No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron RAAF

No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron RAAF

The Royal Australian Air Force's No 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS), is a Squadron within No 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing, and is responsible for the provision of expeditionary Communications and Information Systems and navigational aids to support Air Force and Australian Defence Force operations and exercises.

1CCS was formed on 20 September 1965 as the Air Transportable Telecommunications Unit (ATTU). ATTU's role was to provide simple Communication Centre's (COMMCENs) in the field in support of air operations. Over the years, the role has evolved to also include Air Traffic Control systems and navigational aids and Communication and Information Systems (CIS) required to establish a fully functioning military air base.

On 1 July 1999, after providing communications support for 34 years, ATTU was retitled No 1 Combat Communications Squadron, however the role of the squadron remained the same.

1CCS has a long and distinguished record of providing tactical Communications and Information Systems in support of Australian Defence Force operations and exercises. 1CCS has grown significantly over the years, from humble beginnings with 12 people in 1965 to the present day where some 380 men and women provide tactical and temporary Communication and Information Systems support to operations, exercises and other activities in support of Air Force, the Australian Defence Force and the community.

Capabilities that 1CCS can provide are many and varied. These include the provision of radio systems, information systems and air traffic control systems support. This support can be provided from established Air Force bases to very remote locations, anywhere in the world. 1CCS is often required to provide tactical and temporary communications support during disaster relief operations, both in Australia and overseas.

Essentially wherever in the world the Royal Australian Air Force has aircraft operating there will be 1CCS personnel or equipment on the ground to facilitate the command and control of those assets in the tactical or deployed environment.

1CCS’s personnel are primarily drawn from the Electrical Engineer (ELECTR), Communications Electronic Technician (CETECH) and Communications and Information Systems Controller (CISCON) specialisation and musterings. The Squadron also has a support cadre of administration, logistics and ground support personnel.

The Squadron Headquarters and the Richmond Flight are located at RAAF Base Richmond on the outskirts of Sydney in New South Wales. Flights of personnel and equipment are also located at RAAF Base Williamtown which is also in New South Wales; and at RAAF Base Amberley and RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland.