The birth of Air Combat Command June 1, 1992, took place amidst momentous changes within the Air Force and the Department of Defense. A brief ceremony at Langley Air Force Base marked the inactivation of Tactical Air Command and the activation of ACC. The ceremony at Langley signaled the birth of a new major command with a new mission, not just a successor of the former TAC and Strategic Air Command.

The Air Combat Command was responsible for providing combat-ready forces for deterrence and air combat operations. Upon activation, ACC assumed control of all fighter resources based in the continental United States, all bombers, reconnaissance platforms, battle management resources, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Furthermore, ACC had some tankers and C-130s in its composite, reconnaissance, and certain other combat wings. One of the most significant changes for ACC resulted from an overhaul of flying training responsibilities. Following its activation, ACC was responsible for aircraft-specific aircrew training, including initial weapon system and continuation training. Since its activation in June 1992, Air Combat Command has found itself in an almost constant state of flux. While on the one hand losing its ICBMs, nearly all its tankers, and a part of its training mission, ACC has gained the combat rescue and theater airlift missions.

At the same time, sweeping changes in our nation's military policy have imposed on ACC not only force structure reductions but a requirement for much greater flexibility than ever before. ACC's forces remain “on call” to perform a variety of missions including support to international peace-keeping operations, to humanitarian needs at home and abroad, and protection of our nation's interests around the globe.

Despite its brief history, ACC has already established a tradition of providing combat-ready forces capable of responding to the challenges of a changing world.

The 13 ASOS falls under Air Combat Command. Our wing is the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing which is currently at Moody AFB, Georgia, and our group is the 3rd Air Support Operations Group which is at Fort Hood, Texas. The 3rd ASOG organizes, trains, equips and administers an Air Support Operations Center (ASOC), Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs)/Battlefield Weather Teams and Staff Weather Operations in support of US Army's III Armored Corps (III Corps). The 3rd ASOG advises the Army three-star Commanding General and senior staff on U.S. and Allied air capabilities and coordinates attack/airlift/reconnaissance air assets in support of the joint battle plan.

The 3 ASOG Unit Mission: Train, deploy and focus the world’s best combat airpower and integrated weather operations for the joint force commander alongside III Corps or a supported land force commander, anytime, anywhere.

The 13th Air Support Operations Squadron was initially constituted as the 13th Air Support Communications Squadron Jan. 11, 1943.

It was re-designated as the 13th Tactical Air Communications Squadron Feb. 29, 1944, but disbanded shortly thereafter April 15, 1944.

The squadron was later reactivated in its current state as the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Carson, Colorado, July 1, 1994.