461st Air Control Wing officially redesignated as 461st Wing at Robins Air Force Base

The redesignation reflects the wing’s expanded mission in command, control, communications, expeditionary operations and combat airfield operations.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 461st Air Control Wing is entering a new chapter at Robins Air Force Base.

The unit was officially redesignated as the 461st Wing Thursday during a ceremony at the Museum of Aviation.

Colonel Sandra Bonney, commander of the 461st Wing, says the new name better reflects the unit’s expanded mission.

“With our expanded mission set, including command, control and communications, we now needed a name to reflect everything that we do, exactly who we are,” Bonney said. “So this is very fitting to be 461st Wing.”

The 461st Wing has a long history dating back to World War II.

Today, the wing continues to evolve, with airmen supporting operations and projecting air power around the world.

Bonney says the change is about more than simply giving the unit a new name.

“We do expeditionary communications, taking men into remote and austere environments, taking communications to the war fighter, ensuring that airfields remain open in those same contested environments and providing command and control,” Bonney said. “We have a really broad mission set.”

Bonney says the wing’s mission would not be possible without support from its families and the Middle Georgia community.

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick attended Thursday’s ceremony to show her support for the newly redesignated wing.

“We say a lot of things in Warner Robins, like every day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day, but the most important message comes through when you show up,” Patrick said.

Patrick said she believes it is important for community leaders to be present for milestones at Robins Air Force Base.

“So it’s important to show up for Robins Air Force Base with every milestone possible,” Patrick said.