WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. -- The 306th Intelligence Squadron officially became part of operations on Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in an assumption of command ceremony here, March 6, 2017.
The squadron, previously located at Beale Air Force Base in California, was re-activated here during the ceremony when Lt. Col. Stephen McFadden assumed command.
“To the men and women of the 306th [IS], both here at Will Rogers and at the various geographically separated locations, I pledge to you my and my family’s very best,” said McFadden. “It’s an honor to join with the [361st] Firebirds as we open a new chapter for the 361st [Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group], training our nation’s best combat ISR warriors.”
The 306 IS conducts the Air Force Airborne Cryptologic Certification Training course as part of the Tactical System Operator (TSO) pipeline training. Each year, the school will graduate more than 200 active-duty, reserve and guard students who will go on to serve as combat aircrews on multiple Department of Defense light intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft worldwide, like the MC-12Ws of the 137th Special Operations Wing.
"The 306th will grow in size and scope, becoming responsible for all Direct Support Operator and Tactical System Operator training across the airborne Special Operations Forces ISR enterprise,” said Col. Matthew Atkins, 361 ISRG commander. “And best of all, its Airmen will be located across the apron from the planes they fly on once again. The 306th Intelligence Squadron is about to get really busy again, really soon.”
The squadron falls under the 361 ISR Group at Hurlburt Field, Florida, which is responsible for providing real-time direct threat warning, enhanced situational awareness, and targeting information to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command and joint special operations command forces.
As a tenant unit at WRANGB, the squadron will benefit from the resources of the 137 SOW and will enhance the training opportunities for the 137th Special Operations Group and its two intelligence squadrons, the 285th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron and the 189th Intelligence Squadron.
“We’re extremely excited to host the 306th and its mission,” said Col. Doug Hayworth, 137 SOW vice wing commander. “They will be a key part of what is rapidly evolving into a center of excellence for manned ISR here at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base.”