1st Reconnaissance Squadron

"1st Observation Squadron" redirects here. For the 1st Observation Squadron of 1937-1943, see 41st Electronic Combat Squadron.
For other uses, see 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (disambiguation).

1st Reconnaissance Squadron
Lockheed U-2S 80-1068

Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk 05-2026
Active5 March 1913 – present
(111 years, 8 months)
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAerial reconnaissance
SizeSquadron
Part ofAir Combat Command
Garrison/HQBeale Air Force Base, California
Tail code"BB"
Engagements
Mexico 1916–1917

World War I – Western Front

World War II – American Theater

World War II – Asiatic–Pacific Theater
Decorations
Distinguished Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation

Air Force Meritorious Unit Award

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Benjamin Delahauf Foulois
Insignia
1st Reconnaissance Squadron emblem
100-year anniversary emblem
Aircraft flown
Reconnaissance
Trainer

The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is a United States Air Force squadron, assigned to the 9th Operations Group, Beale Air Force Base, California.

The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is the United States military's oldest flying unit, first established on 5 March 1913. The squadron has maintained an unbroken heritage of over a century from its founding. Originally organized in anticipation of a potential breach in security along the border between the United States and Mexico, General John J. Pershing directed the 1st Aero Squadron to become the first tactical aviation unit to participate in American military action.[1] The 1st RS has flown 47 different aircraft while being stationed worldwide at 52 locations, including 4 stints at sea.[2]

Since 1922 the 1st Squadron has been associated with the 9th Bomb Group and the USAF 9th Reconnaissance Wing, where it continues to be an active flying training unit operating the Lockheed U-2 and the RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance aircraft.[3]

  1. ^ "The Birth of the United States Air Force". U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency. 9 January 2008. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
  2. ^ Nickel, Shawn (12 March 2013). "Oldest U.S. military flying unit celebrates centennial". 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
  3. ^ Haulman, Daniel (21 October 2016). "1 Reconnaissance Squadron (ACC)". U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 30 November 2016.