Directorate supports ISR and SOF missions around the world

  • Published
  • By Brian Brackens
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – In a world full of adversaries that are quick, elusive and versatile, having the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to minimize and eliminate these threats is crucial to future success.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces Directorate plays a large role in ensuring combatant commanders have the information gathering and targeting capabilities to make informed decisions and eliminate threats.

As one of the most diverse portfolios in AFLCMC, the directorate, comprised of nearly 1,800 employees assigned in 20 locations, leads over 200 programs and executes nearly $10 billion in active year funds in support of the warfighter.

Some of the major weapons systems the Directorate supports include manned and unmanned ISR aircraft such as the U-2, Global Hawk, MQ-1 and MQ-9, as well as rotary wing,  personnel recovery, and special mission aircraft like the HH-60, Combat Rescue Helicopter, UH-1N, CV-22, and the HC/MC/AC-130s.

The mission of the organization is to equip our warfighters to win the fight.

“These ISR platforms [weapon systems] support the warfighter by providing the knowledge they need to prevent surprise, make decisions, command forces and employ weapons,” Col. Martin O’Grady, Program Executive Officer for the ISR & SOF Directorate said. “Our job is to ensure that these systems remain battle ready [through cradle to grave life cycle management], while we strive to incorporate new leading edge technology to bolster warfighting capability.”

So far the organization has been very successful.

Recently, the Global Hawk fleet achieved a major milestone by surpassing 200,000 flight hours with more than 130,000 of those in combat. In addition, the AFLCMC team awarded a contract which will significantly modernize Global Hawk ground control operations.  

Over the summer, the first of 21 HH-60G Operational Loss Replacement aircraft – used to conduct combat search and rescue operations – was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base for testing.

Other accomplishments include providing more than 270 modifications to fixed and rotary wing aircraft just over the past year alone. 

 “Our weapons systems continue to make an impact around the globe,” O’Grady said. “The need for ISR and SOF capabilities will continue to grow and this Directorate has and will always be up to the challenge of delivering that capability.”

O’Grady concluded by talking about the people working in the directorate.

“What we do here is so important,” O’Grady said. “Each member of the Directorate recognizes the importance of our mission and are fully committed to it.  From providing critical airborne ISR, to personnel recovery, to infiltration and exfiltration, to strike capabilities, their acquisition, modernization, and sustainment efforts have sharpened our nation’s sword.  I’m so proud to lead this fantastic group of folks – ISR and SOF warriors – as we continue to deliver, innovate, and grow.”