26th Special Tactics Squadron

26th Special Tactics Squadron
Members from the 26th Special Tactics Squadron in a free fall jump from an MC-130J Commando II
Active	1991–1992; 2014–present
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Special Operations Forces
Part of	Air Force Special Operations Command 720th Special Tactics Group
Garrison/HQ	Cannon AFB
Motto	Victory or Death
Decorations	Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
26th Special Tactics Squadron emblem [a]

The 26th Special Tactics Squadron is one of the special tactics units of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. It is stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. From 1991 to 1992, the squadron's predecessor, the 7026th Special Activities Squadron was stationed in Germany.

Overview

The Squadron is made up of Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, Special Reconnaissance, Tactical Air Control Party Officers, Tactical Air Control Party Specialists, and a number of combat support airmen which comprise 58 Air Force specialties. ^[1]

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. ^[2]

The squadron absorbed the personnel and equipment of Detachment 1, 720th Special Tactics Group when it was activated in 2014. ^[3]

Lineage

• Designated and activated as the 7026 Special Activities Squadron on 1 Aug 1991

Inactivated on 1 May 1992

Redesignated as the 26th Special Tactics Squadron

Activated on 28 February 2014 ^[4]

Assignments

• 86th Fighter Wing (later 86th Wing): 1 August 1991 – 1 May 1992
• 720th Special Tactics Group, 28 February 2014 – present ^[4]

Stations

• Zweibruecken Air Base, Germany, 1 August 1991 – 1 May 1992
• Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, 28 February 2014 – present ^[4]

References

Notes

Explanatory notes

1. Approved 23 April 2914.

Citations

1. "24th Special Operations Wing". 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office. 20 February 2015. Archived from the original on 11 May 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
2. "720th Special Tactics Group". Air Force Special Operations Command. 17 August 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
3. Reece, SRA Eboni (24 April 2014). "Cannon welcomes new special tactics squadron". 27 Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
4. Lahue, Melissa (14 October 2021). "Factsheet 26 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 26 January 2026.

Bibliography

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency