E-3 Sentry

FILE PHOTO -- The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet in diameter, 6 feet thick and is held 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joe Cupido)

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TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- An E-3 Sentry lands here on the Mar. 23, 2007, after completing one of the many missions done by the aircraft since its arrival at Tinker 30 years ago on Mar. 23, 1977. (Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stacy Fowler)

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552nd Air Control Wing

Shield represents past roots, present vision

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AWACS

FILE PHOTO -- An E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., flies a mission. The E-3 Sentry is modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet in diameter, 6 feet thick and is held 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John K. McDowell)

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Sentry

FILE PHOTO -- An E-3 Sentry approaches a KC-10A Extender for aerial refueling June 29, 2000. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and NATO air defense forces. The E-3 Sentry is modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet in diameter, 6 feet thick and is held 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gary Ell)

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Sentry

FILE PHOTO -- The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and NATO air defense forces. As proven in Desert Storm, it is the premier air battle command and control aircraft in the world today. The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet in diameter, six feet thick, and is held 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance fromthe Earth's surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. The radar combined with an identification friend or foe subsystem can look down to detect, identify and track enemy and friendly low-flying aircraft by eliminating ground clutter returns that confuse other radar systems. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Air Force celebrates 30th anniversary of E-3 Sentry

Published June 28, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Stacy Fowler
552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

The 552nd Air Control Wing will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry with events from June 28 to July 1.

The aircraft with the signature dome is the Air Force's airborne warning and control system, or AWACS, and provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S., NATO and other allied air defense forces.

Testing began on the modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a 30-foot rotating radar dome in October 1975. In March 1977, the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing, now 552nd Air Control Wing, received the first E-3s.

"This is going to be a very fun event for everyone, and we have people coming from around the world to attend," said Col. Lori J. Robinson, 552nd ACW commander. "We have former commanders, chiefs and Airmen from the 552nd coming back to see what has changed. They will tell their stories to [our Airmen], and listen to our stories."

Among the distinguished visitors attending are General Ronald Keys, Air Combat Command commander, Chief Master of the Air Force Rodney McKinley, and Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Jari Askins.

Anniversary celebration events include squadron open houses, a presentation about how the E-3 has changed through the last three decades, and tours of the E-3 flight and mission simulators.