21st Special Tactics Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1984–1993; 1996–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Special Operations |
Part of | Air Force Special Operations Command United States Special Operations Command |
Garrison/HQ | Pope Field |
Motto(s) | First There (1988-1993) |
Engagements | Persian Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Gallant Unit Citation Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lt. Col. Jeffrey T. Falcon[1] |
Insignia | |
21st Special Tactics Squadron emblem (approved 18 March 1999)[2] | |
1721st Combat Control Squadron emblem (approved c. April 1988) |
The 21st Special Tactics Squadron is one of the special tactics units of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. It is garrisoned at Pope Field, North Carolina.[3]
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.[3]
Award streamer | Award | Dates | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device | 20 December 1989 - 9 January 1990 | 1721st Combat Control Squadron[2] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device | 1 September 2001 - 31 August 2003 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Gallant Unit Citation | 1 January 2006 - 31 December 2007 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award | 1 July 2006 – 31 May 2008 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 July 1985 - 30 June 1987 | 1721st Combat Control Squadron[2] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 August 1995 - 31 July 1997 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 August 1997 - 31 July 1999 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 October 2012 - 30 September 2014 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] |
Campaign Streamer | Campaign | Dates | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Defense of Saudi Arabia | 2 August 1990 – 16 January 1991 | 1721st Combat Control Squadron[2] | |
Liberation and Defense of Kuwait | 17 January 1991 – 11 April 1991 | 1721st Combat Control Squadron[2] | |
Consolidation II | 1 November 2006 – 30 November 2006 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Consolidation III | 1 December 2006 – 30 June 2011 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
Iraqi Sovereignty | 1 January 2009 – 31 August 2010 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] | |
New Dawn | 1 September 2010 – 31 December 2011 | 21st Special Tactics Squadron[2] |