5th Aero Squadron

5th Reconnaissance Squadron
A 5th Reconnaissance Squadron Lockhhed U-2 performing a low approach at Osan AB
Active	1917–1918; 1919–1948; 1949–1966; 1986–1990; 1994–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Part of	Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQ	Osan Air Base
Nickname(s)	Blackcats
Engagements	World War I World War II (American Campaign) World War II (Asia/Pacific)
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation (2x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (6x)
Insignia
5th Reconnaissance Squadron emblem (approved 27 May 1924)
5th Reconnaissance Squadron morale patch

The 5th Reconnaissance Squadron (5 RS) is part of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, assigned to Beale Air Force Base, California. It is stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea as a Geographically Separated Unit (GSU). The squadron is the fifth oldest United States Air Force squadron, its history dating to 5 May 1917 as the World War I 5th Aero Squadron.

The 5th Reconnaissance Squadron operates U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The squadron is tasked with a real-world reconnaissance mission reportable to the U.S. Forces Korea, United States Pacific Command, Air Combat Command, along with other national authorities through the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There are approximately 200 personnel assigned to the 5 RS.

The 5th Reconnaissance Squadron's origins unofficially begin before the United States entry into World War I. In December, 1916 the squadron was first organized as an un-designated unit at Rockwell Field, California, it being the fifth Aero Squadron authorized by the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps. After flight training, the squadron was formally organized on 5 May 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas where it performed flight training duties. It was transferred to the new Souther Field, Americus, Georgia in April 1918 where it joined the 116th, 236th and 237th Aero Squadrons as Curtiss JN-4D flight training squadrons. Souther Field was one of thirty-two Air Service training camps established after the United States entry into World War I in April 1917. It consisted of warehouses, barracks, fifteen hangars and other structures. Eventually over eighty JN-4s were used for training.