Photo By Chad Watkins | Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signs a proclamation designating July 1, 2024, as Wildcat...... read more read more
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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – For 30 years, the men and women of the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron conducted global reconnaissance and treaty verification missions at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
To commemorate the squadron’s 30 years of service at Offutt, Nebraska, State Senator Rita Sanders, 45th District of Nebraska, introduced a resolution in the 2024 Nebraska State Senate congratulating the squadron on their accomplishments. The Senate passed the resolution unanimously and sent a delegation to Offutt Air Force Base to present the resolution to the squadron on Mar. 22, 2024.
Furthermore, on June 17, 2024, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring the squadron’s thirtieth birthday, July 1, 2024, as Wildcat Day in the State of Nebraska; he urged all citizens of Nebraska to take note of the day as such and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the people of Nebraska.
“You are part of the most significant, most powerful Air Force base in the world,” said Pillen. “I tell people all across Nebraska, about Offutt Air Force Base, how extraordinary people are here and how everybody that is stationed at Offutt, falls in love with the people of Nebraska. We are grateful for that, but mostly for all your extraordinary work to keep us safe and the recon that takes place.”
The resolution and proclamation by the civic leaders of the state of Nebraska are a public recognition of the collective effort between local government and the United States Air Force to protect the homeland, its citizens and U.S. interests around the world.
Originally activated as the 423rd Night Fighter Squadron at Orlando Army Air Base, Florida in 1943, the squadron would be redesignated as the 155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron in the Summer of 1944 as it flew Douglas F-3 Havoc reconnaissance aircraft out of RAF Chalgrove for night reconnaissance missions in the European Theater. The squadron served with distinction, including flying reconnaissance support in the Battle of the Bulge.
After World War II, the squadron was redesignated as the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photographic, and assigned to the Air National Guard until 1949 when it was deactivated.
The squadron was reactivated and deactivated several times to serve the United States throughout both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
On 1 July 1994, the squadron was designated as the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron and activated at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
For 30 years, the men and women of the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, known affectionately as the Wildcats, have carried out their duty to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies through missions around the globe. Throughout those years, the squadron conducted missions onboard the RC-135S COBRA BALL, RC-135U COMBAT SENT, WC-135 W/C/R CONSTANT PHOENIX and the OC-135B OPEN SKIES.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2024 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 474912 |
| Location: | OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NEBRASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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