32nd Intelligence Squadron: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{infobox military unit
|unit_name= 32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
|unit_name=32d Intelligence Squadron
|image= [[File:32dtrs-emblem.jpg|250px]]
|image=
|caption= 32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
|caption=
|dates= 1942-1976
|dates= 1942-1976; 1988-Present
|country= [[United States]]
|country={{flag|United States|23px}}
|allegiance=
|allegiance=
|branch=[[United States Air Force]]
|branch= {{air force|USA}}
|type= Reconnaissance
|type= Squadron
|role=
|role= ISR
|command_structure= [[Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency]]
|size=
|garrison= [[Fort George G. Meade]], Maryland
|command_structure=
|garrison_label=
|current_commander=
|nickname=
|garrison=
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname=
|patron=
|patron=
|motto=
|motto=
|colors=
|colors=
|colors_label=
|march=
|march=
|mascot=
|mascot=
|equipment=
|battles= [[World War II]]
|equipment_label= Tail Code
|notable_commanders=
|battles=
|anniversaries=
|anniversaries=
|decorations=
|decorations=
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours_label=
|disbanded=
|flying_hours=
|website=
<!-- Commanders -->
|commander1=
|commander1_label=
|notable_commanders=
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:32d Intelligence Squadron.PNG|150px]]
|identification_symbol_label= 32d Intelligence Squadron emblem
<!-- Aircraft -->
|aircraft_attack=
|aircraft_bomber=
|aircraft_electronic=
|aircraft_fighter=
|aircraft_helicopter=
|aircraft_helicopter_attack=
|aircraft_helicopter_cargo=
|aircraft_helicopter_multirole=
|aircraft_helicopter_observation=
|aircraft_helicopter_transport=
|aircraft_helicopter_trainer=
|aircraft_helicopter_utility=
|aircraft_interceptor=
|aircraft_patrol=
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}}
}}

[[File:32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - RF-4C Phantom IIs - RAF Alconbury - 1970.jpg|thumb|32d TRS RF-4C Phantom IIs - RAF Alconbury - 1970]]
[[File:32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - McDonnell RF-101C-65-MC Voodoo - 56-070.jpg|thumb|32d TRS McDonnell RF-101C-65-MC Voodoo - 56-070]]
[[File:32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - Republic RF-84F-25-RE Thunderflash - 52-7292.jpg|thumb|32d TRS Republic RF-84F-25-RE Thunderflash - 52-7292]]
[[File:32dphotosquadron-emblem.jpg|thumb|World War II 32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron patch]]
The '''32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron''' is an inactive [[United States Air Force]] unit. Its last assignment was with the [[10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing]] (10th TRW), based at [[RAF Alconbury]], [[United Kingdom]]. It was deactivated on 1 January 1976.
The '''32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron''' is an inactive [[United States Air Force]] unit. Its last assignment was with the [[10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing]] (10th TRW), based at [[RAF Alconbury]], [[United Kingdom]]. It was deactivated on 1 January 1976.


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===United States Air Forces in Europe===
===United States Air Forces in Europe===
[[File:32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - RF-4C Phantom IIs - RAF Alconbury - 1970.jpg|thumb|32d TRS RF-4C Phantom IIs - RAF Alconbury - 1970]]
In 1952 the squadron was reactivated as a [[North Atlantic Treaty Organisation]] (NATO) tactical reconnaissance unit to be based in France as a result of the United States [[Cold War]] military buildup in Europe. It was activated as a redesignation of the [[Alabama Air National Guard]] (ANG) 157th TRS, which was federalized and brought to active duty during the [[Korean War]]. It took over the [[Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star|Lockheed RF-80A Shooting Star]] aircraft of the ANG unit, and trained for daylight reconnaissance missions. The squadron, however was stationed at [[Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base]] in West Germany due to the uncompleted facilities at [[Toul-Rosières Air Base]]. Weather conditions in Germany severely restricted the training operations of the assigned RF-80As. The squadron frequently deployed to [[Nouasseur Air Base]], [[Morocco]] during the winter of 1952-53 where the photo conditions were excellent.
In 1952 the squadron was reactivated as a [[North Atlantic Treaty Organisation]] (NATO) tactical reconnaissance unit to be based in France as a result of the United States [[Cold War]] military buildup in Europe. It was activated as a redesignation of the [[Alabama Air National Guard]] (ANG) 157th TRS, which was federalized and brought to active duty during the [[Korean War]]. It took over the [[Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star|Lockheed RF-80A Shooting Star]] aircraft of the ANG unit, and trained for daylight reconnaissance missions.
[[File:32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - McDonnell RF-101C-65-MC Voodoo - 56-070.jpg|thumb|left|32d TRS McDonnell RF-101C-65-MC Voodoo - 56-070]]
The squadron, however was stationed at [[Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base]] in West Germany due to the uncompleted facilities at [[Toul-Rosières Air Base]]. Weather conditions in Germany severely restricted the training operations of the assigned RF-80As. The squadron frequently deployed to [[Nouasseur Air Base]], [[Morocco]] during the winter of 1952-53 where the photo conditions were excellent.


The squadron moved to [[Spangdahlem Air Base]], West Germany in May 1953 where all of the elements of the parent 10th TRW were assembled at one base. It re-equipped with the [[Republic F-84F Thunderstreak|Republic RF-84F Thunderflash]] in 1955, as the RF-80s were deemed not mission-capable against the Soviet [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]].
The squadron moved to [[Spangdahlem Air Base]], West Germany in May 1953 where all of the elements of the parent 10th TRW were assembled at one base. It re-equipped with the [[Republic F-84F Thunderstreak|Republic RF-84F Thunderflash]] in 1955, as the RF-80s were deemed not mission-capable against the Soviet [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]].


In January 1958, the squadron was moved to [[Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base]], France while the runway at Spangdahlem was under repair and renovation. In March 1958, the squadron was reassigned to the [[66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing]], which was moving to Phalsbourg from [[Sembach Air Base]] due to poor runway conditions. During May, the Thunderflashes were replaced by [[McDonnell F-101 Voodoo|McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo]]s, which was the fastest tactical reconnaissance aircraft ever flown by the USAF.
In January 1958, the squadron was moved to [[Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base]], France while the runway at Spangdahlem was under repair and renovation. In March 1958, the squadron was reassigned to the [[66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing]], which was moving to Phalsbourg from [[Sembach Air Base]] due to poor runway conditions. During May, the Thunderflashes were replaced by [[McDonnell F-101 Voodoo|McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo]]s, which was the fastest tactical reconnaissance aircraft ever flown by the USAF.
[[File:32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - Republic RF-84F-25-RE Thunderflash - 52-7292.jpg|thumb|32d TRS Republic RF-84F-25-RE Thunderflash - 52-7292]]

Routine training operations were flown from Laon for over seven years. In 1965 the squadron was again reassigned; to the [[26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing]], which was being formed at Toul-Rosières Air Base. On 7 March 1966, French President [[Charles De Gaulle]] announced that France would withdraw from NATO's military structure but not leave the political organization. He gave NATO forces one year (until 1 April 1967) to depart France.
Routine training operations were flown from Laon for over seven years. In 1965 the squadron was again reassigned; to the [[26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing]], which was being formed at Toul-Rosières Air Base. On 7 March 1966, French President [[Charles De Gaulle]] announced that France would withdraw from NATO's military structure but not leave the political organization. He gave NATO forces one year (until 1 April 1967) to depart France.


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===Lineage===
===Lineage===
[[File:32dtrs-emblem.jpg|thumb|175px|32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron emblem]]
[[File:32dphotosquadron-emblem.jpg|thumb|175px|World War II 32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron patch]]
* Constituted as the '''45th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter)''' on 25 June 1943
* Constituted as the '''45th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter)''' on 25 June 1943
: Activated on 1 July 1943
: Activated on 1 July 1943
: Redesignated '''32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron''' on 11 August 1943
: Re-designated '''32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron''' on 11 August 1943
: Deactivated on 28 October 1945
: Deactivated on 28 October 1945
* Redesignated '''32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron''' on 25 June 1952
* Re-designated '''32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron''' on 25 June 1952
: Reactivated on 10 July 1952 by redesignation of the 157th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
: Reactivated on 10 July 1952 by redesignation of the 157th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
: Deactivated 1 January 1976
: Deactivated 1 January 1976
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===Stations===
===Stations===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Gainesville Army Airfield]], [[Texas]], 1 July 1943
* [[Gainesville Army Airfield]], [[Texas]], 1 July 1943
* [[Will Rogers Field]], [[Oklahoma]], 4 January-24 March 1944
* [[Will Rogers Field]], [[Oklahoma]], 4 January-24 March 1944
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* [[Bari Airfield]], [[Italy]], 11 August–October 1945
* [[Bari Airfield]], [[Italy]], 11 August–October 1945
* [[Camp Kilmer]], [[New Jersey]], 26–28 October 1945
* [[Camp Kilmer]], [[New Jersey]], 26–28 October 1945
* [[Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base|Fürstenfeldbruck AB]], [[West Germany]], 10 July 1952
* [[Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base]], [[West Germany]], 10 July 1952
{{col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Spangdahlem AB]], [[West Germany]], 17 May 1953
* [[Spangdahlem AB]], [[West Germany]], 17 May 1953
* [[Phalsbourg-Bourscheid AB]], [[France]], 31 July 1957
* [[Phalsbourg-Bourscheid AB]], [[France]], 31 July 1957
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* [[Toul-Rosières AB]], [[France]], 1 July 1965
* [[Toul-Rosières AB]], [[France]], 1 July 1965
* [[RAF Alconbury]], [[England]], 15 August 1966-1 January 1976
* [[RAF Alconbury]], [[England]], 15 August 1966-1 January 1976
{{col-end}}


===Aircraft===
===Aircraft===
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==References==
==References==
{{Portal box|United States Air Force|Military of the United States|World War II}}
{{AFHRA}}
{{AFHRA}}
{{Reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
* Maurer, Maurer. ''[http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_sq_of_the_af_wwii.pdf Combat Squadrons of the Air Force: World War II]''. [[Maxwell Air Force Base]], Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1982.
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal box|United States Air Force|Military of the United States}}


{{USAAF 12th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 12th Air Force World War II}}

Revision as of 16:50, 26 November 2012

32d Intelligence Squadron
Active1942-1976; 1988-Present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
TypeSquadron
RoleISR
Part ofAir Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency
Garrison/HQFort George G. Meade, Maryland
Insignia
32d Intelligence Squadron emblem

The 32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (10th TRW), based at RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom. It was deactivated on 1 January 1976.

History

World War II

The squadron was established in mid-1943 as a tactical reconnaissance and photo-mapping squadron. Initial squadron training was under the Third Air Force, before it was deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) and assigned to the Fifteenth Air Force in southern Italy in August 1945.

Equipped primarily with unarmed Lockheed F-5 Lightnings, the squadron flew hazardous long-range intelligence and photo-mapping missions over enemy-held Italy and Occupied Europe, to get pictures required for the aerial war against the Axis powers. Initially it flew most missions over enemy-occupied Italy, Corsica and Sardinia, later flying missions over the Balkans. After the German surrender in May 1945, the squadron's personnel were demobilized in Italy during the summer of 1945, and the squadron was deactivated as a paper unit in the United States during October.

United States Air Forces in Europe

32d TRS RF-4C Phantom IIs - RAF Alconbury - 1970

In 1952 the squadron was reactivated as a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) tactical reconnaissance unit to be based in France as a result of the United States Cold War military buildup in Europe. It was activated as a redesignation of the Alabama Air National Guard (ANG) 157th TRS, which was federalized and brought to active duty during the Korean War. It took over the Lockheed RF-80A Shooting Star aircraft of the ANG unit, and trained for daylight reconnaissance missions.

32d TRS McDonnell RF-101C-65-MC Voodoo - 56-070

The squadron, however was stationed at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base in West Germany due to the uncompleted facilities at Toul-Rosières Air Base. Weather conditions in Germany severely restricted the training operations of the assigned RF-80As. The squadron frequently deployed to Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco during the winter of 1952-53 where the photo conditions were excellent.

The squadron moved to Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany in May 1953 where all of the elements of the parent 10th TRW were assembled at one base. It re-equipped with the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash in 1955, as the RF-80s were deemed not mission-capable against the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15.

In January 1958, the squadron was moved to Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base, France while the runway at Spangdahlem was under repair and renovation. In March 1958, the squadron was reassigned to the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, which was moving to Phalsbourg from Sembach Air Base due to poor runway conditions. During May, the Thunderflashes were replaced by McDonnell RF-101C Voodoos, which was the fastest tactical reconnaissance aircraft ever flown by the USAF.

32d TRS Republic RF-84F-25-RE Thunderflash - 52-7292

Routine training operations were flown from Laon for over seven years. In 1965 the squadron was again reassigned; to the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, which was being formed at Toul-Rosières Air Base. On 7 March 1966, French President Charles De Gaulle announced that France would withdraw from NATO's military structure but not leave the political organization. He gave NATO forces one year (until 1 April 1967) to depart France.

As a result, the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was relocated to Ramstein Air Base, West Germany. As part of the move from Toul, the 32d was reassigned to England, where it rejoined the 10th TRW, now stationed at RAF Alconbury. It sent the RF-101s back to the United States, and at Alconbury received new McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II aircraft.

The 32d flew the RF-4C at Alconbury for the next ten years, before being deactivated in 1976. The advent of reconnaissance satellites made tactical reconnaissance less and less necessary by the mid-1970s. This, along with the need for budget reductions after the end of the Vietnam War caused a reduction in the numbers of frontline tactical reconnaissance aircraft. On 1 January 1976, the 32nd TRS was the first of two squadrons of the 10th TRW to be deactivated that year.

Lineage

32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron emblem
World War II 32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron patch
  • Constituted as the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) on 25 June 1943
Activated on 1 July 1943
Re-designated 32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 August 1943
Deactivated on 28 October 1945
  • Re-designated 32d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 25 June 1952
Reactivated on 10 July 1952 by redesignation of the 157th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
Deactivated 1 January 1976

Assignments

Attached to 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing from 8 January 1958

Stations

Aircraft

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

External links