 | This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (September 2017) |
| 33rd Special Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | 12 June 1917 – present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Part of | Air Force Special Operations Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico |
| Engagements |  World War I  World War II  1991 Gulf War  Operation Enduring Freedom  Iraq War[1] |
| Decorations | Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 33rd Special Operations Squadron emblem (approved 13 July 2010)[1] |  |
| 33rd Pursuit Squadron emblem (approved 22 September 1933)[2] |  |
The 33rd Special Operations Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the 27th Special Operations Group at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The squadron operates the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.
The unit is one of the oldest squadrons in the Air Force, its origins dating to 12 June 1917. Over this time, members of the squadron took part in World War I, World War II, the 1991 Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.[3]
The 33rd SOS was named Air Force Special Operations Command's Special Operations Squadron of the Year for 2012.[4] The squadron was reactivated by the Air Force in May 2009, in view of a perceived need for greater special operations air capacity.[3]
- ^ a b c Haulman, Daniel (18 May 2017). "Factsheet 33 Special Operations Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 160-161
- ^ a b "Cannon AFB Library: Factsheet 33rd Special Operations Squadron". 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. 27 February 2012. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ Tucker, SRA Whitney (29 April 2013). "33 SOS named AFSOC Special Operations Squadron of the Year". 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2017.