History
The 73d Aero Squadron managed an airpark supporting the Air Service of the U.S. Second Army from, c. 15 November 1918-1919.
Redesignated the 73d Pursuit Squadron in 1929, now part of the Air Corps, it trained for pursuit missions from 1931 to 1935, when it was redesignated the 73d Attack Squadron, and in 1939 the 73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium). The squadron conducted reconnaissance in support of flood-relief in southern California during March 1938.
It flew combat missions in the Northern Pacific from, December 1941-August 1943, when it was disbanded. Reconstituted and consolidated with 3rd Strategic Support Squadron, which performed airlift support for Strategic Air Command bases from 1950 to 1961. The consolidated squadron then redesignated 73d Special Operations Squadron on the inactive list.
It was activated in 2006 to operate the new MC-130W Combat Spear aircraft. The 73d was the first flying special operations squadron to move to Cannon Air Force Base after the fighter squadrons left.
As of April 2012 the MC-130W was redesignated as the AC-130W Stinger II due to the change on missions with the Dragon Spear conversion program.
Read more about this topic: 73d Special Operations Squadron
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“When the history of this period is written, [William Jennings] Bryan will stand out as one of the most remarkable men of his generation and one of the biggest political men of our country.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)
“A man will not need to study history to find out what is best for his own culture.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“To a surprising extent the war-lords in shining armour, the apostles of the martial virtues, tend not to die fighting when the time comes. History is full of ignominious getaways by the great and famous.”
—George Orwell (1903–1950)