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966th AEW&C SQ | |
| The 966th AEW&C traces its
lineage to the 466th Bombardment Squadron, activated July 9, 1942. During
World War II the unit earned two combat streamers for its actions. After
several name re-designations it became the 966th Airborne Warning And
Control Training Squadron. It was again activated on December 18, 1961, as
the 966th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron. Two months later
the unit was organized at McCoy Air Force Base, Fla., and assigned to the
551st Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing at Otis Air Force Base,
Mass. There it flew propeller driven EC-121 Super Constellation radar
surveillance aircraft.
The squadron changed its parent wing May 1, 1963, moving to the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, headquartered at McClellan Air Force Base, Calif. The mission of the 966th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron covered a broad spectrum of responsibilities. The unit supported Strategic Air Command and Military Airlift Command operations, assisted in anti-submarine patrols and developed weather information. It also furnished airborne radar surveillance and technical control in support of global air defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff contingencies. Aircrews frequently deployed to distant operational locations including Southeast Asia. In December 31, 1969, the squadron was inactivated at McClellan AFB, Calif. The unit was redesignated the 966th Airborne Warning and Control Training Squadron May 5, 1976. It was activated July 1, 1976, at Tinker AFB, Okla., and assigned to the 552nd ACW.
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 Gold
Digger by George Merryman
George Merryman reenlisting William T Welch 966th Reunion (2004) at Orlando) Rescue kit deployment training 52-3417 accident at McCoy in 1965 Dusty Rhodes and 966th Crew The
crew picture shows me in front row left and next to me is Jerry Hoff as a
2nd Lt. I believe he wound up in the 966th as a LtCol and actually flew
the McClellan static bird from Davis Monthan to McClellan in 1984. I
believe he was possibly the last Det. CO at Homestead. Unfortunately I
don't remember the rest of the crew names. The next from L to R are two
young Lt. Navigators, the Weapons Controller and then I believe the FE.
Rear row is all radar crew and radar techs, plus an RO. Picture was
probably taken around August 64. First Crew from 966th deployed Expert Vehicle Life in the 966th cartoons J Bullard via Phil Szymkowicz PLAQUE DEDICATION AT AIR FORCE MUSEUM
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