Dothan Air National Guard Unit Re-Designation

MONTGOMERY, AL (04/11/2014)(readMedia)-- The 280th Combat Communications Squadron, 209 Wallace Dr, Dothan AL 36303, will be redesignated as the 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron April 13 at 10 a.m.

Maj. Gen. Perry Smith, Alabama National Guard adjutant general, will preside over the ceremony, which formally recognizes the 280th SOCS' alignment under Air Force Special Operations Command.

Communications specialists and assets from the 280th SOCS have supported special operations mission requirements since 1999 through its two distinct missions. Its federal mission is to provide communications and information systems to special operations forces worldwide, and its state mission is to respond to state emergencies as directed by the Alabama governor and adjutant general.

The 280th SOCS was extended federal recognition March 21, 1959, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and relocated to Hall Air National Guard Station in Dothan, Ala., Feb. 1, 1996. It has participated in numerous conflicts and contingencies including Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The unit has received six Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and one Harold M. McClelland Award, an annual award given to an Air Force communications and information unit in recognition of excellence in supporting Air Force missions.

Media wishing to attend need to RSVP to Capt. Thomas Raia at thomas.raia@ang.af.mil by noon, April 7.

-30-