505th CCW dedicates Hurlburt’s newest flagpole Published Jan. 14, 2009 By Jodi L. Jordan 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 505th Command and Control Wing Headquarters is the location of the base's newest Wing Headquarters flagpole and flag, following a ceremony conducted by 505th CCW Commander Col. Jack Shanahan. Colonel Shanahan dedicated the new flag to America's Airmen, saying, "It symbolizes the contributions of the men and women of the 505th Command Control Wing to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. It is a lasting reminder that freedom is never free." The dedication ceremony featured a formation made up of more than 40 Airmen, led by 505th CCW Comptroller Capt. Daniel Huffman. "It was incredibly motivating to see that flag go up today," Captain Huffman said. "Now, when I drive in the gate every day for work, one of the first things I'll see is the 505th's flag. I'm proud that we've got that symbol of freedom for everyone to see outside of our headquarters." In addition to being an enduring symbol of freedom, the flagpole and flag also represent the special status of the 505th CCW as an Air Force wing, said Colonel Shanahan. The organization celebrates its fifth birthday this year. Prior to being designated the 505th CCW, the organization's lineage includes being the Air Force Command and Control Evaluation Group, the Air Force Command and Control Training and Innovation Center, and the Air Force Command and Control Training and Innovation Group. "We've been in business for some time," Colonel Shanahan said. "But our organization designation and its assigned mission has evolved and morphed many times." The 505th CCW is unique, as the Air Force's only wing dedicated to operational-level command and control. The wing is an Air Combat Command unit and is subordinate to the United States Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. A new flag and flagpole is a relatively small, but meaningful, milestone for the 505th CCW, said Colonel Shanahan, as he expressed his gratitude to the leadership at the 1st Special Operations Wing. "Several months ago, I asked for and received approval from the 1st SOW and Air Force Special Operations Command to put this flagpole in front of our wing headquarters building," Colonel Shanahan said. "That may sound easy, but it doesn't always work out that way at other host-tenant bases. I'm very grateful for the outstanding relationship we have with our hosts here at Hurlburt." In attendance for the ceremony were 505th CCW Honorary Command Chief Cathy Benoit and 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron Honorary Commander Chris Beam.