193rd Special Operations Wing: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}} |
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{{Infobox military unit |
{{Infobox military unit |
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|unit_name=193rd Special Operations Wing |
|unit_name=193rd Special Operations Wing |
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|image=193d Special Operations Squadron EC-130J in SW Asia.jpg |
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|image_size= 300 |
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|caption= 193rd Special Operations Squadron EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft prepares to land at an air base in Southwest Asia. |
|caption= 193rd Special Operations Squadron EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft prepares to land at an air base in Southwest Asia. |
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|dates=1967–present |
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|dates= February 16, 1964 – present |
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|country={{ |
|country={{USA}} |
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|allegiance= {{Flag|Pennsylvania}} |
|allegiance= {{Flag|Pennsylvania}} |
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|branch= [[File:US-AirNationalGuard-2007Emblem.svg|25px]] [[Air National Guard]] |
|branch= [[File:US-AirNationalGuard-2007Emblem.svg|25px]] [[Air National Guard]] |
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|type= Wing |
|type= Wing |
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|role=[[Psychological warfare]] |
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|role= Special Operations |
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|size= |
|size= |
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|command_structure= [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]] |
|command_structure= [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]] |
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|garrison= |
|garrison=[[Harrisburg Air National Guard Base]], Pennsylvania |
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|garrison_label= |
|garrison_label= |
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|nickname= |
|nickname= |
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|motto="Never Seen, Always Heard" |
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|patron= |
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|motto= "Never Seen, Always Heard" |
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|colors= |
|colors= |
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|mascot= |
|mascot= |
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|equipment= |
|equipment= |
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|equipment_label= |
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|battles= |
|battles= |
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|anniversaries= |
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|website= |
|website= |
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<!-- Commanders --> |
<!-- Commanders --> |
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|commander1= Colonel |
|commander1= Colonel Stacey S. Zdanavage |
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|commander1_label= |
|commander1_label= Special Operations Wing Commander{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} |
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|notable_commanders= |
|notable_commanders= |
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<!-- Insignia --> |
<!-- Insignia --> |
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|identification_symbol=[[File:193d Special Operations Wing.png| |
|identification_symbol=[[File:193d Special Operations Wing.png|165px]] |
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|identification_symbol_label=193rd Special Operations Wing emblem |
|identification_symbol_label=193rd Special Operations Wing emblem |
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<!-- Aircraft --> |
<!-- Aircraft --> |
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|aircraft_attack= |
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|aircraft_bomber= |
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|aircraft_electronic= |
|aircraft_electronic= |
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|aircraft_general =[[MC-130J]] |
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|aircraft_fighter= |
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|aircraft_helicopter= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_attack= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_cargo= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_multirole= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_observation= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_transport= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_trainer= |
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|aircraft_helicopter_utility= |
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|aircraft_interceptor= |
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|aircraft_patrol= |
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|aircraft_recon= |
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|aircraft_trainer= |
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The '''193rd Special Operations Wing |
The '''193rd Special Operations Wing''' is a unit of the [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]], stationed at [[Harrisburg Air National Guard Base]], Middletown, Pennsylvania. The wing is gained by the [[Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]] when in a "state" status, as well as by the [[United States Air Force]] and [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] in its Federal capacity as part of the [[Air National Guard]]. The [[wing (military aviation unit)|wing]] was organized as a [[group (military aviation unit)|group]], the '''193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group'''. Although it has never been mobilized as a unit, most of its equipment and personnel have been individually called up to serve in Southeast Asia and in [[Desert Storm]]. |
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==Mission== |
==Mission== |
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The 193rd |
The 193rd's primary wartime and contingency operations mission is to broadcast radio and television signals to target populations from an airborne transmitter, jamming existing television and radio signals where necessary. Messages are not developed within the wing itself, but are provided by staff of the [[United States Army]]'s [[4th Psychological Operations Group]] (Airborne), based at [[Fort Bragg, North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2002/1/31/2002february-why-special-ops-prefer-c130s-for-many-missions|title=Why Special Ops Prefer C-130s for Many Missions|author=Kennedy|first=Harold|date=February 2002|publisher=National Defense Magazine}}</ref> |
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==Units== |
==Units== |
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* '''193rd Special Operations Wing''' |
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** 193rd Special Operations Group |
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* '''193rd Special Operations Wing''', [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]], [[Harrisburg Air National Guard Base]], Pennsylvania<ref>{{cite web |title=193rd Special Operations Wing Units |url=https://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/Units/ |publisher=193rd Special Operations Wing |access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> |
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** |
*** [[193rd Special Operations Squadron]] |
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*** [[193rd Special Operations Squadron]], [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130J Commando Solo III]] |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Support Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Support Squadron |
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** |
** 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Group |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Operations Flight |
*** 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Operations Flight |
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** |
** 193rd Special Operations Mission Support Group |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Security Forces Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Security Forces Squadron |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron |
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*** 193rd Special Operations Force Support Squadron |
*** 193rd Special Operations Force Support Squadron |
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** |
** 193rd Special Operations Medical Group |
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** |
** 193rd Air Operations Group<ref group=note>This group and its components are not gained by Air Force Special Operations Command.</ref> |
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*** 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron |
*** 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron |
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*** 193rd Combat Operations Squadron |
*** 193rd Combat Operations Squadron |
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*** 193rd Air Communications Squadron |
*** 193rd Air Communications Squadron |
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** |
** 193rd Regional Support Group<ref group=note>This group and its components are not gained by Air Force Special Operations Command.</ref> |
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*** 148th Air Support Operations Squadron |
*** 148th Air Support Operations Squadron |
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*** 201st RED HORSE Squadron |
*** 201st RED HORSE Squadron |
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*** 211th Engineering Installation Squadron |
*** 211th Engineering Installation Squadron |
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*** 271st Combat Communications Squadron |
*** 271st Combat Communications Squadron |
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*** 203rd Weather Flight<ref>{{cite web |title=193rd Special Operations Wing Units |url=https://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/Units/ |publisher=193rd Special Operations Wing |access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> |
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*** 203rd Weather Flight |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===Background=== |
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[[File:EC-121 Constellation - 193d Tactical Electric Warfare Group 1978.jpg|thumb|EC-121 Constellation – 193rd Tactical Electric Warfare Group, 1978]] |
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In the Spring of 1964, the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron's mission and designation changed to 140th Air Transport Squadron and the Air National Guard operation at [[Olmsted Air Force Base]] expanded to a [[group (military aviation unit)|group]], with the formation of the 168th Air Transport Group. Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 168th Material Squadron (later replaced by the 168th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 168th Supply Squadron), 168th Support Squadron, and the 168th USAF Dispensary. These units were located at [[Olmsted Air Force Base]] and operated the [[Lockheed C-121 Constellation]]. In 1966 the group became the 168th Military Airlift Group. |
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Following [[Operation Power Pack]], the United States military intervention during the 1965 crisis in the Dominican Republic,<ref group=note>The 193rd's web page attributes this interest to the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, but the program predates that war. van Geffan, p. 6</ref> [[Robert McNamara]], the [[United States Secretary of Defense]] directed the Air Force to develop a capability to disrupt civilian broadcasting networks and guerilla [[command and control]] networks. In response, [[Tactical Air Command]] began to test a tactical electronic warfare support system that would be installed on C-121s, named Coronet Solo. Coronet Solo aircraft would be able to join or disrupt commercial radio and television and to broadcast prerecorded programs, in addition to having an ECM capability.<ref name=vangeffan6>van Geffan, p. 6</ref> |
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===Tactical electronic warfare=== |
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[[File:EC-121 Constellation - 193d Tactical Electric Warfare Group 1978.jpg|thumb|Group EC-121 Constellation in 1978]] |
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Threatened by the closure of Olmsted Air Force Base (now Harrisburg Air National Guard Base) and by the downsizing of all conventionally powered transport aircraft, the National Guard Bureau volunteered the unit for a psychological warfare capability named "Coronet Solo" in 1967.<ref name="TFJ">Hart, pp. 13-14</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/About-Us/History/|title=History of the 193rd|website=193rd Special Operations Wing|access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref> The 168th Military airlift Group and its components were inactivated and its resources were transferred to the new '''193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group''', becoming [[Tactical Air Command]]'s first tactical [[electronic warfare]] unit that was not an active duty unit. Tactical Air Command replaced [[Military Airlift Command]] as its mobilization gaining command, although the unit continued to operate the C-121s of the old 168th Group until November 1977, when its last C-121C was flown to the [[Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center]] at [[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]], Arizona.<ref name=vanGeffen7>van Geffen, p. 7</ref> |
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The first [[Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star#Variants|Lockheed EC-121S Coronet Solo]] was delivered to the unit on 16 July 1968.<ref name=vangeffan6/> In July 1970, the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] directed the deployment of a task force of two EC-121s and supporting personnel to [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]] as Operation Coronet Cobra. The task force arrived at Korat on 31 July, where it began Operation Commando Buzz, retransmitting civilian radio broadcasts to outlying areas of Cambodia until improved ground transmitters were available to cover the area. The 193rd deployed guardsmen on temporary duty for periods of thirty to sixty days to support this mission. Although Commando Buzz was intended to last only ninety days, flights continued until 24 December, and the task force returned to the United States in early January 1971.<ref name=vanGeffen7/> Throughout the 1970s, the wing earned a reputation as being the most deployed Air National Guard unit, sometimes deploying 10 times in a single year.<ref name="TFJ" /> |
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In August 1977, the group received its first [[Lockheed C-130E Hercules]]. These aircraft were to be modified to [[Lockheed EC-130#Variants|Lockheed EC-130E Volant Solo]] standard, to perform the unit mission, but the first modified airplane did not arrive until March 1979. In May of that year, the unit's (and the Air Force's) last EC-121 departed for storage. Shortly thereafter, the unit designation became the '''193rd Electronic Warfare Group'''. |
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The 193rd participated in the rescue of American citizens in [[Operation Urgent Fury]] in 1983.<ref>Haulman, pp. 135. 141</ref> The aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the citizens of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action.<ref name="TFJ"/> |
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===Special operations=== |
===Special operations=== |
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[[File:EC-130E 63-7773 RIAT1989.jpg|thumb|Group EC-130E at the 1989 Royal Air International Tattoo]] |
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Threatened by the closure of Olmsted Air Force Base (now Harrisburg Air National Guard Base) and by the downsizing of all conventionally powered transport aircraft, the National Guard Bureau volunteered the unit for a psychological warfare capability named "Coronet Solo" in 1967.<ref name="TFJ">{{cite journal |last1=Hart |first1=Paul |year=1996 |title=193rd Special Operations Wing Pennsylvania Air National Guard |journal=The Friends Journal |issue=Summer 1996 |pages=13–14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/About-Us/History/|title=History of the 193rd|website=193rd Special Operations Wing|access-date=27 September 2017}}</ref> Following the Arab-Israeli War of June 1967, psychological warfare once again became a U.S. military priority. The unit was again re-designated as the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group and transferred to [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC). Four of its C-121s were converted to EC-121S Coronet Solos for its [[electronic warfare]] mission. In 1970 the unit deployed two EC-121 aircraft to Korat Royal Thai Ai Base for a six-month temporary duty code named "Commando Buzz".<ref name="TFJ" /> Throughout the 1970s, the wing earned a reputation as being the most deployed Air National Guard unit, sometimes deploying 10 times in a single year.<ref name="TFJ" /> |
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Shortly after supporting Urgent Fury, and recognizing the importance of the group's [[psychological warfare]] mission when compared to its electronic jamming mission, on 15 November 1983, the group became the '''193rd Special Operations Group''' and, along with all other reserve force [[special operations]] units, its gaining command became [[Military Airlift Command]]'s [[Twenty-Third Air Force]].<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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In |
In 1989, Volant Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in [[Operation Just Cause]], operating under the control of the Joint Special Operations Task Force.<ref name="TFJ"/><ref>Allen, p. 171</ref> During this mission it broadcast throughout the initial phases of the operation, helping to end the Noriega regime. |
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In 1990, [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] became the group's gaining command, and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo,<ref group=note>van Geffen indicates that the Commando Solo name change occurred later, when the unit's EC-130Es were modified with Worldwide Color Television and Horizontal Trailing Wire Antennas, in 1997. van Gellen, p. 12.</ref> with no change in mission. However, the unit's aircraft contained two difference suites of electronics. Four unit aircraft had the Rivet Rider system, which enabled broadcasting of TV, AM or FM radio, and short wave radio. These planes could also conduct limited intelligence gathering and military communications jamming missions. The other four were Comfy Levy aircraft, which flew Senior Scout and Senior Hunter missions, with personnel from [[Electronic Security Command]] in the cargo compartment. The Comfy Levy were basically "slick" C-130s with palletized mission systems and clip-on antennas. When these aircraft were not performing "Senior" missions they were used to transport cargo and passengers.<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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In the mid-1980s, along with all other USAF special operations units, it was assigned to the 23rd Air Force of the [[Military Airlift Command]] (MAC). In 1990, the 193rd joined the newly formed [[Air Force Special Operations Command]], and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo, with no change in mission. |
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Following the agreement of Governor [[Bob Casey Sr.]] for the use of members of the [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]], on 23 August 1990, [[United States Air Forces Central|Central Command Air Forces]] directed the deployment of two Rivet Rider and two Comfy Levy EC-130Es from the group to [[King Fahd International Airport]], Saudi Arabia. The two "slick" EC-130Es made several trips each between the United States and Saudi Arabia, transporting equipment and personnel. The group flew its first [[communications intelligence]] mission on 4 September. Because of limitations on the period volunteer guardsmen could serve, personnel were switched out every thirty days, with some group members serving as many as five tours. In November, the group began regular flights broadcasting [[Voice of America]] programs to Kuwait and Iraq.<ref>van Geffen, pp. 7-9</ref> |
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In 1990–91, Commando Solo was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of [[Operations Desert Shield]] and [[Operation Desert Storm]]. Its missions included broadcasting the "Voice of the Gulf" and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender.<ref name="TFJ" /> In 1992, the 193 SOW received its first EC-130E upgraded to Commando Solo II configuration. In 1994, the Commando Solo II aircraft were used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during [[Operation Uphold Democracy]]. President [[Jean-Bertrand Aristide]] was featured in these broadcasts, which contributed to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy.<ref name="TFJ" /> |
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Due to the threat of [[SCUD]] missile attacks, and the lack of [[revetment|revetments]] at King Fahd, in January 1992, the group's aircraft relocated to [[Thumrait Air Base]], Oman. When [[Operation Desert Storm]] replaced Operation Desert Shield, the squadron provided or supplemented [[electronic countermeasures]] nearly every day.<ref>van Geffen, pp.9-10</ref> Its missions included broadcasting the "Voice of the Gulf" and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender.<ref name="TFJ" /> In February, the group was partially mobilized, with 44 officers and 222 enlisted personnel being called to active duty. This enabled the group to deploy an aircraft to [[Incirlik Air Base]], Turkey to support Joint Task Force Proven Force. On 26 March, the unit demobilized and returned to Harrisburg. 560 unit members had participated in the campaign, and flew 845 hours of combat operations.<ref>van Gellen pp.11-12</ref> |
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Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193 SOW and Commando Solo supported the United Nations' Operation Joint Guard with radio and TV broadcasts over [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]] in support of stabilization forces operations. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The Commando Solo II was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing and assist in the expulsion of the Serbs from the region. In 2001, the Commando Solo II aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. |
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In 1992, the 193rd received its first EC-130E upgraded to Commando Solo II configuration. In 1994, the Commando Solo II aircraft were used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during [[Operation Uphold Democracy]]. President [[Jean-Bertrand Aristide]] was featured in these broadcasts, which contributed to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy.<ref name="TFJ" /> |
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In 2003, the Commando Solo II was deployed to the Middle East in support of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. In 2004, the 193 SOW received newer EC-130J aircraft. These were quickly redeployed to the Middle East in support of the War on Terror. |
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The Air National Guard reorganized its units to reflect the Combat Wing Organization in 1995. As a result, the group became the '''193rd Special Operations Wing''' with three subordinate groups. |
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===Lineage=== |
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* Constituted as '''168th Air Transport Group''', and allotted to Pennsylvania ANG, 1964 |
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Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193rd and Commando Solo supported the United Nations' Operation Joint Guard with radio and TV broadcasts over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of stabilization force operations. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The Commando Solo II was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing and assist in the expulsion of the Serbs from the region. In 2001, the Commando Solo II aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. |
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: Extended federal recognition and activated, 16 February 1964 |
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: Re-designated: '''168th Military Airlift Group''', 8 January 1966 |
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In 2002, it was announced that the unit would replace three of its EC-130Es with EC-130Js. The modification of C-130Js would be done in two phases. Phase I added an information warfare station and [[air refueling]] capability, while Phase II called for the removal of mission equipment from the EC-130s and its installation in the EC-130Js. Ultimately, while all the unit's aircraft went through Phase I, only five went through Phase II.<ref>van Geffen, pp. 12-13.</ref> |
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: Re-designated: '''193d Tactical Electronic Warfare Group''', 1 June 1967 |
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: Re-designated: '''193d Electronic Combat Group''', 6 October 1980 |
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In 2003, the Commando Solo II was deployed to the Middle East in support of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. In 2004, the 193rd received newer EC-130J aircraft. These were quickly redeployed to the Middle East in support of the War on Terror. |
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: Re-designated: '''193d Special Operations Group''', 15 November 1983 |
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: Re-designated: '''193rd Special Operations Wing''', 1 June 1995 |
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On 17 September 2022, the wing made its last broadcast with an EC-130J during an airshow at [[Lancaster Airport (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster Airport]], Pennsylvania. The unit is expected to transition to the [[MC-130J Commando II]] over a period of 2 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaminski |first=Tom |date=2022-10-11 |title=193rd SOW prepares to take on new MC-130J mission |url=https://www.key.aero/article/193rd-sow-prepares-take-new-mc-130j-mission |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Key.Aero |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=2022-09-19 |title=EC-130J Psychological Warfare Aircraft Performs Final Broadcast |url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/09/19/ec-130j-final-broadcast/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Lineage== |
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* Constituted as the '''193d Tactical Electronic Warfare Group''' on 1 September 1967<ref name=777n>AFOMO Letter 777n, 13 September 1967, Subject: Constitution and Allotment of Air National Guard Units.</ref> |
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: Activated on 17 September 1967<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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: Redesignated '''193d Electronic Combat Group''' on 10 October 1980<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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: Redesignated '''193d Special Operations Group''' on 15 November 1983<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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: Redesignated '''193rd Special Operations Wing''' on 1 October 1995 |
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===Assignments=== |
===Assignments=== |
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* |
* Pennsylvania Air National Guard, 16 September 1967 – present |
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: Gained by |
: Gained by Tactical Air Command, 16 September 1967 |
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: Gained by |
: Gained by Twenty-Third Air Force, Military Airlift Command, 1 March 1983 |
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: Gained by |
: Gained by Air Force Special Operations Command, 22 May 1990 – present |
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: Gained by: [[Twenty-Third Air Force]], [[Military Airlift Command]], 1 March 1983 |
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: Gained by: [[Air Force Special Operations Command]], 22 May 1990 – present |
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===Operational components=== |
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* 193rd Operations Group, 1 June 1995 – present |
* 193rd Operations Group, 1 June 1995 – present |
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* [[193rd Special Operations Squadron]], 16 |
* [[193rd Special Operations Squadron]], 16 September 1967 – 1 June 1995 |
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: Assigned to 193 OG effective 1 June 1992 |
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===Stations=== |
===Stations=== |
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* |
* Olmsted Air Force Base (later Harrisburg International Airport, Harrisburg Air National Guard Base), Pennsylvania, 16 September 1967 – present |
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* [[Harrisburg International Airport]], Pennsylvania, 30 June 1969 |
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: Designated: [[Harrisburg Air National Guard Base]], Pennsylvania, 1991 – present |
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===Aircraft=== |
===Aircraft=== |
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* |
* Lockheed C-121C Constellation, 1967–1977<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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* Lockheed EC-121S Coronet Solo, 1968–1979<ref>van Geffan, pp. 6-7</ref> |
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* [[EC-121 Constellation]] 1967–1980 |
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* Lockheed C-130E Hercules, 1977-1979<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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* [[EC-130E Commando Solo]] 1980–2004 |
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* Lockheed EC-130E Volant Solo (later Commando Solo), 1979–2004<ref name=vanGeffen7/> |
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* [[EC-130J Commando Solo]] 2004 – present |
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* Lockheed C-130H Hercules, 1991-1995<ref>van Geffen, p. 11</ref> |
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* Lockheed EC-130J Commando Solo, 2001–2024<ref>van Geffen, pp. 12-13</ref> |
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* Lockheed MC-130J Commando II, 2023-present<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/437977/193rd-special-operations-wing-welcomes-new-aircraft-mission | title=193rd Special Operations Wing welcomes new aircraft, mission }}</ref> |
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==Decorations== |
==Decorations== |
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{{unit awards table |
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*[[File:Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg]] [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://access.afpc.af.mil/AwardsDMZNet40/SearchAwards.aspx|title=Air Force Personnel Services: Unit Awards|publisher=Air Force Personnel Center|access-date=May 9, 2017}} (search)</ref> |
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|award_image1=AF OUA |
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|award_name1=[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] |
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|award_date1= |
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|award_notes1=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://access.afpc.af.mil/AwardsDMZNet40/SearchAwards.aspx|title=Air Force Personnel Services: Unit Awards|publisher=Air Force Personnel Center|access-date=9 May 2017}} (search)</ref> |
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}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Portal|Pennsylvania}} |
{{Portal|Pennsylvania}} |
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{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}} |
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===Notes=== |
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; Explanatory notes |
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{{Reflist|group=note}} |
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; Citations |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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===Bibliography=== |
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{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Allen|first=William J.|editor=Warnock, A. Timothy|title=Short of War: Major USAF Contingency Operations 1947-1997|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/27/2001330212/-1/-1/0/AFD-101027-044.pdf |access-date=19 June 2022|year=2000|publisher=Air University Press|location=Maxwell AFB, AL|isbn=978-0-16050411-2|chapter=Intervention in Panama: Operation JUST CAUSE}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Allen|first=William J.|editor=Warnock, A. Timothy|title=Short of War: Major USAF Contingency Operations 1947-1997|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/27/2001330212/-1/-1/0/AFD-101027-044.pdf |access-date=19 June 2022|year=2000|publisher=Air University Press|location=Maxwell AFB, AL|isbn=978-0-16050411-2|chapter=Crisis in Haiti: Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY}} |
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* {{cite journal |last1=Hart|first1=Paul|year=1996|title=193rd Special Operations Wing Pennsylvania Air National Guard |journal=The Friends Journal |issue=Summer 1996}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Haulman|first=Daniel L.|editor=Warnock, A. Timothy|title=Short of War: Major USAF Contingency Operations 1947-1997|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/27/2001330212/-1/-1/0/AFD-101027-044.pdf |access-date=19 June 2022|year=2000|publisher=Air University Press|location=Maxwell AFB, AL|isbn=978-0-16050411-2|chapter=Crisis in Grenada: Operation URGENT FURY}} |
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* {{cite journal |last1=van Geffen|first1=Theo|date=Summer 2022|title=Joint Task Force Proven Force and the Gulf War (part 2)|url= https://www.afhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Summer2022Issue.pdf |journal=Air and Space Power History|publisher=Air Force Historical Foundation|volume=69|issue=2|access-date=17 June 2022}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/ 193rd Special Operations Wing site] |
*[http://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/ 193rd Special Operations Wing site] |
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{{Air National Guard}}{{USAF Air Force Special Operations Command}} |
{{Air National Guard}}{{USAF Air Force Special Operations Command}} |
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[[Category:Wings of the United States Air National Guard]] |
[[Category:Wings of the United States Air National Guard]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations in Pennsylvania]] |
[[Category:Military units and formations in Pennsylvania]] |
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[[Category:Special operations wings of the United States Air Force|193]] |
[[Category:Special operations wings of the United States Air Force|193]] |
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[[Category:Pennsylvania Air National Guard]] |
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Latest revision as of 19:09, 15 November 2024
| 193rd Special Operations Wing | |
|---|---|
 193rd Special Operations Squadron EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft prepares to land at an air base in Southwest Asia. | |
| Active | 1967–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  Pennsylvania |
| Branch |  Air National Guard |
| Type | Wing |
| Role | Psychological warfare |
| Part of | Pennsylvania Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, Pennsylvania |
| Motto(s) | "Never Seen, Always Heard" |
| Commanders | |
| Special Operations Wing Commander[citation needed] | Colonel Stacey S. Zdanavage |
| Insignia | |
| 193rd Special Operations Wing emblem |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| MC-130J | |
The 193rd Special Operations Wing is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, stationed at Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, Middletown, Pennsylvania. The wing is gained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when in a "state" status, as well as by the United States Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command in its Federal capacity as part of the Air National Guard. The wing was organized as a group, the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group. Although it has never been mobilized as a unit, most of its equipment and personnel have been individually called up to serve in Southeast Asia and in Desert Storm.
Mission
[edit]The 193rd's primary wartime and contingency operations mission is to broadcast radio and television signals to target populations from an airborne transmitter, jamming existing television and radio signals where necessary. Messages are not developed within the wing itself, but are provided by staff of the United States Army's 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.[1]
Units
[edit]- 193rd Special Operations Wing
- 193rd Special Operations Group
- 193rd Special Operations Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Support Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Group
- 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Operations Flight
- 193rd Special Operations Mission Support Group
- 193rd Special Operations Security Forces Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Communications Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Force Support Squadron
- 193rd Special Operations Medical Group
- 193rd Air Operations Group[note 1]
- 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron
- 193rd Combat Operations Squadron
- 193rd Air Communications Squadron
- 193rd Regional Support Group[note 2]
- 148th Air Support Operations Squadron
- 201st RED HORSE Squadron
- 211th Engineering Installation Squadron
- 271st Combat Communications Squadron
- 203rd Weather Flight[2]
- 193rd Special Operations Group
History
[edit]Background
[edit]In the Spring of 1964, the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron's mission and designation changed to 140th Air Transport Squadron and the Air National Guard operation at Olmsted Air Force Base expanded to a group, with the formation of the 168th Air Transport Group. Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 168th Material Squadron (later replaced by the 168th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 168th Supply Squadron), 168th Support Squadron, and the 168th USAF Dispensary. These units were located at Olmsted Air Force Base and operated the Lockheed C-121 Constellation. In 1966 the group became the 168th Military Airlift Group.
Following Operation Power Pack, the United States military intervention during the 1965 crisis in the Dominican Republic,[note 3] Robert McNamara, the United States Secretary of Defense directed the Air Force to develop a capability to disrupt civilian broadcasting networks and guerilla command and control networks. In response, Tactical Air Command began to test a tactical electronic warfare support system that would be installed on C-121s, named Coronet Solo. Coronet Solo aircraft would be able to join or disrupt commercial radio and television and to broadcast prerecorded programs, in addition to having an ECM capability.[3]
Tactical electronic warfare
[edit]
Threatened by the closure of Olmsted Air Force Base (now Harrisburg Air National Guard Base) and by the downsizing of all conventionally powered transport aircraft, the National Guard Bureau volunteered the unit for a psychological warfare capability named "Coronet Solo" in 1967.[4][5] The 168th Military airlift Group and its components were inactivated and its resources were transferred to the new 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group, becoming Tactical Air Command's first tactical electronic warfare unit that was not an active duty unit. Tactical Air Command replaced Military Airlift Command as its mobilization gaining command, although the unit continued to operate the C-121s of the old 168th Group until November 1977, when its last C-121C was flown to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.[6]
The first Lockheed EC-121S Coronet Solo was delivered to the unit on 16 July 1968.[3] In July 1970, the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed the deployment of a task force of two EC-121s and supporting personnel to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base as Operation Coronet Cobra. The task force arrived at Korat on 31 July, where it began Operation Commando Buzz, retransmitting civilian radio broadcasts to outlying areas of Cambodia until improved ground transmitters were available to cover the area. The 193rd deployed guardsmen on temporary duty for periods of thirty to sixty days to support this mission. Although Commando Buzz was intended to last only ninety days, flights continued until 24 December, and the task force returned to the United States in early January 1971.[6] Throughout the 1970s, the wing earned a reputation as being the most deployed Air National Guard unit, sometimes deploying 10 times in a single year.[4]
In August 1977, the group received its first Lockheed C-130E Hercules. These aircraft were to be modified to Lockheed EC-130E Volant Solo standard, to perform the unit mission, but the first modified airplane did not arrive until March 1979. In May of that year, the unit's (and the Air Force's) last EC-121 departed for storage. Shortly thereafter, the unit designation became the 193rd Electronic Warfare Group.
The 193rd participated in the rescue of American citizens in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983.[7] The aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the citizens of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action.[4]
Special operations
[edit]
Shortly after supporting Urgent Fury, and recognizing the importance of the group's psychological warfare mission when compared to its electronic jamming mission, on 15 November 1983, the group became the 193rd Special Operations Group and, along with all other reserve force special operations units, its gaining command became Military Airlift Command's Twenty-Third Air Force.[6]
In 1989, Volant Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in Operation Just Cause, operating under the control of the Joint Special Operations Task Force.[4][8] During this mission it broadcast throughout the initial phases of the operation, helping to end the Noriega regime.
In 1990, Air Force Special Operations Command became the group's gaining command, and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo,[note 4] with no change in mission. However, the unit's aircraft contained two difference suites of electronics. Four unit aircraft had the Rivet Rider system, which enabled broadcasting of TV, AM or FM radio, and short wave radio. These planes could also conduct limited intelligence gathering and military communications jamming missions. The other four were Comfy Levy aircraft, which flew Senior Scout and Senior Hunter missions, with personnel from Electronic Security Command in the cargo compartment. The Comfy Levy were basically "slick" C-130s with palletized mission systems and clip-on antennas. When these aircraft were not performing "Senior" missions they were used to transport cargo and passengers.[6]
Following the agreement of Governor Bob Casey Sr. for the use of members of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, on 23 August 1990, Central Command Air Forces directed the deployment of two Rivet Rider and two Comfy Levy EC-130Es from the group to King Fahd International Airport, Saudi Arabia. The two "slick" EC-130Es made several trips each between the United States and Saudi Arabia, transporting equipment and personnel. The group flew its first communications intelligence mission on 4 September. Because of limitations on the period volunteer guardsmen could serve, personnel were switched out every thirty days, with some group members serving as many as five tours. In November, the group began regular flights broadcasting Voice of America programs to Kuwait and Iraq.[9]
Due to the threat of SCUD missile attacks, and the lack of revetments at King Fahd, in January 1992, the group's aircraft relocated to Thumrait Air Base, Oman. When Operation Desert Storm replaced Operation Desert Shield, the squadron provided or supplemented electronic countermeasures nearly every day.[10] Its missions included broadcasting the "Voice of the Gulf" and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender.[4] In February, the group was partially mobilized, with 44 officers and 222 enlisted personnel being called to active duty. This enabled the group to deploy an aircraft to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey to support Joint Task Force Proven Force. On 26 March, the unit demobilized and returned to Harrisburg. 560 unit members had participated in the campaign, and flew 845 hours of combat operations.[11]
In 1992, the 193rd received its first EC-130E upgraded to Commando Solo II configuration. In 1994, the Commando Solo II aircraft were used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was featured in these broadcasts, which contributed to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy.[4]
The Air National Guard reorganized its units to reflect the Combat Wing Organization in 1995. As a result, the group became the 193rd Special Operations Wing with three subordinate groups.
Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193rd and Commando Solo supported the United Nations' Operation Joint Guard with radio and TV broadcasts over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of stabilization force operations. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The Commando Solo II was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing and assist in the expulsion of the Serbs from the region. In 2001, the Commando Solo II aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom.
In 2002, it was announced that the unit would replace three of its EC-130Es with EC-130Js. The modification of C-130Js would be done in two phases. Phase I added an information warfare station and air refueling capability, while Phase II called for the removal of mission equipment from the EC-130s and its installation in the EC-130Js. Ultimately, while all the unit's aircraft went through Phase I, only five went through Phase II.[12]
In 2003, the Commando Solo II was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, the 193rd received newer EC-130J aircraft. These were quickly redeployed to the Middle East in support of the War on Terror.
On 17 September 2022, the wing made its last broadcast with an EC-130J during an airshow at Lancaster Airport, Pennsylvania. The unit is expected to transition to the MC-130J Commando II over a period of 2 years.[13][14]
Lineage
[edit]- Constituted as the 193d Tactical Electronic Warfare Group on 1 September 1967[15]
- Activated on 17 September 1967[6]
- Redesignated 193d Electronic Combat Group on 10 October 1980[6]
- Redesignated 193d Special Operations Group on 15 November 1983[6]
- Redesignated 193rd Special Operations Wing on 1 October 1995
Assignments
[edit]- Pennsylvania Air National Guard, 16 September 1967 – present
- Gained by Tactical Air Command, 16 September 1967
- Gained by Twenty-Third Air Force, Military Airlift Command, 1 March 1983
- Gained by Air Force Special Operations Command, 22 May 1990 – present
Operational components
[edit]- 193rd Operations Group, 1 June 1995 – present
- 193rd Special Operations Squadron, 16 September 1967 – 1 June 1995
Stations
[edit]- Olmsted Air Force Base (later Harrisburg International Airport, Harrisburg Air National Guard Base), Pennsylvania, 16 September 1967 – present
Aircraft
[edit]- Lockheed C-121C Constellation, 1967–1977[6]
- Lockheed EC-121S Coronet Solo, 1968–1979[16]
- Lockheed C-130E Hercules, 1977-1979[6]
- Lockheed EC-130E Volant Solo (later Commando Solo), 1979–2004[6]
- Lockheed C-130H Hercules, 1991-1995[17]
- Lockheed EC-130J Commando Solo, 2001–2024[18]
- Lockheed MC-130J Commando II, 2023-present[19]
Decorations
[edit]| Award streamer | Award | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | [20] |
References
[edit]
Notes
[edit]- Explanatory notes
- ^ This group and its components are not gained by Air Force Special Operations Command.
- ^ This group and its components are not gained by Air Force Special Operations Command.
- ^ The 193rd's web page attributes this interest to the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, but the program predates that war. van Geffan, p. 6
- ^ van Geffen indicates that the Commando Solo name change occurred later, when the unit's EC-130Es were modified with Worldwide Color Television and Horizontal Trailing Wire Antennas, in 1997. van Gellen, p. 12.
- Citations
- ^ Kennedy, Harold (February 2002). "Why Special Ops Prefer C-130s for Many Missions". National Defense Magazine.
- ^ "193rd Special Operations Wing Units". 193rd Special Operations Wing. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
- ^ a b van Geffan, p. 6
- ^ a b c d e f Hart, pp. 13-14
- ^ "History of the 193rd". 193rd Special Operations Wing. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j van Geffen, p. 7
- ^ Haulman, pp. 135. 141
- ^ Allen, p. 171
- ^ van Geffen, pp. 7-9
- ^ van Geffen, pp.9-10
- ^ van Gellen pp.11-12
- ^ van Geffen, pp. 12-13.
- ^ Kaminski, Tom (11 October 2022). "193rd SOW prepares to take on new MC-130J mission". Key.Aero. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ Cenciotti, David (19 September 2022). "EC-130J Psychological Warfare Aircraft Performs Final Broadcast". The Aviationist. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
- ^ AFOMO Letter 777n, 13 September 1967, Subject: Constitution and Allotment of Air National Guard Units.
- ^ van Geffan, pp. 6-7
- ^ van Geffen, p. 11
- ^ van Geffen, pp. 12-13
- ^ "193rd Special Operations Wing welcomes new aircraft, mission".
- ^ "Air Force Personnel Services: Unit Awards". Air Force Personnel Center. Retrieved 9 May 2017. (search)
Bibliography
[edit]
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- Allen, William J. (2000). "Intervention in Panama: Operation JUST CAUSE". In Warnock, A. Timothy (ed.). Short of War: Major USAF Contingency Operations 1947-1997 (PDF). Maxwell AFB, AL: Air University Press. ISBN 978-0-16050411-2. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- Allen, William J. (2000). "Crisis in Haiti: Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY". In Warnock, A. Timothy (ed.). Short of War: Major USAF Contingency Operations 1947-1997 (PDF). Maxwell AFB, AL: Air University Press. ISBN 978-0-16050411-2. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- Hart, Paul (1996). "193rd Special Operations Wing Pennsylvania Air National Guard". The Friends Journal (Summer 1996).
- Haulman, Daniel L. (2000). "Crisis in Grenada: Operation URGENT FURY". In Warnock, A. Timothy (ed.). Short of War: Major USAF Contingency Operations 1947-1997 (PDF). Maxwell AFB, AL: Air University Press. ISBN 978-0-16050411-2. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- van Geffen, Theo (Summer 2022). "Joint Task Force Proven Force and the Gulf War (part 2)" (PDF). Air and Space Power History. 69 (2). Air Force Historical Foundation. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
External links
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