LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 480th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing celebrated its 10th anniversary at Langley Air Force Base, Dec. 5.
Service members paid tribute to the unit's history and accomplishments, which enabled the wing to become the U.S. Air Force leader in globally-networked ISR operations.
The 480th ISR Wing heritage dates back to 1943, when the unit was activated as the 480th Anti-submarine Group. The group used specially-modified B-24 "Liberator" bombers to combat German U-Boats in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea during World War ll. During this time, the unit lost 50 percent of its personnel and received the Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions during the Battle of the Atlantic.
In 1951, the Air Force activated the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing. This unit employed various aircraft in support of psychological warfare and intelligence operations. At the end of the Korean War, the Air Force inactivated this unit.
In 1985, the Air Force consolidated the 480th Anti-submarine Group with the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing to form the 480th Special Operations Wing. The Air Force didn't activate this special operations unit, but after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Air Force initiated action to strengthen its intelligence capabilities. The Air Force re-designated the 480th Special Operations Wing as the 480th Intelligence Wing. The new organization was activated Dec. 1, 2003. The Air Force officially re-designated the unit as the 480th ISR Wing on Jan. 1, 2009.
As part of the anniversary celebration, ten distinguished wing veterans received a tour of the 480th ISR Wing and 497th ISR Group facilities. The event concluded with the Heritage Observance Celebration at the Bayview Commonwealth Center.
The celebration featured remarks by special guest and distinguished visitor, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Larry K. Grundhauser, the 480th ISR Wing's first commander.
"This showcases our accomplishments and just how important it is to reflect upon the origins of the wing and the history of our organization," said Grundhauser. "Seeing how far we've come is truly amazing."
Three ISR Airmen also gave presentations which focused on their experience in a deployed environment that directly affected the mission on home soil.
Col. Jeffrey A. Kruse, 480th ISR Wing commander, wrapped up the celebration with closing remarks to Airmen.
"It is a thrill to be on this team," said Kruse. "This team dares to excel and dares to exceed and there is no telling what we will achieve next."
The 480th ISR Wing continues to accomplish its mission by delivering timely and relevant ISR information from a variety of platforms, 24 hours a day, year-round in direct support of Air Force leaders, key coalition partners and combatant commanders worldwide.