Final Furling: 689th CCW stands down Published June 14, 2013 By Staff Reports Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 689th Combat Communications Wing stood down Wednesday during a ceremony here. The inactivation was a result of the Air Force's force structure changes tied to the president's fiscal 2013 budget. The 3rd Combat Communications Group at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma also stood down, leaving Robins' 5th Combat Communications Group responsible for Air Force combat communications missions. "Combat communicators are an integral part of the 24th Air Force's cyber capabilities," said Col. Joseph Scherrer, 689th commander. "The Air Force will continue the legacy of combat communications excellence through the 5th CCG." This week's ceremony recognized the wing's rich history and accomplishments of its Airmen, including those in the 5th CCG who deliver expeditionary and specialized communications, air traffic control and landing systems for global humanitarian relief and combat operations. These members have unique skill sets, specializing in providing tactical operations in austere, joint and coalition environments. Two civilian employees and 33 military members here will be affected. Civilians will transfer to the 5th CCG; military members will be reassigned or, if eligible, may retire or separate. With the wing's inactivation, the 5th CCG will realign as a direct reporting unit under Air Force Space Command's 24th Air Force.