| 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron | |
|---|---|
Emblem of the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron |
|
| Active | 1942-1944; 1947-1988 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Reconnaissance |
The 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, stationed at RAF Alconbury, England. It was inactivated on 15 January 1988
Contents |
During World War II, the 21st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was a Replacement Training Unit (RTU) for aerial photo pilots, stationed at several airfields in the Midwest and Southeast as part of Second, Third and First Air Forces. Inactivated in 1944.
The 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was established by Tactical Air Command in July 1947 at Lawson Field, Georgia to support Fort Benning. Equipped with F-6D (later RF-51D) Mustangs. Reassigned to Pope Field, North Carolina in September. Flew aerial mapping and reconnaissance missions, largely over the mid-Atlantic region, supporting Army forces at Fort Bragg during maneuvers. Inactivated in 1949 due to budget restrictions.
Reactivated as a Night Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, based in France in 1952 as a result of the United States Cold War military buildup in Europe. Activated as a redesignation of the Alabama Air National Guard 112th TRS, which was federalized and brought to active duty during the Korean War. The RB-26s were repainted black and the squadron was assigned a night reconnaissance mission supporting United States Army and NATO ground forces in West Germany.
In May 1953 the squadron moved to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany as part of a USAFE reorganization. The World War II-era RB-26s were replaced in October 1954 by Martin RB-57A Canberras, again painted black for night reconnaissance missions. In 1957 the RB-57s were transferred to Châteauroux-Déols Air Depot for shipment back to the United States and the 1st TRS was re-equipped with the Douglas RB-66C Destroyer.
Moved to RAF Alconbury, England in 1959 when the TAC 47th Bombardment Wing's B-45s were retired, and Spangdalem was redesignated as a Tactical Fighter Base. Continued operating the RB-66Cs for night reconnaissance, although rotated frequently to Toul Air Base until 1966 where its parent 10th TRW operated a forward location. In 1966 converted to the RF-4C Phantom II upon its introduction to USAFE. Flew the RF-4C for over 20 years from Alconbury, frequently participating in NATO exercises.
Unit history consolidated with the 21st TRS in 1985 to give the squadron a World War II history. Inactivated in 1988 with the withdrawal of the RF-4C from Europe, and the 10th TRW being transitioned into an A-10 Tactical Fighter Wing.
|
|
|
|
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.