306th Intelligence Squadron explained

Unit Name:306th Intelligence Squadron
Dates:5 October 2012 - Present (as 306th Intelligence Squadron) 1953 - ? (as 6306 Reconnaissance Technical Flight)
Type:Active Duty Intelligence Squadron
Motto:Justice From Above
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Mascot:Firebird

The United States Air Force's 306th Intelligence Squadron (306 IS) is an intelligence unit located at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma. It oversees advanced technical training and initial qualification of airborne intelligence operators preparing to support Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Mission

The 306 Intelligence Squadron trains and qualifies Airborne Cryptologic Operators to execute Special Operations missions worldwide.

History

The 306 IS was originally activated on 5 October 2012 to support Air Combat Command's (ACC) then-new MC-12W Liberty Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance aircraft.[1] As the unit grew in strength and technical expertise, it also became responsible for an advanced portion of the initial training for many airborne intelligence operators prior to either remaining at Beale AFB or proceeding to a follow-on assignment to support Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Eventually, ACC drew the MC-12W program to a close and relocated the aircraft, transferring them to either the U.S. Army or U.S. Special Operations Command.[2] On 6 March 2017, the 306 IS officially relocated to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, expanding its training mission to encompass all airborne intelligence operators supporting AFSOC aircraft and reuniting with the MC-12W Liberty aircraft based there under the 137th Special Operations Wing.[3]

Previous designations

Assignments

Major command/field operating agency

NAF/Wings/Groups

Bases stationed

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nickel. Shawn. 306th IS activates. 12 October 2012. 18 March 2018.
  2. Web site: Drew. James. Beale AFB farewells MC-12 as spy plane moves to Army and SOCOM. 25 September 2015. 18 March 2018.
  3. Web site: Bultman. Lori. Relocation brings ISR cryptologic operator training, aircraft together again. 7 March 2017. 18 March 2018.
  4. Web site: Air Force Historical Research Agency Fact Sheet: Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency. 17 May 2017. 18 March 2018.