88th Communications Group inactivated

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jack Gardner
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The 88th Communications Group was inactivated April 29 during a ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Base leaders recounted the unit’s 71-year history on the installation before rolling up the 88 CG guidon and casing its colors.

“It was a huge honor and privilege to be a part of this group,” said Col. Ivan Herwick, 88 CG commander. “It’s not like we are moving out and the group is going to remain. The group is dissolving and the flag encased, so it’s definitely a big deal.”

The 88th Communications Group was responsible for providing computer network, telephone and radio support to to 115 organizations and more than 30,000 personnel. Its two squadrons were reassigned elsewhere within the 88th Air Base Wing.

The 88th Communications Squadron has moved under the 88th Mission Support Group, while the 88th Operations Support Squadron is now part of the Wing Staff Agency.

“This is definitely a historic moment for Wright-Patt and our organizations,” said Col. Patrick Miller, 88 ABW and installation commander. “It will be amazing to watch the next chapter of these organizations.”

The change is aimed at streamlining the wing and adapting to the current operational environment in support of the national defense strategy, base leaders said.

In 2021, 88 ABW launched a new strategic plan, updating its mission, vision and lines of effort. The inactivation falls in line with two lines of effort: “Maximize mission effectiveness” and “optimize and modernize the installation.”

Herwick thanked his teammates and the organization he took command of two years ago, while encouraging personnel to “continue to make a difference” in the WPAFB mission.

“The team will continue to give first-class service across the board, because that’s just what you do,” he said. “Tens of thousands of people throughout hundreds of organizations call Wright-Patterson their place of work, but without the capabilities you provide, they aren’t getting anything done.”