The 13th Reconnaissance Squadron is part of the 926th Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California. It operates RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
13th Reconnaissance Squadron | |
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Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1952–1953; 1987–2000; 2005–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Reconnaissance and Surveillance |
Part of | Air Force Reserve Command |
Garrison/HQ | Beale Air Force Base |
Nickname(s) | Lucky Thirteen |
Engagements | European Theater of Operations[1] |
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award French Croix de Guerre with Palm[1] |
Insignia | |
13th Reconnaissance Squadron emblem[note 1][1] | |
13th Airlift Squadron emblem[note 2][2] | |
13th Military Airlift Squadron emblem[note 3][2] | |
13th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron emblem [note 4][3] |
The squadron provides theater commanders with near-real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition data.[4]
The 13th flew combat in the European Theater of Operations from 28 March 1943 – 26 April 1945.
In 1952, it converted to a troop carrier mission and provided intra-theater airlift for high-ranking USAFE military and civilian officials and small mission-essential equipment from, 1987–1993. In 1987, it was renamed the 13th Military Airlift Squadron.
The squadron moved without personnel and equipment to McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, on 1 October 1993 and absorbed personnel and equipment of the 30th Airlift Squadron and was renamed the 13th Airlift Squadron. Equipped with C-141, the squadron took on a new worldwide airlift mission until its inactivation in 2000.[1]
Since 2005 the 13th has operated and maintained deployable, long-endurance RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft and ground control elements to fulfill training and operational requirements generated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in support of unified commanders and the Secretary of Defense. It currently trains all RQ-4B pilots and sensor operators.[4]
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