Fourteenth Air Force  -  76th Squadron (brief history)

Following are histories of the 14th Air Force & 76th FS as painstakingly prepared by the Air Force and presented in their activation program. They bear repeating here: 


The record of the Fourteenth Air Force in China remains one of the brightest pages in Air Force history. In 1939, Claire L. Chennault, a retired Army Air Force captain, accepted the gigantic task of reorganizing Chiang-Kei-shek’s fledging air force. During the summer of 1941, a group of unorthodox, yet talented, aviators recruited by Chennualt formed the American Volunteer Group. With no more than 30 obsolete P-40’s, painted with grinning mouths of sharks and bloody tongues, a foreboding sight to the enemy, the “Flying Tigers” represented a staunch, frontier force operated by pilots who relied on teamwork, initiative, ingenuity, superior tactics and fighting spirit. When absorbed into the Army Air Force, Chennualt was promoted to a brigadier general in command of the 23rd Fighter Group, Tenth Air Force, the first Army Air Force organization in China. Subsequently, on March 10, 1943, the Fourteenth Air Force was activated at Kunming, China with Major General Chennualt as commander. 

The Tigers conducted effective fighter and bomber operations along a 5,000 mile front from Chunking and Chengtu in the north, to Indo-China in the south, from the Tibetan Plateau in Burma to the west, to the China Sea and Formosa in the east, despite ongoing shortages of supplies and gasoline. Chennualt established a highly efficient ground observer warning net that pinpointed Japanese aerial activities and helped the Fourteenth repulse two major Japanese drives into South China. By May of 1945, the tide turned in favor of the Fourteenth as U.S. planes destroyed 2,135 enemy aircraft, over 400 ships, over 800 bridges, over 1,000 locomotives and almost 60,000 ground troops. As the war drew to a close, the Fourteenth blossomed into full maturity as a powerful striking force, an organization that evolved from meager beginnings because its personnel -- from General Chennualt to the basic mechanic -- erased the word “defeat” from its vocabulary. 

Prior to inactivating January 6, 1946, the 14th subsequently served Air Defense Command, Continental Air Command and the Air Force Reserve. The 14th was reactivated on May 24, 1946 as a component of Air Defense Command with an initial mission, administrating all Air Defense Command functions in the southeast United States and Puerto Rico. Components included the Air National Guard, ROTC and the Reserve. In October 1949, the 14th moved from Orlando Air Force Base, Florida to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, under Continental Air Command. At the outbreak of the Korean conflict, the 14th reclaimed control of regular and reserve units as they were called to extended active service. By 1958, the 14th supervised reserve and guard activities in 22 states stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Inactivated on September 1, 1960, the 14th was reactivated in 1968 as part of the Aerospace Defense Command and moved to Ent Air Force Base, Colorado, where it absorbed the mission of the former 9th Aerospace Defense Division. Redesignated as the Fourteenth Aerospace Force on July 1, 1968, its new mission entailed equipping, training, and providing combat personnel to operate and maintain assigned space surveillance, defense and missile warning systems. The 14th was also tasked to detect foreign launches, maintain a data base capable of discreet discrimination of all man-made objects and to provide space vehicle launch services and anti-satellite actions as directed. The 14th’s subordinate units were positioned all over the world. 

On October 1, 1976, the 14th Aerospace force was inactivated, as part of an Aerospace Defense Command reorganization intended to achieve a more streamlined command structure for performing the missile warning and space surveillance mission. The units under the 14th were given to various Aerospace  Defense     command   organizations. On October 8, 1976, the 14th reactivated as a Reserve Numbered Air Force and The 14th managed Reserve airlift resources at 26 different locations in 15 states commanding Air Force Reserve C-5, C-9, C-141, and C-130 flying units as well as numerous combat support units. In 1992, MAC was inactivated and replaced by Air Mobilty Command (AMC) and 14th Air Force (Reserve) was transferred from the Reserve to AMC fulfilling the same mission. 

On July 1, 1993, the Fourteenth Air Force was activated as a numbered air force of Air Force Space Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, under the command of Major General Patrick P. Carauana. The new 14th reports to U.S. Space Command, accomplishing assigned war fighting missions. Today’s 14th plans, exercises, and operates Air Force missile warning radar and infrared systems, space surveillance radars, optical facilities, satellite command and control systems, and both space launch and ICBM test launch assets. Chennault’s Flying Tigers, historically one of the smallest World War II numbered Air Forces, is again producing quality professionals, building upon the great tradition of the first Flying Tigers. The Flying Tigers have ascended from the cockpits of P-40s to operations of earth orbiting satellites, from General Chennault’s China skies to outer space. 

 

76th Space Operations Squadron  

         The history of the 76th Space Operations Squadron dates to the early days of America’s involvement in World War II. Originally constituted as the 76th Pursuit Squadron on December 17, 1941, the unit was renamed the 76th Fighter Squadron on May 15, 1942 and assigned to the 23d Fighter Group. The squadron activated at Kunming, China, on July 4th of that year and was reassigned to the 4th Fighter Group.

          From July 18, 1942, through the end of the war in the Pacific, crews of the 76th Fighter Squadron flew combat missions in the China-Burma-India theater of operations. As with most fighter units during World War II, the 76th moved frequently as front lines fluctuated. Moving to Kweilin, China, on July 25, 1942, the squadron returned to Kunming on August 18th. In May 1943, the squadron moved to Hengyang, China, conducting operations from there until August, before returning to Kweilin. In October the 76th sent a detachment to Suichwan, China, with the rest of the squadron following in December 1943. As the war progressed the unit moved several more times, to Lingling in June 1944, Liuchow in July, Luiliang in September 1944 (Ed. note - actually in November), and eventually back to Liuchow in August 1945. After the end of hostilities, the 76th moved to Hangchow, China, in October 1945, remaining there until ordered to return to the United States in December 1945.

          Originally equipped with P-40s, the squadron converted to the advanced P-51 Mustang in 1944, which its crews flew for the remainder of the war. During its combat operations, the unit earned the India-Burma, China Defensive, Western Pacific, China Offensive and Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater campaign streamers. The squadron also won a distinguished unit citation for operations in China’s Hunan Province from June 17 through 25, 1944. Inactivated at Fort Lewis, Washington, on January 5, 1946.


76th Squadron Lives Again

     What a great day - on December 1st, 1995, the 76th Space Operations Squadron was activated by General David L. Vesely, Commander 14th Air Force at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO. In attendance were “OLD” China Hands Jud Bullard, Glen Beneda, E. P. Bullock,  “Buck“ Templeton and John Stewart to help celebrate this grand occasion. Unfortunately, health problems prevented Bruce Holloway and Ed Rector from attending the ceremony. This would have been a proud moment for them.

         The re-activation of the 76th Space Squadron was with complete Air Force tradition and fanfare; including military band., review parade, National Anthem, Invocation, Official Activation, Acceptance of Command and remarks by General Vesely. The new 76th Squadron Commander is Lt. Col. Thomas L. Meade who is to be congratulated for assuming this illustrious command.

          E.P. Bullock presented the new squadron a painting of our “Arrowhead” emblem and Glen Beneda brought a photo made in September 1943 at Hangyang. Very appropriate way to start an archive.

          The 76th Space Operations Squadron will be the Air Force’s only deployable space squadron devoted to supporting the warfighter during   theater operations. The 14th Air Force is the Air Force’s only space force, conducting military operations and supporting global civil and commercial activities. It supports warfighting worldwide with ballistic missile warning, ballistic missile test operations, communications, navigation, intelligence, and weather.

          Following the re-activation ceremony, the Air Force provided the visiting China-hands with a tour of their Falcon Air Force Base; of course, after proper security clearances were granted. What they saw was reportedly very interesting and remains A SECRET!

          All China 76’ers are certainly proud that the Air Force has reactivated the Squadron name and all the traditions that go along with it. It would be well to note that Generals Bruce Holloway, David Vesely and Bobby Floyd  influenced the Air Force in making the decision to carry on the 76th Squadron  designation. They are to be complimented and we certainly owe them a dept. of gratitude.

 

76th Space Operations Squadron

Commander’s Corner

 

Greetings again, 76ers! It’s always a pleasure to talk about the accomplishments of our squadron, but it is even more so when I can share them with those who created the rich legacy of this fine organization. For those of you who didn’t see our first article, the 76th Space Operations Squadron is Air Force Space Command’s only deployable combat-ready space team unit which is specifically tasked to support the Joint Force Air Component Commander in understanding and applying space capabilities in support of air operations in the field. Imagine how your missions would have been easier with up-to-date target images taken from space, or the latest weather forecast taken from the vantage point of 400 miles straight up, or being able to pin-point your location to within 40 feet. This is what we’re doing to make today’s aircrews more effective.

          Since our last article, we have maintained our fast-paced space support to warfighters around the world. Exercise support is a critical part of our integration into the warfighter’s operations, and as such, constitutes a fair portion of our schedule. Our teams have deployed for exercise support to the Pacific Air Forces; Central Air Forces; United States Air Forces, Europe; 8th Air Force, and 12th Air Force.

          In addition to exercise support, our unit provides technical expertise to the space integration facilities of the Major Commands. Recently, we played a significant role in shaping the future situational awareness system which will be used by Air Mobility Command to provide resource protection for over 800 aircraft.

          While exercise support and technical assistance are important, the most important reason we’re here is to provide support for real-world operations. We are still supporting the counter-drug efforts in Central America. From Vincenza, Italy we continue to support the conventional forces assigned to enforce the Dayton Peace Accord in the Former Yugoslavia. In addition to the support from Vincenza, our unit is planning a deployment to Brindisi, Italy to support the special operations forces who are also flying United Nations’ missions.

          As an update to our last article, our unit just completed a highly successful deployment to the Arabian peninsula to support the 4th Airpower Expeditionary Force (AEF). The AEF consisted of about 30 aircraft and about 1100 people, the bulk of which were provided by the 4th Wing from Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. It deployed to Qatar for three months to help patrol the southern no-fly zone over Iraq.

          If any of you are in the Colorado Springs area, please look us up so we can show you the proud future of the fine organization of which you are and always will be an integral part. DING HAO!

 Dallas Stephens - Mar 97


76th Space Operations Squadron Emblem

It was interesting to learn that the new 76th Squadron has adopted an emblem that closely resembles the original one, with a few changes. The following is the Air Force’s description:

 EMBLEM: On a jagged edged spearhead, point to base, a chief of medium blue charged with the Chinese characters, “Vanguards”, white, outlined black, over a tiger’s head, proper, coupled, on a field bendy sinister of four red and white. (that’s what it says!)

          The colors are those of the United States. Having the Chinese characters in the chief position portrays the squadron’s pioneering in the Chinese theater of operations. Approved 24 July 1944.


76th SOPS Up-Date

The 76th Space Operations Squadron's Air Force Space Support Teams (AFSST)comprise the only U. S. Air Force unit with a mission to deploy worldwide in support of flying operations, delivering space capabilities directly to the warfighter. 76 SOPS deployed for major exercises and real-world contingencies, provided theater commanders with a single integrated air picture, improved space environment situational awareness, and introduced new space control tactics across the globe for all levels of conflict. As part of the Joint Task Force South West Asia, 6th Air Expeditionary Force deployment to Shaikh Isa, Bahrain, 76 SOPS provided enroute flight following, Electronic Order of Battle/threat information, and worldwide secure burst messaging to deploying aircraft. This allowed pilots deploying in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH to receive Air Tasking Order updates and accomplish mission planning enroute, arriving at the deployed location ready to accomplish strike missions.

While deployed to Bahrain, 76 SOPS members provided customized target satellite imagery, described by the F-15 Strike Eagle squadron commander, as "key to improved target strike accuracy rates across the squadron."

Air Force Space Support Team members made significant contributions in educating future warfighters in space capabilities at the U. S. Air Force Weapons School's two-week pre-graduation Mission Employment phase. They created realistic battle scenarios, and supported student initiatives using satellite navigation, imagery, missile defense warning, and other space capabilities to resolve combat challenges.

At BLUE FLAG 98-1, AFSST members provided Multi-Spectral Imaging products to the warfighter. Additional products include Worldwide Threat Origin System, a ballistic missile launch warning corellator, the Multi-Source Tactical System which provided commanders a single integrated air picture during operation DECISIVE GUARD, and the Operational Model to Exploit GPS Accuracy (OMEGA) system which is used to optimize time on target selection for GPS-aided munitions.

All told, 76 SOPS supported six major real-world contingencies and 16 major exercises with fully deployed AFSSTs. In promoting the capabilities of space assets, 76 SOPS provided briefings to the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Air Force Chief of Staff, and numerous MAJCOM commanders. Additionally, 76 SOPS provided space education briefings to the Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and the USAFA Astrodynamics Department.

The 76 SOPS personnel are getting ready to host several members of the 76th FS who will come to Colorado Springs NOV 19-21 to attend a ceremony to place a plaque in the Air Force Academy's Engineering Building. The plaque recognizes all the contributions of Gerhard Neumann to the 76 FS and to the Engineering profession. It has been a pleasure to work with Gen Bruce Holloway, John Templeton and Max Noftsger to make the local arrangements. The 76 SOPS is proud of our heritage and happy we can help in this event!

Lt Col Staley recently spoke at the Williams Field Reunion in Colorado Springs. Our own, 76 FS member, Richard Perkins and his wife Virginia were there. Richard was busy telling everyone there about Gerhard Neumann before dinner.

We are looking forward to the reunion at Pope AFB -- Hope to see you there!

 

Lt Col Mary Staley - Nov 98