'Magic Ale' celebrates 30 years operational service of E3-D SENTRY with the Royal Air Force. Commonly known as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System). E3-D SENTRY AEW Mk1 is flown from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire under the NATO call sign 'Magic'. Since entering service in 1991, E3-D SENTRY has been operated by aircrew from 8, 23, 54 and 56 Squadrons. Throughout its history, E3-D SENTRY has seen active service abroad in multiple theatres including the Balkans, Middle East, Libya, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Afghanistan.