Staff Sgt. Craig Stawicki demonstrates how to properly clear a weapon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on July 3, 2012. The 603rd Air Control Squadrons is one of two Air Force theater air control systems in Europe that will deactivate as part of a larger U.S. Air Force effort to save more than $28 billion in the next five years. Stawicki is assigned to the 603rd ACS. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)
Tech. Sgt. Stephen Maclin prepares processing paperwork at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 3, 2012. The squadron provides a clear mission picture to air assets through its command and control capability using tactical air operations modules. Maclin is assigned to the 603rd Air Control Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)
Senior Airman Michael Hoffman performs operational checks on radio equipment at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on July 3, 2012. The squadron is one of the two Air Force theater air control systems in Europe that will deactivate as part of a larger U.S. Air Force effort to save more than $28 billion in the next five years. Hoffman is assigned to the 603rd Air Control Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)
by Staff Sgt. Ryan Whitney
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/10/2012 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNS) -- Another chapter of Air Force history came to a close July 3 at Aviano Air Base as the 603rd Air Control Squadron called "Primo," the unit call sign, for the last time before the unit is inactivated.
The 603rd ACS, one of two Air Force theater air control systems in Europe, is being inactivated as part of a larger U.S. Air Force effort to save more than $28 billion in the next five years.
"I am incredibly proud and honored to be the commander of these fine men and women as they perform their final duties as (members of the 603rd ACS)," said Lt. Col. Stephen Carocci, the commander of the 603rd ACS. "Although we are (inactivating) the 603rd, the squadron isn't viewing this as the end, just a closing of a chapter."
Since the squadron's reactivation in 1991 as the 603rd ACS, the squadron of more than 300 Airmen has brought its unique capabilities to every location the squadron has deployed to.
From the Balkans supporting Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Force and Allied Force, to current Operations like Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and support to the 2008 presidential visit to Africa, the 603rd ACS "Scorpions" have showcased their unique capability to "strike" where needed.
"What makes us unique is our self-sufficiency that is apparent in our day-to-day operations here at Aviano (Air Base)," said Tech. Sgt. Joel Bickle, a 603rd ACS digital systems section chief. "With exception to the land we are sitting on, we are a completely self-reliant force that can pack up and deploy anywhere, whether that is a fully built-up base or a small field in the middle of nowhere, to deliver our capability to the warfighters."
The air control squadron is composed of more than 20 officers and 280 enlisted Airmen. It has more than 20 Air Force specialties, ranging from supply Airmen to the operators controlling the aircraft and everything in-between to make them a self-sufficient force with worldwide capabilities.
The squadron provides air assets a clear mission picture through its command and control capability using Tactical Air Operations Modules -- small trailers that house the equipment that keeps the pilots in the air in touch with the operator's inside.
These small containers, capable of being packed and forward deployed to any area, are the secret to the unit's worldwide capability. Since most deployed locations have already built up a full infrastructure, there is little need for this capability in most cases.
The last instance that the full TAOM system was deployed was during the 2008 presidential visit to Africa.
"Although I am sad to see the 603rd (ACS) being (inactivated), I am truly honored to be a part of the final mission here at Aviano," said Staff Sgt. Erik Kalanquin, a 603rd ACS weapons director and one of the last people in the Air Force to use the call sign "Primo". "Although this capability is leaving Aviano, the experience we have gained working here will strengthen the air control community Air Force wide."
For many of the operators in the 603rd ACS, this will likely ring true as they go on to other air control squadrons in Germany, the Pacific theater or head back to the U.S., but for many support Airmen the change back to traditional Air Force units will take some adjusting.
"We are a big family here; it doesn't matter if you are a vehicle maintainer, supply troop, radio maintenance or one of the operational guys, we all have a special bond," said Staff Sgt. Fernando Reyes, a material control supervisor for the 603rd ACS. "Going back to a normal squadron will take some getting used to after having this strong sense of community."
Although the squadron's mission on Aviano AB is complete, there is still one final task for the Airmen to succeed at before the squadron is officially inactivated in the spring of 2013: one final deployment.
The deployment, which began July 5, will see the roughly 150 members of the 603rd ACS doing what they have perfected during the last 20 years -- delivering air power to those who need it on the ground in deployed locations throughout Southwest Asia.
"To know that what you are doing is directly helping our brothers and sisters who are on the ground in life or death situations, there is nothing like it," Bickle said.
Members not deploying will begin the bittersweet task of breaking down the equipment to be sent to other units that will take over the squadron's responsibilities.
"Although the 603rd is (inactivating), I hope at some point the Scorpion strike is seen again in the future of our Air Force," Carocci said. "This squadron provides a unique opportunity to all those fortunate enough to be a part of it, and we will carry that on with us to our future assignments forever."
Comments
7/23/2012 3:19:59 PM ET I also had the privilage of serving the 603rd ACS from 1993 to 1998. The personnel of the 03rd are some of the finest and well trained Airmen that I've ever met. I was also fortunite enough to have been one of the start up crew for the Survive To Operate Course STOC and NCO of Security Forces. Wasn't till much later in life that I met an Airman from Aviano that I learned that they still do the Survive to Operate Course. Big sense of pride serving the 603rd and all the people that I've met.
Tim Ross AKA HOTROD, Ohio
7/20/2012 3:41:11 AM ET I am currently stationed in Aviano not in the 603rd and I have never met a squadron so disgruntled in my life. They treat their people terribly and there were many cheers when this announcement was made. Good Riddance is right
J, Aviano
7/17/2012 10:54:52 PM ET Looks like dwell tme just went down for all the radar guys agan...
Booth, Minot
7/17/2012 7:14:40 AM ET I was fortunate enough to be one of the few Security Forces members to ever work with the Scorpions. It was one of the best assignments in my career. Being the only cop and outside of the career field, they made feel like famiglia. God Sped To All Scorpions...Scorpions STRIKE
MSgt Gene Sheriff Gribble, JB MDL NJ
7/13/2012 1:04:36 PM ET I will never forget this squadron. 8 years removed and I still consider them family. I don't think we ever came up with an official war cry. I remember hearing Col. Dolan shout 603rd and I would reply with tsssst and my fingers hooking over my head like a scorpion tail. Hoorah 603rd! Scorpion for life. R.I.P. my friend A1C Antoine Holt.
Brian BJ Johnson, Memphis TN
7/13/2012 2:13:35 AM ET I want to clarify my first comment because I think I was a little too harsh. I loved my time at the 603d. I think everyone did their job great and fulfilled what was asked of them without question.But I think the AF made the right decision because the concept of the mission was antiquated way beyond modern warfare ops. The manpower would be much better utilized in other squadrons where everyone's skills would be put to better use. The AF made the right decision by deactivating it and the AF is better off because of it.
SC, Aviano
7/12/2012 3:10:46 PM ET To the 603rd, I salute. Horhay, you said it best.
Bell, Columbus Ohio
7/12/2012 2:12:58 PM ET My time at the 603d from 2006 to 2009 was the highlight of my career -- never before or since have I seen more dedicated hardworking or committed people striving to make the mission happen and doing it the right way. It is with real sadness that I too say for the last time Scorpions -- STRIKE
Alan Flesch, Oklahoma City OK
7/12/2012 10:02:14 AM ET Scorpions great work you should be proud Get home safely
Dan Talbot, Tyndall AFB FL
7/12/2012 9:44:10 AM ET Easily the best assignment of my 26-year AF career I was there from 1994-1999. From living and working in tents on the back side of the golf course to all our time at Jacotenente Vivaro Spain for Matador this was the best. I miss radar maintenance miss deploying miss SRF miss the people miss the the commaraderie of the unit. Of course I was smart and married a local girl so get to go back as often as we can afford ... but won't get to visit my old unit anymore and see who's still there and what has changed. Hope to make it for inactivation ceremony
Horhay, Colorado Springs CO
7/11/2012 4:27:45 PM ET I has the privilege to serve with the 603rd at Sembach GE beginning in 1991 and be part of the primary deployment which convoyed to Aviano as part of Operation Deny Flight. I have fond memories of my time in both Germany and Italy and my kids are tired of hearing the stories over and over and over....
Rich Salsbury aka Steak, St. Paul MN
7/11/2012 4:06:04 PM ET Scorpions understand the special bond created that makes them an incredible Team. They don't seek credit for missions accomplished but rather the self-satisfaction that they did their absolute best while making an immense impact. Here's to the 603d Returning with Honor following their last combat deploymentScorpions...STRIKE
Matt Smith, Pentagon
7/11/2012 3:18:27 PM ET My time with the 603D was the best of my career. Not only did these professionals excel at delivering Air Control, they were a pillar of the Aviano community. Aviano will feel the loss. OMNIA VIDEMUS
Dave White, Ramstein
7/11/2012 7:00:57 AM ET Good riddance to a waste of manpower and resources. I did 6 years at that squadron and the mission was a joke. They would NEVER survive in a field environment more than 72 hours if they had to set up camp. Training in Vivaro was one thing but do that in a hostile environment and a few RPG's would level that site in minutes. Unless of course the C-wire had some type of force field I wasn't aware of.
SC, Aviano
7/10/2012 7:50:23 PM ET Was at Avaiano in the middle 70's when it was the 40th TAC Gp. Enjoyed playing squadron and base football. On a clear day one could go up to Piancavallo and see the Adriatic Ocean. The clear cold streams and villages around the bas were wonderful and the people were very hospitable. Certainly one can't beat the food and wine. Chao to one of the better kept secrets of the Air Force
Raymond Fisher, Omaha NE
7/10/2012 3:43:36 PM ET I started my AF career as a Scorpion. I always hoped to make it back there but I guess I won't get the chance.
