; and Lt. Col. Jonathan Daniel, commander of the 71st Air Control Squadron, stand at attention during the inactivation ceremony of the 752nd Operations Support Squadron and activation ceremony of the 71st Air Control Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 5, 2026. The ceremony marked the transition from the Sabers to the Alley Cats and the activation of the Air Force's newest air control squadron.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Garrett N. Cole) see less
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752nd Operations Support Squadron inactivated, 71st Air Control Squadron activated at Tinker
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — The 752nd Operations Support Squadron was inactivated, and the 71st Air Control Squadron was activated during a ceremony June 5 at Tinker Air Force Base, marking the end of one unit's 18-year history and the return of another whose lineage dates to 1969.
The ceremony closed the chapter on the 752nd OSS, known as the Sabers, while welcoming the 71st ACS, known as the Alley Cats, to the 552nd Air Control Wing.
"Today is a historic day," said Colonel Andrew Babiarz, who officiated the ceremony. "Sadly, inactivating the 752nd OSS, but proudly and happily activating the 71st ACS, adding another air control squadron to the ranks of not only the 552nd Air Control Wing, but to the Air Force writ large."
The 752nd OSS was activated in 2008 to support the 552nd Air Control Group, which at the time included multiple air control squadrons, a formal training unit, and an air control networks squadron. Babiarz said changes in the operational environment, force structure, and mission requirements led to the transition.
At the same time, the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron was active in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility, providing air domain awareness and tactical battle management command and control for U.S. and coalition aircraft over Afghanistan, Babiarz said.
Babiarz said the activation of the 71st ACS comes as the Air Force begins one of its most comprehensive modernization efforts for the control-and-reporting-center mission.
"Because of the professionalism of the Sabers that are in formation behind us today, we are able to activate today the U.S. Air Force's first truly mobile, back-to-our-roots, ground-based battle management command and control squadron," Babiarz said.
Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hamilton, the final commander of the 752nd OSS, was recognized for leading Air Combat Command's Tactical Operations Center-Light Pathfinder unit and for helping develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for a modernized control-and-reporting-center weapon-system concept of employment.
According to the citation read during the ceremony, Hamilton also led the deployment of a proof-of-concept control and reporting element during Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025, moving 56 personnel and $7 million in prototype equipment to three operating locations across the Indo-Pacific region.
Hamilton thanked former 752nd OSS commanders, senior enlisted leaders, family members, and the Airmen who served under him.
"To the Sabers, you all have taught me a great deal during my tenure," Hamilton said. "We have been through thick and thin, and you all have delivered. Night or day, rain or shine, your successes are my greatest stories."
Hamilton said the unit completed about 26 exercises and events during his time in command and expressed confidence in the squadron's future.
"I know that the future of this unit, as the 71st ACS, is in great hands and will accomplish even greater things than these," Hamilton said.
During the ceremony, the 752nd OSS guidon was furled, marking the squadron's inactivation. The 71st ACS guidon was then unfurled, marking the squadron's activation, and Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Daniel assumed command.
Special Order GB-42, issued by Headquarters 552nd Air Control Group, made the transition effective June 5.
Daniel, the first commander of the newly activated 71st ACS, said the day carried special meaning for the squadron and the wing.
"Man, it feels good to be an Alley Cat," Daniel said. "It's a great day here in America's Wing."
Daniel thanked wing leadership, Hamilton, mentors, Airmen, and family members before addressing the newly activated squadron.
"Thank you to America's Wing for instilling your confidence in the 71st ACS," Daniel said. "I will do you proud."
As the ceremony concluded, Daniel directed Airmen to remove the 752nd OSS patch and put on the 71st ACS patch, symbolizing the transition from one squadron to the next.
"Now it's time for us to live up to the patch," Daniel said. "Let's get to work."
The 752nd OSS leaves behind a legacy of operational support, experimentation, and modernization, while the 71st ACS begins its mission carrying that foundation forward.
Babiarz said the Airmen will remain central to the Air Force's effort to modernize the mission of the control and reporting center.
"You continue to be the Air Force's lead scouts for CRC modernization," Babiarz said. "The CRC capability is evolving, and the group needs you."
