Recent US Intelligence Gathering Operations
Operation Brave Wind
Primary Operating Location: ?
Assigned Units:
– U/I Elements of 55th Wing, Air Combat Command
Start Date: 2009?
End Date: Ongoing
Superseded (Africa overflights only): Operation Creek Wind
Summary: Operation Brave Wind involved RC-135V/W Rivet Joint overflights of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. These operations were conducted in support of various efforts, likely including those broadly associated with Operation Enduring Freedom, including Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara in the Sahel region of Africa. Air Combat Command operation nicknames with the second word “Wind” are generally associated with the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft.
Operation Brave Wind replaced the Africa overflights conducted as part of Operation Creek Wind by 2009. The “Creek” first word is a permanent US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) first word. US European Command (EUCOM) had responsibility for operations in much of Africa prior to AFRICOM activation. Creek Wind missions, however, continued in support of EUCOM activities. By 2010, another Rivet Joint mission, Operation Python Wind, had also begun in support of AFRICOM. Declassified sources were unclear as to whether this operation supplemented or supplanted Brave Wind.
America's Codebook: Africa 