The 26th Special Tactics Squadron is one of the Special Tactics units of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It is garrisoned at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. From 1991 to 1992, the squadron's predecessor, the 7026th Special Activities Squadron was stationed in Europe.
| 26th Special Tactics Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Members from the 26th Special Tactics Squadron in a free fall jump from an MC-130J Commando II | |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Special Operations Forces |
| Part of |  Air Force Special Operations Command 24th Special Operations Wing 720th Special Tactics Group |
| Insignia | |
| 26th Special Tactics Squadron emblem |  |
Overview
editThe Squadron is made up of Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, Special Reconnaissance, Tactical Air Control Party Officers, Tactical Air Control Party Specialists, and a number of combat support airmen which comprise 58 Air Force specialties.[1]
Special Tactics Squadrons are organized, trained and equipped specifically for various special operations missions facilitating air operations on the battlefield. They conduct combat search and rescue missions, collect intelligence, as well as call in close air support or airstrikes against enemy combatants and are often partnered with other U.S. special operations forces overseas.[2]
The squadron absorbed the personnel and equipment of Detachment 1, 720th Special Tactics Group when it was activated in 2014.[3]
Lineage
edit- Designated and activated as the 7026 Special Activities Squadron on 1 Aug 1991 and inactivated on 1 May 1992
- Redesignated as the 26th Special Tactics Squadron
- Activated on 28 February 2014
Assignments
edit- Unknown: 1 August 1991 – 1 May 1992
- 720th Special Tactics Group, 28 Feb 2014 – present[1]
Stations
edit- Cannon Air Force Base 28 February 2014 – Present
References
edit This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- ^ a b "24th Special Operations Wing". 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office. 20 February 2015. Archived from the original on 11 May 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- ^ "720th Special Tactics Group". Air Force Special Operations Command. 17 August 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- ^ Reece, SRA Eboni (24 April 2014). "Cannon welcomes new special tactics squadron". 27 Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 20 May 2015.