The 10th Air Base Wing (10 ABW)
The 10th Air Base Wing (10 ABW) is a non-flying unit of the United States Air Force, serving as the host wing for the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Base Support Activities
The Wing is responsible for providing a range of base-level support activities to the Academy. These activities cover crucial areas such as:
- Security
- Civil Engineering
- Communications
- Logistics
- Military and Civilian Personnel
- Financial Management
- Services
- Command Post
- Chaplaincy
- Equal Opportunity
- Hospital Services
These support functions cater to almost 4,000 cadets and a total military community of approximately 20,000 personnel.
Historical Background
The history of the 10 ABW traces back to a prestigious World War II photographic reconnaissance group. The Wing’s predecessor, the 10th Tactical Fighter Wing, was active for over 40 years during the Cold War, stationed in various locations including France, West Germany, and England. The Wing earned seven Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards during its service with USAFE and took part in operations like Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Lineage and Evolution
The 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Group originated from the 73rd Observation Group, which was constituted on 21 August 1941. Over the years, it underwent several restructures:
- 14 November 1947: Designated as the 10th Reconnaissance Wing
- 3 December 1947: Organized at Pope Field, North Carolina
- 25 August 1948: Redesignated as the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
- 1 April 1949: Inactivated
- 10 July 1952: Reactivated in response to Cold War needs
- 20 August 1987: Redesignated as the 10th Tactical Fighter Wing
- 31 March 1993: Redesignated as the 10th Air Base Wing
- 1 November 1994: Reactivated as support for the USAFA
Current Structure
Today, the 10 ABW comprises over 2,100 military, civilian, and contract personnel. Its organizational structure includes several key components:
- 10th Medical Group
- 10th Aeromedical Squadron (10 AMDS)
- 10th Dental Squadron (10 DS)
- 10th Medical Operation Squadron (10 MDOS)
- 10th Medical Support Squadron (10 MDSS)
- 10th Surgical Operations Squadron (10 MSGS)
- 10th Mission Support Group
- 10th Civil Engineer Squadron (10 CES)
- 10th Communications Squadron (10 CS)
- 10th Contracting Squadron (10 CONS)
- 10th Force Support Squadron (10 FSS)
- 10th Logistics Readiness Squadron (10 LRS)
- 10th Security Forces Squadron (10 SFS)
Accolades
The Wing has been recognized with multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, highlighting its dedication and excellence in service.