The Air Force's only airborne communications jamming platform is stationed right here in Tucson. Davis Monthan's 55th Electronic Combat Group works to disrupt enemy command and control operations. Their team interrupts adversary communications through electronic attack.
"We are the sole organization in the air force that does what we do," said 55th ECG Commander, Colonel Ryan Rogers.
The 55th Electronic Combat Group fights the enemy without physical attack.
"Correctly identifying any threat enemy communications," said 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron Instructor, Technical Sergeant Ashley Hurst. "Keeping bad guy A from talking to bad guy B."
The ECG uses digital warfare to interfere with rival communication systems.
"When the enemy cannot communicate, they cannot coordinate and they can't make decisions," said 55th Wing Company Grade Officer of the year, Captain Timothy West. "Anybody that cannot make decisions is rendered useless and ineffective."
About 850 airmen and women work in different units to jam and confuse adversary communications. Their teams use EC130H Compass Call aircraft. They're equipped with special systems to block enemy reception on electronic devices.
"Our aircraft, with it's receivers and transmitters, we can target those devices, command and control devices to disrupt and deny them of their capabilities," said Colonel Rogers.
The group helps protect US troops in the air and on the ground.
"I'm in charge of all the weapons and tactics for the entire group, make sure that we're using the most up-to-date tactics and techniques to engage enemy networks," said Captain West.
From maintenance and equipment crews to linguists and pilots, the 55th Electronic Combat Group goes to battle like no one else.
