Jump to content

92nd Cyberspace Operations Squadron: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Replaced dead URL with archived page
m discontinued portal
 
(15 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Lead too short|date=August 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron
|unit_name= 92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron
Line 10: Line 11:
|type=
|type=
|role=Information Warfare
|role=Information Warfare
|size=Approximately 200 personnel<ref name=24AF92COSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.24af.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/962008/92nd-cyberspace-operations-squadron/ |last1=|first1=|title=About Us: Factsheet 92nd Cyberspace Operations Squadron|date=October 3, 2016|publisher=Twenty-fourth Air Force Public Affairs|deadurl=no |accessdate=April 16, 2017}}</ref>
|size=Approximately 200 personnel<ref name=24AF92COSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.24af.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/962008/92nd-cyberspace-operations-squadron/ |title=About Us: Factsheet 92nd Cyberspace Operations Squadron|date=3 October 2016|publisher=Twenty-fourth Air Force Public Affairs|access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref>
|command_structure=
|command_structure=
|garrison=
|garrison=
|nickname=Skulls<ref name=92IOSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432154/92-information-operations-squadron-acc/ |last1=Scales|first1=SSG Matthew H.|title=Factsheet 92 Information Operations Squadron (ACC)|date=February 6, 2012|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|deadurl=no |accessdate=April 17, 2017}}</ref>
|nickname=Skulls<ref name=92IOSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432154/92-information-operations-squadron-acc/ |last1=Scales|first1=SSG Matthew H.|title=Factsheet 92 Information Operations Squadron (ACC)|date=6 February 2012|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=17 April 2017}}</ref>
|patron=
|patron=
|motto=
|motto=
Line 39: Line 40:


==Mission==
==Mission==
The unit is made up of 60 active duty military, 65 civilians and 95 contractor personnel. Its mission is to assure Air Force and [[Department of Defence]] mission performance by employing cyberspace protection teams and performing cyberspace vulnerability assessments and communications security assessments. It is the only Air Force unit performing cyberspace vulnerability assessments<ref name=24AF92COSfacts/>
The unit is made up of 60 active duty military, 65 civilians and 95 contractor personnel. Its mission is to assure Air Force and [[United States Department of Defense]] mission performance by employing cyberspace protection teams and performing cyberspace vulnerability assessments and communications security assessments. It is one of only two Air Force units performing cyberspace vulnerability assessments<ref name=24AF92COSfacts/>


==History==
==History==
===World War II===
===World War II===
The squadron was activated in early 1942<ref name=Maurer92FS/> under [[III Fighter Command]] in North Carolina. Initially trained with [[Bell P-39 Airacobra]]s, re-equipped with [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s.
The squadron was activated in early 1942<ref name=Maurer92FS/> under [[III Fighter Command]] in North Carolina. Initially trained with [[Bell P-39 Airacobra]]s, re-equipped with [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s.


Moved overseas, October 1942 – February 1943,<ref name=Maurer92FS/> the ground echelon arriving in French Morocco with the force that invaded North Africa on 8 November, and the air echelon, which had trained for a time in England, arriving in North Africa between late December 1942 and early February 1943.
Moved overseas, October 1942 – February 1943,<ref name=Maurer92FS/> the ground echelon arriving in French Morocco with the force that invaded North Africa on 8 November, and the air echelon, which had trained for a time in England, arriving in North Africa between late December 1942 and early February 1943.
Line 49: Line 50:
Began combat with [[Twelfth Air Force]] in January 1943. Supported ground operations during the Allied drive against Axis forces in [[Tunisia]]. Patrolled the coast of North Africa and protected Allied shipping in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], April–July 1943. Provided cover for the convoys that landed troops on [[Pantelleria]] on 11 June and on Sicily on 10 July 1943. Supported the landings at [[Anzio]] on 22 January 1944 and flew patrols in that area for a short time.
Began combat with [[Twelfth Air Force]] in January 1943. Supported ground operations during the Allied drive against Axis forces in [[Tunisia]]. Patrolled the coast of North Africa and protected Allied shipping in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], April–July 1943. Provided cover for the convoys that landed troops on [[Pantelleria]] on 11 June and on Sicily on 10 July 1943. Supported the landings at [[Anzio]] on 22 January 1944 and flew patrols in that area for a short time.


Transferred to the [[China-Burma-India Theater]] and moved to India, February–March 1944. Initially performed training with [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk]] and [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt]] aircraft. Moved to China in May and became part of [[Fourteenth Air Force]]. Continued training and on occasion flew patrol and escort missions before returning to full-time combat duty in January 1945. Attacked enemy airfields and installations, flew escort missions, and aided the operations of Chinese ground forces by attacking troop concentrations, ammunition dumps, lines of communications, and other targets to hinder Japanese efforts to move men and materiel to the front.
Transferred to the [[China-Burma-India Theater]] and moved to India, February–March 1944. Initially performed training with [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk]] and [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt]] aircraft. Moved to China in May and became part of [[Fourteenth Air Force]]. Continued training and on occasion flew patrol and escort missions before returning to full-time combat duty in January 1945. Attacked enemy airfields and installations, flew escort missions, and aided the operations of Chinese ground forces by attacking troop concentrations, ammunition dumps, lines of communications, and other targets to hinder Japanese efforts to move men and materiel to the front.


Inactivated in China on 27 December 1945.<ref name=Maurer92FS/>
Inactivated in China on 27 December 1945.<ref name=Maurer92FS/>
Line 55: Line 56:
===Cold War===
===Cold War===
[[File:92d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - North American F-86A-5-NA Sabre - 49-1161.jpg|thumb|92d FS F-86A 49-1161]]
[[File:92d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - North American F-86A-5-NA Sabre - 49-1161.jpg|thumb|92d FS F-86A 49-1161]]
Reactivated at [[Wheeler Field]], Hawaii in late 1946.<ref name=Maurer92FS/> Equipped with [[North American P-51 Mustang]]s and performed air defence of the [[Hawaiian Islands]] until 1949. Was reassigned to [[Continental Air Command]] [[Ninth Air Force]], being stationed in New Mexico. Re-equipped with [[Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star]] jet aircraft, trained as a tactical fighter squadron. Upgraded to [[North American F-86 Sabre]]s in 1950.
Reactivated at [[Wheeler Field]], Hawaii in late 1946.<ref name=Maurer92FS/> Equipped with [[North American P-51 Mustang]]s and performed air defence of the [[Hawaiian Islands]] until 1949. Was reassigned to [[Continental Air Command]] [[Ninth Air Force]], being stationed in New Mexico. Re-equipped with [[Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star]] jet aircraft, trained as a tactical fighter squadron. Upgraded to [[North American F-86 Sabre]]s in 1950.


Reassigned to [[Air Defense Command]], becoming part of the [[Western Air Defense Force]], being moved to [[Moses Lake Air Force Base]], Washington. In Washington the squadron's mission was the air defence of eastern Washington, including the [[Grand Coulee Dam]] and the [[Hanford Nuclear Reservation]].
Reassigned to [[Air Defense Command]], becoming part of the [[Western Air Defense Force]], being moved to [[Moses Lake Air Force Base]], Washington. In Washington the squadron's mission was the air defence of eastern Washington, including the [[Grand Coulee Dam]] and the [[Hanford Nuclear Reservation]].
Line 61: Line 62:
====United States Air Forces in Europe====
====United States Air Forces in Europe====
[[File:92d Tactical Fighter Squadron - Republic F-84F-45-RE Thunderstreak - 52-7114.jpg|thumb|92d TFS F-84F Thunderstreak 52-7114]]
[[File:92d Tactical Fighter Squadron - Republic F-84F-45-RE Thunderstreak - 52-7114.jpg|thumb|92d TFS F-84F Thunderstreak 52-7114]]
Ordered to the United Kingdom in 1951, mission to assist the [[Royal Air Force]] in the Air Defense of [[East Anglia]], being assigned to the newly refurbished [[RAF Bentwaters]]. Also operated from a dispersed station, [[RAF Shepherds Grove]] about forty miles apart.
Ordered to the United Kingdom in 1951, mission to assist the [[Royal Air Force]] in the Air Defense of [[East Anglia]], being assigned to the newly refurbished [[RAF Bentwaters]]. Also operated from a dispersed station, [[RAF Shepherds Grove]] about forty miles apart.


The squadron was one of the first Sabre Jet unit to be based in Europe, and the first to form an integral part of the peacetime air defense of [[Great Britain]]. In this role, the squadron came under the operational control of the [[RAF Fighter Command]] [[No. 11 Group RAF|No. 11 Group]] during the actual defense of the United Kingdom, and for combined operational training. Under USAFE, the squadron came under the control of [[Third Air Force]] which coordinated its activities with the RAF.
The squadron was one of the first Sabre Jet unit to be based in Europe, and the first to form an integral part of the peacetime air defense of [[Great Britain]]. In this role, the squadron came under the operational control of the [[RAF Fighter Command]] [[No. 11 Group RAF|No. 11 Group]] during the actual defense of the United Kingdom, and for combined operational training. Under USAFE, the squadron came under the control of [[Third Air Force]] which coordinated its activities with the RAF.


In October 1954 the mission of the squadron changed from fighter-interceptor to fighter-bomber operations, carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. The squadron was charged with tactical operations in support of USAFE and NATO, with air defence as a secondary mission. To reflect this change, the unit traded in its F-86s for the [[F-84F Thunderstreak]].
In October 1954 the mission of the squadron changed from fighter-interceptor to fighter-bomber operations, carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. The squadron was charged with tactical operations in support of USAFE and NATO, with air defence as a secondary mission. To reflect this change, the unit traded in its F-86s for the [[F-84F Thunderstreak]].


[[File:92d Tactical Fighter Squadron - McDonnell F-101C-55-MC Voodoo - 56-035.jpg|thumb|92d TFS F-101C Voodoo 56-035]]
[[File:92d Tactical Fighter Squadron - McDonnell F-101C-55-MC Voodoo - 56-035.jpg|thumb|92d TFS F-101C Voodoo 56-035]]
Beginning in the fall of 1958, the squadron was re-equipped with the [[McDonnell F-101 Voodoo]]. The F-101 was configured as a [[fighter bomber]], intended to carry a single nuclear weapon for use against battlefield targets such as airfields. The Voodos were equipped with Low Angle Drogued Delivery and Low Altitude Bombing System equipment for its primary mission of delivering nuclear weapons at extremely low altitudes. Pilots were trained for one-way missions into Soviet territory to increase effective range at some cost in negating pilot recovery.
Beginning in the fall of 1958, the squadron was re-equipped with the [[McDonnell F-101 Voodoo]]. The F-101 was configured as a [[fighter bomber]], intended to carry a single nuclear weapon for use against battlefield targets such as airfields. The Voodos were equipped with Low Angle Drogued Delivery and Low Altitude Bombing System equipment for its primary mission of delivering nuclear weapons at extremely low altitudes. Pilots were trained for one-way missions into Soviet territory to increase effective range at some cost in negating pilot recovery.


In November 1965, the squadron received [[McDonnell F-4 Phantom II]] to replace the Voodoos. Initially receiving the F-4C this was later upgraded to the more capable F-4D during late 1972 and 1973. Began conversion to the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II]] in June 1979. The A-10 being a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft designed to provide [[close air support]] of ground forces by attacking tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets. With the A-10, the squadron's mission changed to close air support and battlefield air interdiction in support of NATO ground forces.
In November 1965, the squadron received [[McDonnell F-4 Phantom II]] to replace the Voodoos. Initially receiving the F-4C this was later upgraded to the more capable F-4D during late 1972 and 1973. Began conversion to the [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II]] in June 1979. The A-10 being a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft designed to provide [[close air support]] of ground forces by attacking tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets. With the A-10, the squadron's mission changed to close air support and battlefield air interdiction in support of NATO ground forces.


With the end of the [[Cold War]] in 1991, the USAF presence at Bentwaters was gradually phased down. It was announced that the base would be closed and the squadron would be inactivated. The squadron was inactivated on 31 March 1993.<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
With the end of the [[Cold War]] in 1991, the USAF presence at Bentwaters was gradually phased down. It was announced that the base would be closed and the squadron would be inactivated. The squadron was inactivated on 31 March 1993.<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
Line 77: Line 78:
The squadron became the '''92d Information Warfare Aggressor Squadron''' and was activated at [[Kelly Air Force Base]], Texas in November 2000. The squadron also has a detachment located at [[Scott Air Force Base]], Illinois.<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
The squadron became the '''92d Information Warfare Aggressor Squadron''' and was activated at [[Kelly Air Force Base]], Texas in November 2000. The squadron also has a detachment located at [[Scott Air Force Base]], Illinois.<ref name=92IOSfacts/>


The unit operates the Cyberspace Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter Weapon System, which is designed to "find, fix, track, target, engage and assess advanced persistent threats" to missions on the Air Force information network. It includes three Cyber Protection Teams that conduct global cyberspace operations to deter, disrupt and defeat adversary cyberspace operations. It also performs penetration testing of cyberspace systems. Its Detachment 1 performs communications security assessments.<ref name=24AF92COSfacts/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/730868/second-cyberspace-weapon-system-reaches-full-operational-capability-status |last1=|first1=|title=Second cyberspace weapon system reaches Full Operational Capability status|date=February 26, 2016|publisher=Air Force Space Command Public Affairs|deadurl=no |accessdate=October 6, 2016}}</ref>
The unit operates the Cyberspace Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter Weapon System, which is designed to "find, fix, track, target, engage and assess advanced persistent threats" to missions on the Air Force information network. It includes three Cyber Protection Teams that conduct global cyberspace operations to deter, disrupt and defeat adversary cyberspace operations. It also performs penetration testing of cyberspace systems. Its Detachment 1 performs communications security assessments.<ref name=24AF92COSfacts/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/730868/second-cyberspace-weapon-system-reaches-full-operational-capability-status |title=Second cyberspace weapon system reaches Full Operational Capability status|date=26 February 2016|publisher=Air Force Space Command Public Affairs|access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref>


==Lineage==
==Lineage==
Line 92: Line 93:
: Activated on 1 November 2000
: Activated on 1 November 2000
: Redesignated '''92d Information Operations Squadron''' on 1 November 2006<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
: Redesignated '''92d Information Operations Squadron''' on 1 November 2006<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
: Redesignated '''92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron''' 30 October 2015<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.c4isrnet.com/story/military-tech/cyber/2015/12/03/air-force-reorganizing-to-integrate-cyber/76731414/ |last1=Corrin|first1=Amber|title=Air Force reorganizing to integrate cyber|date=December 3, 2015|publisher=C4ISRnet|deadurl=yes|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20170222140351/http://www.c4isrnet.com/story/military-tech/cyber/2015/12/03/air-force-reorganizing-to-integrate-cyber/76731414/ |archivedate=February 22, 2017|accessdate=August 27, 2017}}</ref><ref name=24AF92COSfacts/>
: Redesignated '''92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron''' 30 October 2015<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.c4isrnet.com/story/military-tech/cyber/2015/12/03/air-force-reorganizing-to-integrate-cyber/76731414/ |last1=Corrin|first1=Amber|title=Air Force reorganizing to integrate cyber|date=3 December 2015|publisher=C4ISRnet|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170222140351/http://www.c4isrnet.com/story/military-tech/cyber/2015/12/03/air-force-reorganizing-to-integrate-cyber/76731414/ |archive-date=22 February 2017|access-date=27 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=24AF92COSfacts/>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
Line 132: Line 133:
* [[RAF Manston]], England, 28 March 1955<ref name=Maurer92FS/>
* [[RAF Manston]], England, 28 March 1955<ref name=Maurer92FS/>
* RAF Bentwaters, England, 30 April 1958 – 31 March 1993
* RAF Bentwaters, England, 30 April 1958 – 31 March 1993
* Kelly Air Force Base (later Kelly Field Annex), 1 November 2000 – present<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
* Kelly Air Force Base (later Kelly Field Annex), 1 November 2000 – 30 Sep 2018<ref name=92IOSfacts/>
* Lackland AFB (Medina Annex), 30 Sep 2018 – present
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


Line 153: Line 155:


==References==
==References==

{{Portal|United States Air Force|Military of the United States|World War II}}


; Notes
; Notes
Line 159: Line 161:


; Citations
; Citations
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|origyear= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979|pages=}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-year= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf|edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402|pages= }}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|orig-year=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf|edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}
* {{cite book|last=Cornett|first=Lloyd H|author2=Johnson, Mildred W|title=A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946 - 1980|url= http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf |accessdate=March 23, 2012|year=1980|publisher=Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center|location = Peterson AFB, CO|page= }}
* {{cite book|last=Cornett|first=Lloyd H|author2=Johnson, Mildred W|title=A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946 - 1980|url=http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf|access-date=23 March 2012|year=1980|publisher=Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center|location=Peterson AFB, CO|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213173347/http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite journal |last= |first= |title=ADCOM's Fighter Interceptor Squadrons|url=|journal=The Interceptor |date= January 1979|publisher=Aerospace Defense Command |volume= 21|issue= 1 |pages=5–11, 26–31, 40–45, 54–59}}
* {{cite journal |title=ADCOM's Fighter Interceptor Squadrons|journal=The Interceptor |date= January 1979|publisher=Aerospace Defense Command |volume= 21|issue= 1 |pages=5–11, 26–31, 40–45, 54–59}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{cite web |url= http://www.24af.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/458865/the-skulls-of-the-92nd-defending-the-front-lines-of-cyber-warfare |last1=Osborne|first1=Capt Casey|title=The Skulls of the 92nd: Defending the front lines of cyber warfare|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=Twenty-Fourth Air Force Public Affairs|deadurl=no |accessdate=October 6, 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.24af.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/458865/the-skulls-of-the-92nd-defending-the-front-lines-of-cyber-warfare |last1=Osborne|first1=Capt Casey|title=The Skulls of the 92nd: Defending the front lines of cyber warfare|date=26 June 2012|publisher=Twenty-Fourth Air Force Public Affairs|access-date=6 October 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.milsatmagazine.com/story.php?number=270256813 |last1=Skinner|first1=BG Robert J.|title=The Importance Of Designating Cyberspace Weapon System|date=December 2014|publisher=MilSatMagazine|deadurl=no |accessdate=October 6, 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.milsatmagazine.com/story.php?number=270256813 |last1=Skinner|first1=B.G. Robert J.|title=The Importance of Designating Cyberspace Weapon System|date=December 2014|publisher=MilSatMagazine|access-date=6 October 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.infosecisland.com/blogview/21367-Air-Force-Command-Realigns-Cyberspace-Capabilities.html |last1=|first1=|title=Air Force Command Realigns Cyberspace Capabilities|date=May 18, 2012|publisher=infosec Island|deadurl=no |accessdate=October 6, 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.infosecisland.com/blogview/21367-Air-Force-Command-Realigns-Cyberspace-Capabilities.html |title=Air Force Command Realigns Cyberspace Capabilities|date=18 May 2012|publisher=infosec Island|access-date=6 October 2016}}


{{Aerospace Defense Command}}
{{Aerospace Defense Command}}

Latest revision as of 15:23, 9 February 2024

92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron
Squadron A-10A Thunderbolt II at RAF Bentwaters[note 1]
Active1942–1945; 1946–1993; 2000–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleInformation Warfare
SizeApproximately 200 personnel[1]
Nickname(s)Skulls[2]
EngagementsMediterranean Theater of Operations
China-Burma-India Theater[2]
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award[2]
Insignia
92d Cyberspace Operations Sq emblem (approved 30 October 2015)[2]
92d Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 30 June 1945)[3]

The 92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron is a United States Air Force unit.

It was formerly a fighter unit. Its last assignment as a fighter unit was with the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Bentwaters, England, where it was inactivated on 31 March 1993.

Mission

[edit]

The unit is made up of 60 active duty military, 65 civilians and 95 contractor personnel. Its mission is to assure Air Force and United States Department of Defense mission performance by employing cyberspace protection teams and performing cyberspace vulnerability assessments and communications security assessments. It is one of only two Air Force units performing cyberspace vulnerability assessments[1]

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]

The squadron was activated in early 1942[3] under III Fighter Command in North Carolina. Initially trained with Bell P-39 Airacobras, re-equipped with Lockheed P-38 Lightnings.

Moved overseas, October 1942 – February 1943,[3] the ground echelon arriving in French Morocco with the force that invaded North Africa on 8 November, and the air echelon, which had trained for a time in England, arriving in North Africa between late December 1942 and early February 1943.

Began combat with Twelfth Air Force in January 1943. Supported ground operations during the Allied drive against Axis forces in Tunisia. Patrolled the coast of North Africa and protected Allied shipping in the Mediterranean Sea, April–July 1943. Provided cover for the convoys that landed troops on Pantelleria on 11 June and on Sicily on 10 July 1943. Supported the landings at Anzio on 22 January 1944 and flew patrols in that area for a short time.

Transferred to the China-Burma-India Theater and moved to India, February–March 1944. Initially performed training with Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and Republic P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft. Moved to China in May and became part of Fourteenth Air Force. Continued training and on occasion flew patrol and escort missions before returning to full-time combat duty in January 1945. Attacked enemy airfields and installations, flew escort missions, and aided the operations of Chinese ground forces by attacking troop concentrations, ammunition dumps, lines of communications, and other targets to hinder Japanese efforts to move men and materiel to the front.

Inactivated in China on 27 December 1945.[3]

Cold War

[edit]
92d FS F-86A 49-1161

Reactivated at Wheeler Field, Hawaii in late 1946.[3] Equipped with North American P-51 Mustangs and performed air defence of the Hawaiian Islands until 1949. Was reassigned to Continental Air Command Ninth Air Force, being stationed in New Mexico. Re-equipped with Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star jet aircraft, trained as a tactical fighter squadron. Upgraded to North American F-86 Sabres in 1950.

Reassigned to Air Defense Command, becoming part of the Western Air Defense Force, being moved to Moses Lake Air Force Base, Washington. In Washington the squadron's mission was the air defence of eastern Washington, including the Grand Coulee Dam and the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.

United States Air Forces in Europe

[edit]
92d TFS F-84F Thunderstreak 52-7114

Ordered to the United Kingdom in 1951, mission to assist the Royal Air Force in the Air Defense of East Anglia, being assigned to the newly refurbished RAF Bentwaters. Also operated from a dispersed station, RAF Shepherds Grove about forty miles apart.

The squadron was one of the first Sabre Jet unit to be based in Europe, and the first to form an integral part of the peacetime air defense of Great Britain. In this role, the squadron came under the operational control of the RAF Fighter Command No. 11 Group during the actual defense of the United Kingdom, and for combined operational training. Under USAFE, the squadron came under the control of Third Air Force which coordinated its activities with the RAF.

In October 1954 the mission of the squadron changed from fighter-interceptor to fighter-bomber operations, carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. The squadron was charged with tactical operations in support of USAFE and NATO, with air defence as a secondary mission. To reflect this change, the unit traded in its F-86s for the F-84F Thunderstreak.

92d TFS F-101C Voodoo 56-035

Beginning in the fall of 1958, the squadron was re-equipped with the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo. The F-101 was configured as a fighter bomber, intended to carry a single nuclear weapon for use against battlefield targets such as airfields. The Voodos were equipped with Low Angle Drogued Delivery and Low Altitude Bombing System equipment for its primary mission of delivering nuclear weapons at extremely low altitudes. Pilots were trained for one-way missions into Soviet territory to increase effective range at some cost in negating pilot recovery.

In November 1965, the squadron received McDonnell F-4 Phantom II to replace the Voodoos. Initially receiving the F-4C this was later upgraded to the more capable F-4D during late 1972 and 1973. Began conversion to the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II in June 1979. The A-10 being a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft designed to provide close air support of ground forces by attacking tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets. With the A-10, the squadron's mission changed to close air support and battlefield air interdiction in support of NATO ground forces.

With the end of the Cold War in 1991, the USAF presence at Bentwaters was gradually phased down. It was announced that the base would be closed and the squadron would be inactivated. The squadron was inactivated on 31 March 1993.[2]

Information warfare

[edit]

The squadron became the 92d Information Warfare Aggressor Squadron and was activated at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas in November 2000. The squadron also has a detachment located at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.[2]

The unit operates the Cyberspace Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter Weapon System, which is designed to "find, fix, track, target, engage and assess advanced persistent threats" to missions on the Air Force information network. It includes three Cyber Protection Teams that conduct global cyberspace operations to deter, disrupt and defeat adversary cyberspace operations. It also performs penetration testing of cyberspace systems. Its Detachment 1 performs communications security assessments.[1][4]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Constituted as the 92d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 13 January 1942
Activated on 9 February 1942
Redesignated 92d Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942
Inactivated on 27 December 1945
  • Activated on 15 October 1946
Redesignated 92d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 20 January 1950
Redesignated 92d Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 1 April 1954
Redesignated 92d Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 July 1958[3]
Inactivated on 31 March 1993
  • Redesignated 92d Information Warfare Aggressor Squadron
Activated on 1 November 2000
Redesignated 92d Information Operations Squadron on 1 November 2006[2]
Redesignated 92d Cyberspace Operations Squadron 30 October 2015[5][1]

Assignments

[edit]

Stations

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]
Notes
  1. ^ Aircraft is A-10A serial 81-992.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d "About Us: Factsheet 92nd Cyberspace Operations Squadron". Twenty-fourth Air Force Public Affairs. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Scales, SSG Matthew H. (6 February 2012). "Factsheet 92 Information Operations Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 310
  4. ^ "Second cyberspace weapon system reaches Full Operational Capability status". Air Force Space Command Public Affairs. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  5. ^ Corrin, Amber (3 December 2015). "Air Force reorganizing to integrate cyber". C4ISRnet. Archived from the original on 22 February 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.

Bibliography

[edit]

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

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=92nd_Cyberspace_Operations_Squadron&oldid=1205397092"