3rd Special Operations Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 MQ-1 Predator as previously operated by the squadron | |
| Active | 1918–1919; 1919–1944; 1952–1958; 1968–1969; 1976–1991; 2005–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Unmanned Special Operations |
| Part of | Air Force Special Operations Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico |
| Motto(s) | Pro Patria Pro Liberis Latin |
| Engagements | |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 3rd Special Operations Squadron emblem (approved 5 May 2006)[1] |  |
| Patch with unofficial 3rd Air Commando Squadron emblem |  |
| 1st Photographic Section emblem (approved 23 July 1932[2] |  |
The 3rd Special Operations Squadron is part of the 27th Special Operations Group of the Air Force Special Operations Command at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. It flies MQ-9 Reaper unmanned combat aerial vehicles or "drones"; the 3rd SOS is the first Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) squadron within the AFSOC.
- ^ a b c Dollman, TSG David (17 October 2016). "Factsheet 3 Special Operations Squadron (AFSOC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 23–24