America's Cryptologic Wing - Our Story
The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing with headquarters at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, falls under Sixteenth Air Force (also known as the U.S. Air Force’s Information Warfare Numbered Air Force). The 70th ISRW conducts global ISR in air, space, and cyberspace. It comprises 6,200 Total Force Airmen assigned to six groups, 22 squadrons, and three detachments spanning 28 locations worldwide. 70th ISRW Roosters predominantly work alongside National Security Agency professionals in support of national intelligence needs and build partnerships across the intelligence community in support of Air Force and Joint Force requirements.
Our Mission
Lead global cryptologic operations; delivering actionable intelligence and decisive options to prevail in an era of great power competition.
Our Vision
A highly effective, resilient team, ready to win any fight, anytime.
Who We Are
As America’s Cryptologic Wing, Airmen at this wing are leaders and warriors in interagency and Joint Force cryptologic operations, conducting real-time signals intelligence and cybersecurity missions in support of policy-makers, combatant commanders, Joint Force Air Component Commanders, and warfighters across the globe. The wing also provides installation support services to more than 10,000 Airmen and dependents assigned to Fort Meade. Aligned against a three-fold set of priorities – those being; 1) Develop the technology and tradecraft we need for tomorrow's fight; 2) Build resilient next-gen leaders and mission experts; 3) Support Airmen and Families to drive the mission forward – the 70th ISRW aspires to develop Airmen who are resilient and tactically-brilliant Joint Force cryptologic warriors. As well, it partners across a multi-agency and joint service global network in order to match the pace of modern warfare and great power competition in ever-demanding and increasingly-contested environments – in times of peace and war. The 70th ISRW Roosters push forward cryptologic mission, securing U.S. National Security Systems and critical infrastructure in order to generate deep insights into foreign adversaries. In doing so, our Airmen deliver the distinct advantage of timely, high-quality intelligence that enables strategy, operational art, and tactics, all the while denying our opponents the same. It is thanks to these vigilant, bold, bright, critical-thinking Airmen with a bias for action that our Nation is well-guarded and prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Our History
The 70th ISRW has a rich history dating back to when it was first established as the 70th Observation Group in 1941. Since then, it has had several mission and name changes to include the 70th Reconnaissance Group, 70th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 70th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, and 70th Bombardment Wing. Officially, the 70th ISRW was activated on Aug. 16, 2000, at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Groups subordinate to the 70th ISRW are: 373d ISR Group, 543d ISR Group, 544th ISR Group, 659th ISR Group, 691st ISR Group, and the 707th ISR Group. As the Airmen of the 70th ISRW say: “Roosters! Rise and Shine!”