HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — A major milestone for operational command and control training was marked this week as Hurlburt Field celebrated the full launch of its Joint Training and Operations Center, now known as “the house that Milt built.”
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The 505th Combat Training Squadron officially cut the ribbon on the newly revitalized JTOC on June 10. The facility, once a makeshift space cluttered with wires and patchwork systems, is now said to offer a 95% increase in operational capacity for the squadron.
“This ceremony is long, long overdue,” said Lt. Col. Michael Power, commander of the 505th CTS.
“But what better time to celebrate the journey we’ve traveled than now, surrounded by the very people who made it possible.”
Work on the center began after a 2020 tour by Gen. Mark Kelly, then head of Air Combat Command. The transformation tackled architectural redesigns, fire safety systems, HVAC problems, and mold—culminating in a facility now featuring 7,500 square feet, 89 new operator workstations, secure communication capabilities, and a fully modern training environment.
At the heart of the JTOC story is the AOC Replication Cell, or AOC RC. Founded in 2012 with just 10 members, the AOC RC now includes 24 trained professionals with plans to expand to 32 by 2026. The team provides realistic airpower training environments for more than a dozen exercises each year, serving over 40,000 warfighters annually.
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Much of the credit for the JTOC’s transformation was directed toward Mr Milt Waddell. A former B-52 pilot and longtime member of the 505th CCW, Waddell took charge of the renovation project in 2020 and led the massive effort through completion.
“If the story of the JTOC is incomplete without the AOC RC, then the story of the AOC RC is incomplete without Milt,” said Lt. Col. Power.
“He’s the embodiment of operational excellence and mentorship. And so, we dedicate not just a building today, we dedicate a legacy.”
Mr Waddell recounted how he was persuaded to take on the role.
“One evening, I got called to the commander’s office… and they started talking to me about this building and how important it was going to be,” said Waddell.
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“Then they kind of psyched me into taking the lead. I remember saying, ‘Well, I’ll do it,’ and they all just looked at me and said, ‘We knew you’d say that.’”
What followed was three years of contract management, close collaboration with engineers, and leadership over a full structural rebuild.
“It’s been a long journey, but it’s been worth every bit of it, thanks to the incredible professionals I got to work with,” said Mr Waddell.
He closed the ceremony by praising the team that maintains and operates the facility today.
“I’ve got no doubt in my mind, maybe I’m a little biased, but I’ve got the best team,” said Waddell.
“This building is maintained by the people who sit here every day, and they do such a great job. I’m very proud of them.”
