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505th Command and Control Wing News

Lt. Col. Pepper takes reins of 705th Combat Training Squadron

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • 505th Command and Control Wing public affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE -- --  The squadron responsible for U.S. Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Center and who ensure linkages with remote sites around the world welcomed their new commander, Lt. Col. Dan Pepper, in a ceremony Dec. 21.

Colonel Pepper, former 705th Combat Training Squadron operations officer, took command from Lt. Col. Troy Molendyke during a ceremony officiated by Col. William Reese, 505th Distributed Warfare Group.

The squadron, a subordinate unit of the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., runs the Distributed Mission Operations Center, which provides world-class distributed mission operations training to more than 1,500 joint and coalition combat warriors annually through quarterly Virtual Flag and annual Coalition Virtual Flag exercises. These large scale operational- to tactical-level exercises train warfighters in all aspects of theater air operations.

The squadron is currently gearing up for an escalation in operations following Air Combat Command Commander Gen. William Fraser's recent announcement that there will be an increased use of distributed mission operations and simulation to keep forces combat ready.

Colonel Pepper said he is humbled by his new assignment.

"I will work hard to continue our mission of providing world class training," he said. "I am grateful for this opportunity and offer my sincere congratulations and appreciation to Lt. Col. Troy Molendyke as he moves on to bigger and better things," said Colonel Pepper.
Colonel Molendyke thanked the squadron's military, civilians and contractors for their "team first mentality." Under his leadership, the squadron hosted the first ever Coalition Virtual Flag exercise that integrated simulators and systems from four nations into one near real-time exercise, as well as, Joint Tactical Attack Controllers from four countries who trained together for the first time in the DMOC.

"It has been an absolute thrill to work with such an amazing group of professional and motivated individuals that come to work each day with the primary goal of making the DMOC a premier training venue to increase the combat capability of the U.S. Air Force as we train the warfighter," Colonel Molendyke said.

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Lt. Col. Pepper takes reins of 705th Combat Training Squadron

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • 505th Command and Control Wing public affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE -- --  The squadron responsible for U.S. Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Center and who ensure linkages with remote sites around the world welcomed their new commander, Lt. Col. Dan Pepper, in a ceremony Dec. 21.

Colonel Pepper, former 705th Combat Training Squadron operations officer, took command from Lt. Col. Troy Molendyke during a ceremony officiated by Col. William Reese, 505th Distributed Warfare Group.

The squadron, a subordinate unit of the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., runs the Distributed Mission Operations Center, which provides world-class distributed mission operations training to more than 1,500 joint and coalition combat warriors annually through quarterly Virtual Flag and annual Coalition Virtual Flag exercises. These large scale operational- to tactical-level exercises train warfighters in all aspects of theater air operations.

The squadron is currently gearing up for an escalation in operations following Air Combat Command Commander Gen. William Fraser's recent announcement that there will be an increased use of distributed mission operations and simulation to keep forces combat ready.

Colonel Pepper said he is humbled by his new assignment.

"I will work hard to continue our mission of providing world class training," he said. "I am grateful for this opportunity and offer my sincere congratulations and appreciation to Lt. Col. Troy Molendyke as he moves on to bigger and better things," said Colonel Pepper.
Colonel Molendyke thanked the squadron's military, civilians and contractors for their "team first mentality." Under his leadership, the squadron hosted the first ever Coalition Virtual Flag exercise that integrated simulators and systems from four nations into one near real-time exercise, as well as, Joint Tactical Attack Controllers from four countries who trained together for the first time in the DMOC.

"It has been an absolute thrill to work with such an amazing group of professional and motivated individuals that come to work each day with the primary goal of making the DMOC a premier training venue to increase the combat capability of the U.S. Air Force as we train the warfighter," Colonel Molendyke said.