Walking into the new WOC

by 432d Wing/432d Air Expeditionary Wing

12/21/2012 - CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 432d Air Expeditionary Wing Operations Center recently made its move back to Creech Air Force Base, after a temporary stay at Nellis AFB.

Col. James Hecker, 432d Wing/432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Jeff, 432d Operations Group WOC director, cut a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new operations center Dec. 19, 2012.

"The WOC was temporarily located at Nellis during the renovation process," Jeff said. "It was located there for about a year and a half to allow for the project's completion."

The WOC's mission is to provide a single point of contact for remotely piloted aircraft combat operations to a number of Combined Air and Space Operations Centers. The newly renovated work center will streamline support to joint warfighters and combatant commanders around the globe.

"The WOC maintains a 24/7 operations tempo to provide combat capabilities for over 40 combat air patrols, nine launch and recovery elements and 12 squadrons," said Lt. Col. Joseph, former 432d OG WOC director.

The $4 million Secretary of Defense-directed project will enable personnel and assets assigned to the WOC to better facilitate the 432d AEW's mission as the Air Force expands to support 65 combat air patrols.

"Being here allows us to have more face to face time with our customers and enhances the mission capability," Joseph said.

The return to Creech is expected to increase the efficiency of personnel and resource support provided to each RPA crew. The WOC will be fully operational in the upcoming weeks as functions migrate from Nellis AFB.