Air Force activates 12th Combat Air Base Squadron: A new era of combat readiness

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rion Ehrman
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  

In a significant development for U.S. Air Force operations, the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron (CABS) was officially activated on Oct. 2, at Barksdale Air Force Base. This new squadron is assigned to the 12th Air Task Force (ATF) based at Scott Air Force Base, marking a pivotal shift in the Air Force’s deployment model.

12th Air Task Force commander passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gabriel Arrington, 12th Air Task Force commander passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Cody Elliott, 12th Combat Air Base Squadron commander, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Oct. 2, 2024. The 12th CABS guidon passing to Elliott signified his assumption of duty as the squadron’s commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey Farrell)
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On Oct. 2, Lt. Col. Cody Elliott assumed command as the 12th CABS commander in an activation ceremony at Barksdale AFB, led by the 12th ATF commander, Col. Gabriel Arrington.

Elliott will lead the primary base operation support element for the 12th ATF and ensure that each airman is proficiently trained to be mission capable. The squadron is tasked with essential functions, including sustainment, protection and airfield management. With this new command, the squadron is set to strengthen joint warfighting capabilities as the Air Force navigates the Great Power Competition environment.

“The establishment of the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron represents a strategic advancement in our ability to develop Mission Ready Airmen (MRA) effectively and efficiently,” said Elliott. “Our squadron is designed to train Airmen who are capable of responding to a range of contingency operations – no matter where we are or what the threat is.”

The 12th CABS comprises three Combat Service Support Teams (CSSTs) sourced from Scott AFB, Little Rock AFB, and Barksdale AFB, with Barksdale AFB serving as the CSST lead. This structure brings together specialized, cross-functional teams to enhance combat readiness. The collaborative approach aims to streamline support for the ATF’s mission, reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to adaptability and efficiency. The activation of the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron is a key step in enabling more agile and coordinated responses to global missions while also enhancing the wing's operations at home

12th Combat Air Base Squadron commander, gives closing remarks to his friends, family and fellow Airmen

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Cody Elliott, 12th Combat Air Base Squadron commander, gives closing remarks to his friends, family and fellow Airmen attending the squadron’s activation ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Oct. 2, 2024. The 12th CABS is composed of 350 Airmen from different career fields all working together to deliver unmatched combat support capabilities for Agile Combat Employment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey Farrell)
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The 12th ATF was officially activated Sept. 4, and is the first task force organized under the new Air Force deployment model. The 12th ATF aims to shift away from the previous deployment model, which often sent airmen from various bases who were unfamiliar with each other’s procedures and practices. Instead, this new approach focuses on training the entire unit of action together to ensure seamless integration and preparation for deployment.

“Our strategic and operational environments are constantly changing, and our methods of training and deploying Airmen need to change with it,” said Arrington. “The ATF is a viable solution that will develop a combat unit of action that adapts to new adversarial threats.”

As the Air Force continues to evolve, the activation of the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron embodies its commitment to deliver operational preparedness for global competition.