Air Force Activates Two New EW Units at Robins AFB

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Middents, 950th Spectrum Warfare Group commander, far left, gives opening remarks during a change of command and activation ceremony at the Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, in August. The group activated Detachments 1 and 2, and welcomed a new commander to the 17th Electronic Warfare Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Smith)

The 950th Spectrum Warfare Group activated two new units in August at the Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Lt. Col. Scott Pratt assumed command of Detachment 1, while Lt. Col. Adam Peachman assumed command of Detachment 2. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Peter Johnson assumed command of the 17th Electronic Warfare Squadron from outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Ryan Cox.

Detachment 1 will become the 501st Electronic Warfare Squadron and will provide operational and tactical level assessments through data-driven models and realistic simulations to determine the most effective employment of electromagnetic spectrum warfare operations. Detachment 2 will become the 81st Electronic Warfare Squadron that will support the expansion of the electronic warfare assessment program with a focus on long-range kill chain key enablers.

“Our efforts provide senior Air Force leaders, warfighters and acquisition programs with the actionable data they need to make vital decisions – from the equipment needed to build a ready force to tactical decisions made in the cockpit,” said Col. Michael Middents, 950th Spectrum Warfare Group commander at Robins AFB.

Activated on August 1, 2024, the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group assesses Air Force electromagnetic spectrum capabilities ranging from individual aircraft components to large force integration. Assessments from the group provide warfighters and senior Air Force commanders surety in their electromagnetic spectrum capabilities, identify areas for improved tactics, and inform future acquisitions.