73d Pursuit Squadron
| 73d Special Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
73d Special Operations Squadron AC-130W Hercules
|
|
| Active | 1918–2015 |
| Country |
 United States
|
| Branch |
 United States Air Force
|
| Type | Squadron |
| Part of | 27th Special Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Cannon Air Force Base |
| Engagements |
.png){kind=small} World War II Aleutian Campaign |
| Decorations |
 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 73d Special Operations Squadron emblem (approved 27 June 2007) |  |
| Patch with 3d Strategic Support Squadron emblem |  |
| 73d Pursuit Squadron emblem (approved 23 March 1932) |  |
The 73d Special Operations Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, assigned to the 27th Special Operations Group at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The squadron operated AC-130W Stinger II ground-attack aircraft in support of Air Force Special Operations Command.
The 73d was one of the oldest in the Air Force, its origins dating to the formation of the 73d Aero Squadron in February 1918. It served on the Western Front in France during World War I, and took part in the Aleutian Campaign during World War II. It was part of Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. The 73d was inactivated and ite personnel and equipment transferred to the 16th Special Operations Squadron in 2015.
The 73d dates to the formation of the 73d Aero Squadron at Rich Field, Waco, Texas on 22 February 1918. The first personnel were 150 privates under the command of 1st Lieutenant Loren W. De Motte, which arrived at the Aviation Camp. Once organized into a unit, the 73d was transferred to Call Field, Wichita Falls, Texas, where it underwent basic indoctrination training. The men were also trained in aviation mechanic work.
...
Wikipedia