The lesser-known half of the force that keeps things running smoothly at Offutt Air Force Base is doubling in size.

The 170th Group of the Nebraska Air National Guard is in the process of doubling its personnel numbers after an expansion of the unit was approved in April, according to officials.

The expansion was formally announced at an event on Sept. 10, during which Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., stressed the importance of the partnership between the 170th Group and the Offutt-based 55th Wing.

The 170th Group has been stationed at Offutt since 2002. It assists the Air Force’s 55th Wing through a combat training squadron and an operations support squadron.