430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron

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430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron
Air Combat Command.png
430th Electronic Combat Squadron - General Dynamics EF-111A Raven (EF-31) 67-037 with Cannon-based F-16 524th TFS.jpg
Active1943–1945; 1952–1966; 1968–1989; 1992–1993; 2013–present
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States
BranchFlag of the United States Air Force.svg  United States Air Force
RoleElectronic Warfare
SizeSquadron
Part of 451st Air Expeditionary Group
Nickname(s)WWII - The Backdoor Gang [1]
Vietnam War - Tigers
ColorsRed
Mascot(s)Tiger
Engagements European Theater of Operations
Korean War
Vietnam War [2]
Afghanistan War
Decorations Distinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
Belgian Fourragère
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm [2]
Insignia
430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron emblem (approved 15 July 1954) [2] 430th Electronic Combat Squadron.PNG
430th Fighter Squadron emblem (World War II) [3] 430th Fighter Squadron - Emblem.png

The 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group.

Contents

The 430th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed "The Backdoor Gang", [4] was first activated during World War II as part of the 474th Fighter Group and served in the European Theater of Operations, where it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragère for its actions in combat. It remained in Europe after V-E Day, returning to the United States, where it was inactivated at the port of embarkation in December 1945. [5]

The squadron was reactivated as the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in 1952 as part of the 474th Fighter Bomber Wing and later the 474th Fighter Bomber Group, when it replaced an Air National Guard squadron in Japan. It again saw combat in the Korean War, earning another Distinguished Unit Citation and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. The Squadron returned to the United States in 1954.

The 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron was deployed in September 1972 to Thailand to fly combat missions in the Vietnam War, and was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device 28 Sep 1972-22 Feb 1973 and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm 28 Sep 1972-22 Feb 1973. It remained a fighter unit until inactivating in 1989.

In 1992, the unit became the 430th Electronic Combat Squadron, but was only active for one year. It was converted to provisional status and received its current name in 2013.

History

World War II

The 430th Fighter Squadron was activated on 1 August 1943 as a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter squadron under IV Fighter Command in Southern California as part of the 474th Fighter Group. It trained with the P-38 over the Mojave Desert, moving to the European Theater of Operations, and was assigned to Ninth Air Force in England during March 1944. It operated out of Warmwell, Britain, and Saint Lambert, St. Marceau, and Peronne, France, Florennes, Belgium, and Strassfeld, Langensalza, Schweinfurt, and Stuttgart, Germany during and immediately after the war in 1945. Squadron markings on the vertical tail surfaces were a circle and "K6" with call sign "Back Door". [6] [7] It provided bomber escort but the primary role was as an attack and interdiction fighter. It flew its first combat missions on 25 April 1944. As part of the 474th Fighter Group, they attacked bridges and railroads in France in preparation for the Normandy invasion, provided air cover for the invasion force, and flew bombing missions to support the landings. Subsequently it conducted armed reconnaissance missions after D-Day and attacked highways and troops to support the Allied breakthrough at St Lo. The Squadron supported the British attack on Holland in Sep 1944; the Battle of the Bulge Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. As part of the 474th, it was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for a mission on 23 August 1944 [8] and twice the Order of the Day, Belgian Army. [6] Personnel were demobilized in Europe during 1945, returned to the United States in November as an administrative unit and was inactivated on 7 December 1945 without personnel or equipment. [5]

There is a monument at Neuilly-la-Foret dedicated in 1994 to the 474th Fighter Group. The associated information sign states in English and in French, "Construction of the A-11 airfield was begun on the 22nd July 1944 by the 832nd Engineer Aviation Battalion. It was declared operational on 5 August 1944 and accommodated the 474th Fighter Group and the P-38 Lightnings (fighter bombers). About 100 planes parked on this aerodrome of around 200 hectares. Only three squadrons, with 25 fighter bombers in each one, were operational. The rest were used for liaison between the different aerodromes. On 23rd August, the 474th Fighter Group had its hour of glory, when it destroyed a significant quantity of equipment and materiel amassed along the Seine, behind the pocket of resistance of Falaise-Argentan. On 25 August, 23 pilots from the 474th Fighter Group took off from the aerodrome. 11 of them fell above the Oise after a huge combat with German fighters. On 5 September 1944, the land of the A-11 airfield was returned to French authorities." [9]

Korean War

Redesignated the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in June 1952 and reactivated in Japan under Far East Air Forces, July 1952 as a result of the Korean War. Replaced Federalized Georgia Air National Guard personnel, receiving their Republic F-84G Thunderjets. Moved to South Korea in August as part of the 474th Fighter Bomber Wing, engaging in combat operations from Kunsan Air Base (K-8). From Kunsan the squadron bombed and strafed bridges, bunkers, troop concentrations, artillery positions, and a host of other enemy targets. Moved to Taegu Air Base (K-2) in April 1953 being attached to the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing. Flew interdiction and close air support missions in as well as attacking special strategic targets such as military schools, dams, and port facilities in North Korea until the June 1953 Armistice, Remained in South Korea for over a year afterward to insure Communist compliance with the cease-fire. [5]

Cold War

Returned to Clovis Air Force Base, New Mexico in November 1954. Redesignated the 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 July 1958. Squadron was re-equipped with North American F-86H Sabre fighter-bomber aircraft, being assigned to Twelfth Air Force, Tactical Air Command. Maintained proficiency in tactical fighter operations, deploying components, aircraft, and crews on a global basis in support of NATO, PACAF, AAC, and other organizations. Deployed to southeastern United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Moved to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in 1966 as part of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW). The 474th (Roadrunners [10] :29) became the first USAF operational wing equipped with the General Dynamics F-111. [11] On 20 January 1968 the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing was activated at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada from the 4480th TFW, [12] giving the base an operational tactical fighter wing assigned to Twelfth Air Force. On 15 September 1968 the 430th TFS became part of the Wing.

Vietnam War

LTC Martin Refueling - 430th TFS Deployment Nellis-Takhli Sep 72 LTC Gene Martin air refueling 430TFS Nellis to Takhli Sep 72.jpg
LTC Martin Refueling - 430th TFS Deployment Nellis-Takhli Sep 72
430th TFS Takhli RTAFB 14 Nov 1972 (25 crew missing due to other duties and 4 MIA) 430th TFS Takhli RTAFB 14 Nov 1972.jpg
430th TFS Takhli RTAFB 14 Nov 1972 (25 crew missing due to other duties and 4 MIA)

Deployed to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in September 1972 as a result of the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive as part of the Constant Guard V deployment of the 429th TFS and 430th TFS with 24 F-111As in each squadron. [10] :35 The deployment included 1,487 support personnel and 40 transport aircraft loads of cargo. [13] The enhanced strike capabilities of the two F-111A squadrons (48 aircraft) allowed them to replace the four F-4D squadrons (72 aircraft) of the 49 TFW, which returned to the U.S. This move also resulted in a reduction of total U.S. forces stationed in Thailand. [13] The two F-111A squadrons arrived to support the last month of Operation Linebacker and all of the Operation Linebacker II bombing offensive against North Vietnam, conducted combat operations in Laos including support of Operation Phou Phiang II and Operation Phou Phiang III using the F-111A's beacon bombing capability in the defense of Long Tieng, and conducted combat operations in Cambodia, again using the F-111A's beacon bombing capability. They flew deep interdiction strike in good and bad weather when other squadrons were grounded. 430th TFS flew approximately 2000 combat missions with excellent success rates in hitting targets even when visibility was near zero before returning to the United States on 22 March 1973. A total of four 430th TFS aircraft were lost in action with the loss of all crews. [11] The 474th was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device 28 Sep 1972-22 Feb 1973 [14] and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm 28 Sep 1972-22 Feb 1973. [15]

The 430th TFS photo depicts: [16] Front Row Left to Right: 1LT Jeff Sackett, CPT Henry Heinze, CPT Dick Hellier, CPT Price McConnell, CPT Willie Fairfax, CPT Denny Feinberg, MAJ Joe Hodges, MAJ Joe Franco, LTC Gene Martin, CPT Ron Walker, CPT Bob Wendrock, MAJ Dick Skeels, 1LT Tony Sobol, CPT Mark Christman, 1LT Jon Jordan, MAJ Norm Thouvenelle, MAJ Jack Ward. Back Row Left to Right: 1LT Don Westbrook, 1LT Bo Shaw, MAJ Dick Fleitz, MAJ Bill Brummett, CPT Jim Brunsting, CPT Wyn Lawrence, MAJ Larry Crowley, MAJ Pete Gamage, MAJ (unidentified), MAJ AO Philibert, 1LT Mike Hritsik, MAJ Russ Everman, MAJ Bill Young, MAJ John Tillander, MAJ Bill McKOY, MAJ Jim McElvain, MAJ Gordy Amsler, CPT Rob VanSickle, CPT Rowland Stanley, CPT Fred Eddy, CPT Mike Kaye, MAJ Jim Hammelmann. Not Present: 1LT Ken Alley, CPT Glenn Perry, 1LT Brad Insley (R&R), CPT Dan Kallenbach (R&R), CPT Chuck Caffarelli, CPT Ron Stafford, 1LT Craig Mading, MAJ Joe Smith, 1LT Rog Peterson (Jungle Survival Course), CPT Doug Kodak (Jungle Survival Course), 1LT Doug Meier (Jungle Survival Course), CPT Al Comeau (Jungle Survival Course), 1LT Lefty Brett (MIA), MAJ Bill Coltman (MIA), [17] CPT Doug Kracht, CPT Gerry Robinson, 1LT Denis Galbraith, CPT Tom Jones, 1LT Gary Morehead, CPT Larry Wilson, 1LT Jim Stieber, CPT Art Rindell, CPT John Long, MAJ Dave Warman, CPT Chuck Henrdickx, 1LT Don McComb (Jungle Survival Course), LTC Bill Powers (Wing Attached), MAJ Bob Morrissey (Wing Attached)(MIA), MAJ Bob Brown (Wing Attached)(MIA) [18]

Post Vietnam War

430 TFS F-16A Block 10C 80-0492 flying over the Grand Canyon in 1986 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron - General Dynamics F-16A Block 10C Fighting Falcon 80-0492.jpg
430 TFS F-16A Block 10C 80-0492 flying over the Grand Canyon in 1986

Engaged in training new pilots with the F-111A during the mid-1970s, changing equipment to the McDonnell F-4D Phantom II in August 1977 during "Operation Ready Switch", sending the F-111As to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho and sending the F-111Fs from Mountain Home to Lakenheath Air Base in England to replace the departing F-4Ds. Received new Block 1/5 General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft in November 1980 after protractive development period in the 1970s. Conducted routine Tactical Air Command training and deployments from Nellis with the F-16s, upgrading to Block 10/15 models in the early 1980s. Inactivated 1 July 1989.

Electronic combat

Reactivated at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico as the 430th Electronic Combat Squadron on 1 August 1992 in conjunction with the realignment of all General Dynamics EF-111A Raven Electronic Warfare aircraft from Mountain Home to Cannon. Relieved aircraft and trained 27th Operations Group personnel in operational use. Once the move was completed the 430th was inactivated on 29 June 1993 and squadron personnel and aircraft were transferred to the 429th Electronic Combat Squadron.

A Bombardier E-11A at Kandahar International Airport in April 2019. BACN of the U.S. Air Force at Kandahar International Airport in 2019.jpg
A Bombardier E-11A at Kandahar International Airport in April 2019.

The squadron was redesignated the 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron on 13 February 2013 and reactivated at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan on 20 February 2013, when it replaced the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing's tactical airborne gateway, which had been operating since 2006. [19] The unit flies the Northrop Grumman E-11 aircraft. The mission of the E-11A is to serve as a Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, a communications system that provides voice and data connectivity across the battlespace for air and surface operators. [20]

On 27 January 2020, a United States Air Force E-11A aircraft (serial number 11–9358) belonging to 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron crashed in Afghanistan's Dih Yak District, Ghazni Province. Two people on board were killed, the whole crew according to US military sources. The Taliban claimed to have shot the aircraft down. [21]

Lineage

Activated on 1 August 1943
Inactivated on 7 December 1945
Activated on 10 July 1952
Redesignated 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 July 1958
Inactivated on 15 November 1966
Activated on 15 September 1968
Inactivated on 30 September 1989
Inactivated 29 June 1993

[5]

Assignments

[5]

Stations

[5]

Aircraft

Commanders

[5]

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References

Notes
  1. Aircraft is General Dynamics EF-111A Raven serial 67-37.
Citations
    • "474th Fighter Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lacomia, John M. (7 January 2018). "Factsheet 430 Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  2. Watkins, pp. 54–55
  3. "430th Fighter Squadron". American Air Museum. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "430 Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. USAF. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  5. 1 2 "474th Fighter Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  6. "474th Fighter Group". Army Air Corps Library and Museum. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  7. "474th Fighter Group". Army Air Corps Library and Museum. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  8. "474th Fighter Group". U.S. War Memorials. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  9. 1 2 Thornborough, Anthony M.; Davies, Peter E. (1989). F-111: Success in Action. London: Arms & Armour Press Ltd. ISBN   0-85368-988-1.
  10. 1 2 Thornborough, [ page needed ]
  11. Mueller, [ page needed ]
  12. 1 2 "F111s Going To Thailand". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 26 September 1972.
  13. Jones (30 June 1976). "Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Combat V Device)". Special Order GB-489: 1.
  14. Jones (1977). "Award of the Republic of Vietnam Galantry Cross with Palm". Special Order GB-322: 1.
  15. Krebs, Richard H. (23 September 1972). "474TFW JCS Directed Deployment Nellis AFB NV to ****". Special Order TA-2889. Request and Authorization For Temporary Duty - Military (179 Days). HQ 57th CMBT SPT GP (TAC).
    • Hays, Jack R. Wing Historian (1973). "Constant Guard V Vol 1 1 October Through 31 December 1972". History 474th Tactical Fighter Wing.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
    • Hays, Jack R. Wing Historian (1973). "Constant Guard V Vol 1 1 October Through 31 December 1972". History 474th Tactical Fighter Wing.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  16. 1 2 Hinderliter, Capt Tristan (15 March 2013). "Same mission, new name for E-11A unit at Kandahar Airfield". 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  17. Welsh, Patty (2 February 2016). "Comms program hits 100,000 hours of warfighter connectivity". United States Air Public Affairs. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  18. Afghan plane crash: US jet comes down in Taliban territory
  19. Station number in Anderson.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Station number in Johnson.

Bibliography

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency