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Without reading a sign, travelers can easily decide the large fenced area on Georgia Highway 247 is an Air Force installation as airplanes, hangars and a sizeable flight line come into view. Beyond the fence are uniformed men and women, fast and powerful weapon systems and a worldwide national defense mission. Robins Air Force Base is the home of Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, the 78th Air Base Wing and more than 60 other units that make up a vital part of the Air Force warfighting team. The air logistics center is the largest organization at Robins. The 116th Air Control Wing flies battlefield surveillance missions in the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft or Joint STARS; the 5th Combat Communications Group provides mobile command and control communications and air traffic control systems worldwide; and Robins is the worldwide headquarters for the Air Force Reserve Command. The base was born in 1941 as a repair and supply depot for the Army Air Corps. From World War II, through ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE the creation of the U.S. Air Force, to Vietnam, Desert Storm, Kosovo and the operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the men and women of Robins have upheld a proud heritage of excellence in logistics support for the nation's fighting forces. It is the largest industrial complex in Georgia, employing a workforce of more than 25,500 civilians, contractors and military members. Robins has two-, three- and four- bedroom homes inside the gates, as well as new and renovated housing units. Dormitories accommodate single enlisted members. Also, hundreds of bed spaces are available in temporary lodging. Childcare centers are available, as well as a family childcare programs. A full slate of helpful programs is offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, including the Air 74 l MACON MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2014