Robins Air Force Base Closes Combat Communications Wing

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — It’s the start of a new era, as Robins Air Force Base said goodbye to the 689th Combat Communications Wing and it’s leader.

In a traditional air force ceremony Wednesday morning, Colonel Joseph Scherrer stepped down as commander of the wing.

“As you might expect it’s bittersweet. There was a lot of work that went from October 2009 to today to get that wing up and operating and contributing to our nation’s security,” said Scherrer.

Immediately after he gave up command, the colonel helped roll up its flag marking the wing’s inactivation.

As a result of it’s closure 33 military members are being re-assigned. Two civilian employees will join the men and women of the 5th Combat Communications Group, that used to report to the 689th.

Captain Daniel Boyarski is one of them.

“Change is difficult for people so they’re a little anxious about that but then again, they’re excited,” said Boyarski.

Even with a few changes, Boyarski says the combat communications mission remains the same.

“We’re those guys that get to go out in the front to an air base that we’re building and we bring the com and all the associated equipment so we can fight from that spot,” said Boyarski.

Combat communications is restructuring, and the leadership is different, but Colonel Scherrer is confident the men and women he’s leaving behind will continue the mission of protecting our nation.

“I’m sad. I am, because the airmen and the mission they become a part of you, they get in your blood, get into your marrow your air force bones,” said Scherrer.

Colonel Scherrer will officially retire after 24 years of service in the air force on June 28th. He said he’s looking forward to “gliding into new horizons.”