ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

Published Dec. 9, 2024
By Deb Henley, 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs
505th Command and Control Wing

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, ACC command chief, visited the 505th Command and Control Wing, Nov. 14. Wilsbach and Wolfe were accompanied by their spouses, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe.

The 505th Command and Control Wing is providing 400-level training to the joint force and coalition partners by integrating the challenges of Agile Combat Employment and the synchronization of multi-domain effects in a combat-representative live, virtual, and constructive environment – of the scope and scale of a high-end conflict with China.

Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command

As ACC’s only operational command and control wing, the 505th CCW is responsible for ensuring initial and advanced C2 training, exercise execution, testing and experimentation, and developing tactics, techniques and procedures.

“The business of today is deterrence,” Wilsbach said. “It’s clear that the 505th Command and Control Wing has embraced and is running with that mentality.”

The 505th CCW is integrating initial and advanced C2 graduates, Blue and Virtual Flag exercises, Agile Combat Employment, and testing and experimentation, into future iterations of Bamboo Eagle to deliver combat capabilities the Air Force needs in the era of Great Power Competition.

photo of uniformed U.S. Air Force Airmen walking in a parking lot — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, tours the 505th Command and Control Wing campus with Col. Ryan Hayde, 505th CCW commander, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The mission of the 505th CCW is to accelerate command and control and battle management through integrated experimentation, testing, training, and tactics development. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Deb Henley)

photos of U.S. Air Force Airmen talking — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, ACC command chief, listen to Senior Airman Nathan Moore, 505th Combat Training Squadron, brief the squadron’s mission at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The 505th CTS provides operational-level training environments and scenario generation through planning and execution in support of worldwide exercises, test, and experimentation, training the U.S. Air Force, joint, and coalition air components in the execution and proper use of command and control of multi-domain operations. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Deb Henley)

photo of uniformed U.S. Air Force Airmen walking down a hallway — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, walks with Lt. Col. Matthew Nelson, 705th Training Squadron director of operations, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The squadron’s primary mission is to train air operations center and Air Force forces staff members from air component headquarters, including joint and allied partners. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Deb Henley)

“They are providing 400-level training to the joint force and coalition partners by integrating the challenges of Agile Combat Employment and the synchronization of multi-domain effects in a combat-representative live, virtual, and constructive environment – of the scope and scale of a high-end conflict with China,” Wilsbach said.

COMACC emphasized the importance of exercises like Bamboo Eagle, that test all-domain combat power generation from disaggregated basing locations and provided an opportunity for Airmen to prepare ahead of an upcoming series of Air Force-level exercise that will provide unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition, and multilateral training.

“ACE is more of a mindset and, fundamentally, it’s something our Airmen do every day,” Wolfe said. “Do what you need to do for your specialty, then look up and out at what’s going on around you – what impact might make everybody’s life easier at the end of the day – and do it.”

Wilsbach and Wolfe also used the day to recognize the hard work and dedication of Airmen, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the Air Force and the nation.

photo of uniformed U.S. Air Force Airman shaking civilian's hand while others watch — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, recognizes outstanding performer Neal Moser, 505th Combat Training Squadron Air Force forces/joint exercise planner, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The 505th CTS provides operational-level training environments and scenario generation through planning and execution in support of worldwide exercises, test, and experimentation, training the U.S. Air Force, joint, and coalition air components in the execution and proper use of command and control of multi-domain operations. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Deb Henley)

photo of two uniformed U.S. Air Force Airmen shaking hands — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, recognizes outstanding performer Tech. Sgt. James Thomas, 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron operations/strategy command and control flight chief, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The 605th TES provides comprehensive and unbiased operational test and evaluation of command-and-control intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and associated capabilities, ensuring their effectiveness and suitability for combat. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Deb Henley)

photo of uniformed U.S. Air Force Airmen standing in a room — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach (second from right), commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe (left), ACC command chief, sing happy birthday to outstanding performer Airman 1st Class Garrett James, 505th Communications Squadron cyber systems operations apprentice, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The 505th CS provides relevant cyber systems and services to enable command and control exercises, training, testing, and evaluations. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Deb Henley)

Speaking at an all call, Wilsbach underscored the significance of creating dilemmas for our adversaries through ACE.

“ACE changes the way we train and exercise,” Wilsbach said. “Rather than being satisfied with where we are, we will stretch our goals, take measured risks, and do what needs to be done. We don’t fail.”

Highlighting ACC’s motto of "Mission First, People Always," the command team took the time to meet with the Exceptional Family Military Program’s Neurodiversity Team, Air Force Special Operations Command Women’s Initiative Team, Emerald Coast Exceptional Families, Military and Family Readiness Center, Child Development Center/Youth Center, and Base Housing, to find out how Hurlburt is fostering spouse inclusivity and family wellness.

photo of uniformed U.S. Air Force Airman shaking hands with a civilian — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Shoels, U.S. Air Force Special Operations School senior enlisted advisor, welcomes Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach, wife of Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, to USAFSOS at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. Airmen briefed the ACC command team on the Neurodiversity Initiative, which addresses Exceptional Family Military Program disparities for families needing respite care for neurodiverse dependents and traumatic brain injuries. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Keel)

photo of a woman looking into a classroom and small children looking back at her — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

Dr. Doniel Wolfe, wife of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Wolfe, command chief of Air Combat Command, interacts with children during her tour of the Child Development Center at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The CDC provides early education and care for children in a stimulating environment. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Keel)

photo of civilians standing outside — ACC leaders visit command’s sole C2 wing

Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach (left), wife of U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, and Dr. Doniel Wolfe (center), wife of Chief Master Sgt Wolfe, ACC command chief, learn about the 1st Special Operations Wing’s Exceptional Family Member Program at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The 1st SOW’s EFMP program supports families of service members with special medical or educational needs. (This photo was cropped to emphasize the subjects.) (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Keel)