505th Command and Control Wing dedicates room to pioneer

Published July 21, 2009
By Noel Getlin
505th CCW

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Friends, family and colleagues gathered July 16 at a ceremony for the dedication of the Col. Kevin W. Dunleavy Room at the 505th Command and Control Wing Headquarters, Building 90005.

During the ceremony, the Wing unveiled a plaque, shadowbox and a flag flown in Colonel Dunleavy's honor, all of which will remain in the room.

Mrs. Linda Dunleavy was presented a plaque and Wing obelisk, daughter Tara and son Midshipman Colum Dunleavy were presented with commander's coins. Midshipman Dunleavy, who was also celebrating his birthday that day, cut the cake with the Wing's ceremonial sword.

Colonel "Jeep" Dunleavy was a pioneer in Air Force operational- to tactical-level Command and Control and his ideas forever changed the face of C2 in the Air Force. The wing can trace its existence in large part to the Colonel's vision.

"Jeep took command of the Air Force Command and Control Training and Innovation Group here in June of 2001, the predecessor of this wing," said Col. Edward McKinzie, 505th CCW commander. "But he had a vision of an operational-level command and control wing. That vision became reality on March 12, 2004, when the Group became the 505th Command and Control Wing, part of the United States Air Force Warfare Center."

For the wing, it's a way to preserve the Colonel's legacy. Colonel Dunleavy left an indelible footprint on U.S. Air Force war planning. Among his many achievements, he was the command and control planner for the "Black Hole" Combat Plans Cell that planned and executed air and space operations for Operation DESERT STORM/DESERT SHIELD. He also wrote the syllabus for the command and control division at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

Colonel Dunleavy died in 2007, shortly after retiring from the Air Force. But if the stories shared by friends and colleagues are any indication, his memory will not soon be forgotten.

Colonel McKinzie, Charley Booton and James McDonald shared several personal and professional stories about Colonel Dunleavy, often addressing his family in comments.
"Jeep was my first flight commander, an amazing leader, a great mentor and friend," Colonel McKinzie said. "He inspired his fellow Airmen and is remembered for his spirit."

Colonel Dunleavy is also remembered at Tinker Air Force Base with an Air Force Association award in his name for distinguished graduates of the Air Battle Manager course.