CRW launches its newest squadron

621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2015 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A ceremony marking the activation of the 321st Air Mobility Operations Squadron took place Dec. 7 following the inactivation of the 15th AMOS.

Through both real-world operations and training exercises, the AMOS deploys Air Operations Center trained personnel and equipment to augment any component numbered Air Force air operations center/Air Mobility Divison in the areas of airlift, tanker, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, logistics requirements and AMD support.  The squadron continuously contributes to direct operational improvements globally by validating and refining mobility processes, streamlining theater movement systems, refining theater mobility leadership roles and developing Crisis Action Standard Operating Procedures.

The squadron originally stood up as the 1702nd Mobility Support Squadron on July 1, 1975, under Mobility Airlift Command. When MAC made its transition to Air Mobility Command, the squadron was redesignated as the 702nd AMOS on Jan. 1, 1993. Just over a year later on July 22, it was redesignated again as the 615th AMOS, one of six squadrons assigned to the new 615th Air Mobility Operations Group. The 615th AMOG stood down in 2005 and April 11, 2005, the squadron was realigned directly under the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force and renamed the 15th AMOS.

Despite the changes throughout the years, the 15th AMOS has performed solidly throughout its 40-year history with a number of accomplishments and decorations to show for it.  It has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award an impressive 14 times and has also won AMC's Best Small Communications Unit, which is normally reserved for dedicated communications squadrons.

The AMOS has performed in an extensive number of exercises across the globe; including: Ulchi Freedom Guardian, Keen Edge, Key Resolve, Terminal Fury, Argent Centry, Balikatan, Eager Lion, Blue Flag, Red Flag, and Soaring Angel.  On top of constantly preparing for real-world contingencies, the AMOS also dedicates a significant amount of time supporting real world operations, including Operations Tomodachi, Unified Protector, Odyssey Dawn, New Dawn, Desert Shield/Storm, Uphold Democracy, Provide Comfort, Unified Assistance, United Assistance, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Damayan for typhoon relief in the Philippines, Sahayogi Haat after the Nepal earthquake, as well as providing command and control for Texas fire relief agencies and humanitarian assistance operations during Hurricane Sandy.

The reorganization of the 621st Contingency Response Wing and the activation of the 321st will further streamline processes to better complete the mission and move command and control forward.  The 321st AMOS will look boldly to the future while standing on the shoulders of those who have worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation. The squadron will continue its trend of excellence and will remain the cornerstone of theater command and control for the global mobility task force.