From the establishment of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, and its antecedents, the men and women who have worked at Georgia's largest industrial facility have been noted for accomplishing difficult tasks. The superb performance of aircraft and weapons under their management and the enormous logistical efforts, carried out often under tremendous pressure, are testaments to their skill and perseverance.

Throughout the 50 years since its beginning, the center's responsibility has been the supply of parts for maintenance and repair and storage of aircraft vital to the nation's defense. The most noticeable change in this mission has been the enormity of its growth and its technical complexity.

When the War Department gave official approval for the construction of an Army Air Corps installation on June 14, 1941, officials believed it would be just the start of a long-range plan to prepare American defenses in case of war. Instead, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor gave urgency to construction of this important military base.

By the time of its dedication on April 26, 1943, the Warner Robins Army Air Depot, named for Brigadier General Augustine Warner Robins, was playing a key role in winning World War II. In short order, it was also contributing mightily to the economic resurgence of the area.

Originally known as the Georgia Air Depot, the facility has been redesignated a number of times--first as the Southeast Air Depot, then the Wellston Air Depot, the Warner Robins Army Air Depot, the Warner Robins Air Depot Control Area Command and the Warner Robins Air Technical Services Command. At the end of the World War II, as its function changed and satellite bases were closed, the name was changed again to the Warner Robins Air Materiel Area. Finally, in April 1974, new worldwide responsibilities led it to be named the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

After World War II the number of military and civilian employees at Robins decreased substantially until the Korean War thrust this support facility into the fray once more. Working around the clock, the inspired workers at the center literally unwrapped and refurbished hundreds of Boeing B-29 "Superfortresses" and other aircraft. In record time, United Nations forces in the Far East received the tools they needed to fight North Korean invaders.

The remarkable performance made an impression on policy-makers in Washington. Ever since, though personnel numbers have fluctuated sometimes, both the Air Force and the Department of Defense have seen to it that Robins Air Force Base has been adequately staffed.

Today, the logistics center manages three of the most vital Air Force aircraft weapons systems--the F-15 Eagle, the C-141B Starlifter, and the C-130 Hercules. These machines performed magnificently in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War of 1991.

The center also plays an important role for the Air Force in processing foreign military sales, stocking small arms and developing high technology and automated equipment.

Robins Air Force Base is also home for several major tenant organizations:  Command Headquarters for the Air Force Reserve; Strategic Air Command's 19th Air Refueling Wing; Tactical Air Command's 5th Combat Communications Group and Space Command's 9th Missile Warning Squadron.

Throughout, the impact of Robins AFB and WR-ALC on the state and region has been dramatic. The little village of Wellston, which changed its name to Warner Robins in 1942, has become a thriving city of more than 50,000 citizens. Other Middle Georgia communities, including Perry, Cochran, Fort Valley, Byron, Macon, Forsyth, Hawkinsville, and Eastman have benefited, too, from the employment on base of some 20,000 military and civilian workers and the burgeoning development of related services and industries.

While this trend continues, the mission of Robins AFB and WR-ALC remains the same: "Keep 'Em Flying." To this end, members of the military and civilians carry on the Robins tradition of successfully completing hard jobs just as their predecessors have done.

In summary, this history is a recollection of significant events, names and achievements of leaders and others who have labored at the base. It is dedicated to all the people who have made Warner Robins Air Logistics center what it is today.

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