FIGHTIN’ 55TH UNITS in 1984 the unit completed the switch to the E-4B aircraft - currently in use today. On July 29, 1994, the National Emergency Airborne Command Post changed its name to the National Airborne Operations Center. Today, the 1st ACCS continues to proudly support the president and the National Military Command System. 38th Reconnaissance Squadron The 38th represents electronic combat at its finest; providing 170 combat-ready aircrew and support personnel for seven RC-135W/V RIVET JOINT aircraft, the Air Force’s premier platform for providing real-time electronic intelligence to support the onscene battlefield commanders. The 38th formed in 1941 at Arlington, Ore., where training began prior to duty with the 55th Operations Group for missions over Europe during World War II. The 38th flew the P-38 Lightning and the P-51 Mustang. On March 4, 1944, they earned the nickname of the “Berlin Buzz Boys” for being the first American unit to fly over and strafe Berlin. Later the unit became better known as the “Hellcats” for their enormous success in inflicting damage to German rail and air facilities, not to mention numerous dogfight victories. Today, the RIVET JOINT deploys worldwide, conducting contingency operations and reconnaissance missions in the face of potential hostilities. The unique intelligence collected by the RIVET JOINT is vital to our national policy makers throughout the full spectrum of conflict. 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron The 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron represents electronic combat at its finest. It provides flight crews composed of pilots, navigators, electronic warfare officers, and airborne systems engineers for the RC-135W/V RIVET JOINT aircraft. The RJ is the Air Force’s premier platform providing real-time electronic intelligence to support on scene battlefield commanders. The RIVET JOINT deploys worldwide, conducting contingency operations and reconnaissance missions in the face of potential hostilities. The unique intelligence collected by the RIVET JOINT is vital to our national policy makers throughout the full spectrum of conflict. From its beginnings on Feb. 1, 1943, the 343rd has served
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Offutt Air Force Base Newcomer’s Guide • www.offutt.af.mil
at the front edge of worldwide events. Originally a fighter squadron, the members of the 343rd flew escort and strafing missions in P-51 Mustangs and P-38 Lightning fighters, providing escort for the bombers of the 8th Air Force over Germany and other European nations during World War II. In 1947, the 343rd turned in their guns for receivers, becoming a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, and assuming electronic warfare as their future mission. As part of Strategic Air Command, the 343rd flew the RB-29, RB-50, RB-47 and RC-135 to probe Soviet air defenses. The 343rd has also been involved in the liberation of Grenada and Panama, the 1986 Libyan raids, the Persian Gulf War, Operations Northern and Southern Watch, the Bosnia conflict, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Unified Protector and the on-going Global War on Terrorism. For almost 60 years, its vital missions have relied heavily on well-trained people who continue the tradition of excellence that has become the hallmark of the 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron. 45th Reconnaissance Squadron Throughout its history, the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron has been one of the most colorful units in the Air Force, with a battle record composed of the great campaigns of three wars, and a peacetime record of vital contributions to world-wide reconnaissance, treaty monitoring and pilot proficiency training. Organized on Aug. 17, 1943, at Orlando Air Base, Fla., as the 423rd Night Fighter Squadron, the 423rd was redesignated the 155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on June 22, 1944, and on Dec. 3, 1945, the 155th was redesignated the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photographic. On July 1, 1994, the squadron was activated at Offutt as the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, providing data for the National Command Authority, theater commanders and international treaty members. It is the most mission-diverse squadron in Air Combat Command. Squadron personnel fly world-wide reconnaissance and treaty missions on demand, often on extremely short notice.