196th Reconnaissance Squadron

The 196th Reconnaissance Squadron is a unit of the California Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing.

Mission

The 196th Reconnaissance Squadron's primary mission is to support the war on terrorism by providing reconnaissance, flying the MQ-1 Predator, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.^[1]

In November 2006, the squadron's parent wing, formerly the 163rd Air Refueling Wing, was redesignated the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing (163 RW) and operational claimancy was transferred from the Air Mobility Command (AMC) to Air Combat Command (ACC). As the operational flying squadron in the wing, the 196 RS was the first Air National Guard (ANG) unit to receive the MQ-1 Predator and was the first to become a fully functional ANG Flying Training Unit (FTU) and Field Training Detachment (FTD) for the Predator. The FTU falls under the Air Combat Command and trains pilots and sensor operators to become Predator aircrew. The FTD, which falls under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), trains enlisted personnel to assemble, disassemble, maintain and repair the Predator.^[2]

History

Assignments

Major Command

• Air National Guard/Air Combat Command (2007–Present)
• Air National Guard/Air Mobility Command (1993–2007)
• Air National Guard/Air Combat Command (1992–1993)
• Air National Guard/Tactical Air Command (1975–1992)
• Air National Guard/Aerospace Defense Command (1954–1975)

Previous Designations^[3]

• 196th Reconnaissance Squadron (2007–Present)
• 196th Air Refueling Squadron (1993–1995)
• 196th Fighter Squadron (1992–1993)
• 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron (1982–1992)
• 196th Tactical Air Support Squadron (1975–1982)
• 196th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (1954–1975)

Bases Stationed

• March Joint Air Reserve Base (2003–Present)
• March Air Reserve Base (1996–2003)
• March Air Force Base (1982–1996)
• Ontario International Airport (1954–1982)

Aircraft Operated^[4]

• MQ-1 Predator (2007–Present)
• KC-135R Stratotanker (???-2007)
• KC-135E Stratotanker (1993-???)
• RF-4C Phantom II (1990-1993)
• F-4E Phantom II (1987–1990)
• F-4C Phantom II (1982–1987)
• O-2A/B Skymaster (1975–1982)
• F-102 Delta Dagger (1965–1975)
• F-86 Sabre (1954–1965)
• F-51H Mustang (1954-???)

References

External links