ECHO Range celebrates 40 years of supporting the warfighter
By Renee Hatcher
NAWCWD Public Affairs

Electronic Combat Range (ECR) employees held a 40th anniversary celebration Aug. 13 to commemorate the range’s accomplishments since its beginning in 1967.

“Because of the nature of our work, we haven’t always been able to talk freely about what we do here at ECHO Range,” said Robert Jensen, deputy director of ECR. “This is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in what we do and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together.”

About 200 employees work at ECR, some in very isolated and unique locations. The celebration gave ECR employees a chance to get together for a few hours of fun. Anniversary festivities included rubber ducky races, a pie eating contest, and a dunk tank was available for those wanting to cool down on the sun drenched south range.

ECR’s basic mission to protect pilots against electronic threats has stayed the same during the years but its capabilities have evolved to keep pace with advancements in threat technologies.

“I want to thank you all on behalf of the fleet,” said Rear Adm. Mark Skinner, NAWCWD commander. “The warfighter can experience a variety of threat simulations here on the ECHO Range before they have to face them in actual combat. For that we owe you a great debt of gratitude.”

ECR is primarily a test and evaluation range that performs electronic surveillance, electronic protection and electronic attack testing; the range also serves as a training ground for the warfighter.

“Our primary job is protecting the warfighter,” Jensen said. “We enjoy great job satisfaction and recognize that we make a real difference in the lives of the warfighter.”

The driving force for the initial development and operation of ECR was the air war threat in North Vietnam. The range was established to increase the effectiveness of electronic countermeasures equipment and tactics against the threat in North Vietnam.

The development of the mid-East crisis presented a new set of surface-to-air-threat systems for which no Navy tactical aircraft electronic warfare (EW) systems existed. Quick Reaction Capability Programs were initiated that depended on ECHO Range to provide EW capabilities in Navy tactical aircraft. For the first time, EW equipment was installed in Navy aircraft and evaluated at a Navy test range prior to combat.

Updates in 1972 placed emphasis on the war-at-sea scenario. By 1978, ECHO had a complete stand-alone test capability against Soviet surface-to-air weapons systems. Since those early days, ECHO has played a key role in the development of nearly every U.S. EW system that has been fielded.

“With the talented and dedicated folks out here at ECHO Range, the sky’s the limit for the next 40 years,” Skinner said.

PHOTO CUTLINES:

ECR 40th group
Photo by Darrell Leach
Some of the current Electronic Combat Range employees join together prior to the range’s 40th anniversary celebration on Aug. 13.

Duck race
Photo by Renee Hatcher
It’s a photo-finish at the rubber duck race held during the Electronic Combat Range 40th anniversary celebration on Aug. 13.

Skinner
Photo by Renee Hatcher
Rear Adm. Mark Skinner, NAWCWD commander, hears about the early days at the Electronic Combat Range, from Ken Bryant, a former employee at ECHO Range.