Wing activation of the 521st AMOW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The new 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing has officially been stood up during a ceremony Sept. 4 at Hangar 5 on Ramstein. 

"This new wing will provide an enhanced level of control for our en route structure in Europe, which includes critical locations for getting people, cargo and patients to and from current war zones," said Col. Kimberly Corcoran, the 521st AMOW commander. 

Colonel Corcoran couldn't believe that the time was finally here for the wing to be activated that she had worked so hard to help form. "Not just being apart of the momentous occasion, but taking command of the wing was never expected," she said. 

"If you take a look at her resume, you can tell she is an excellent leader having soared in everything she has done," said Brig. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force commander, on Col. Corcoran taking command of the new wing. 

"Air Mobility Command's en route structure is a flexible organization that is shaped by the needs of national security," said Col. Corcoran. "We regularly evaluate how to move cargo and passengers more efficiently for support to the warfighter, as well as for humanitarian support." 

There are about 1,800 permanent-party personnel authorized, with approximately 1,250 assigned to the 721st Air Mobility Operations Group and 500 to the 521st AMOG. Both groups also contain a sizable deployed contingent, with 125 to the 721st AMOG and more than 400 assigned to the 521st AMOG. 

Around the world, on average, a U.S. air mobility aircraft takes off every 90 seconds 365 days a year. A wing commander will have the appropriate level of authority to ensure adequate response time and agility to meet changing theater requirements and support to the combatant commands. 

The 521st AMOG has deep rootsin Air Force history. 

The unit was formally activated July 4, 1942, at Drew Field in Tampa, Fla. Originally designated as a Signal Aircraft warning battalion, the 521st span of control has encompassed everything from fighters to troop carriers and roamed from the United States to England, France and then Germany until becoming inactive Nov. 18, 1960 at Ramstein. The unit remained inactive until it was reconstituted and re-designated as the 521st Tactical Control Wing Aug. 31, 1985; only to be deactivated again. 

Before taking command of the 521st AMOW, Colonel Corcoran received her commission and Bachelor of Science Degrees in engineering Mechanics and Biological Sciences, through the U.S. Air Force Academy. She was the commander of the 116th Operations Group, Robins AFB, Ga. in 2004, then became vice commander of the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., until 2008.