Focusing on the future, Component transitions to new organization structure

The NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) is undergoing major organizational changes. The NAEW&C Force started to transfer to its new structure on "Transition-Day”, which was Nov. 1, 2015. The reorganization, which was announced in 2012, affects the Force Command as well as the NATO E-3A Component.

Brig. Gen. Dawn DunlopThe Force Command Headquarters, led by Brig. Gen. Dawn Dunlop, will move from their location at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers near Mons, Belgium, to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany. The Component will change its organizational structure towards a more effective and efficient setup by reducing the number of wings and squadrons. As of "Transition-Day”, the Information Technology Wing, the Training Wing, the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the Electronic Maintenance Squadron and Flying Squadron 3 were deactivated. The Base Support Wing was reactivated and will be, together with the Operation Wing and the Logistics Wing, the backbone of the Component.

The "Transition-Day” Ceremony took place on Oct. 27 2015, in front of more than 700 NATO AWACS personnel. "Change is part of every successful military organization,” said General Dunlop, Force Commander. "Organizational flexibility allows us to adapt to change and the challenges that come with it. The NATO AWACS reputation for excellence is not based on one event but because we have adapted to new challenges over time.”