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Air Force Communications Command, as told in patches...


dag
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This is the story (well sort of, the story told in patches) of the Air Force Communications Command. I was in this command during much of the 1980's.

 

The Air Force Communications Command originates from the Army Airways Communications System, created in 1938. This became the Airways and Air Communications Service in 1946. In turn, this became the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS) in 1961, then the Air Force Communications Command (AFCC) in 1979, and later the Air Force Communications Agency.

 

Pictures of patches from my collection are attached to help tell the story.

 

 

 

post-11058-0-93522500-1389203422.jpg

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Most of the Communications units (squadrons, groups, and wings) of the 1960's, 70's, and 80's were the 4-digit numbered units from the 1800's to the 2100's. These reported to the AFCS/AFCC. Shown are some examples of a few of those units.

 

 

post-11058-0-07805900-1389203483.jpg

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There were also some support or related organizations to those 4-digit AFCS/AFCC units. Some reported to the AFCS/AFCC. Many were numbered in the 1800's. Some examples shown.

 

 

post-11058-0-47252800-1389203517.jpg

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There were also some lower numbered Communications squadrons, some of which did not report directly to the AFCS/AFCC. Some examples shown.

 

 

post-11058-0-13656800-1389203558.jpg

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Around 1991, most of the 4-digit unit numbers were eliminated, and some units were inactivated/discontinued, some were just renumbered to the Major Command at that particular base. Some of those kept the same patch design, just changed the unit number.

 

 

post-11058-0-35686500-1389203609.jpg

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There were other Communications units as well, such as Communications Maintenance, Space Communications, Airborne Communications, others.

 

 

post-11058-0-95852000-1389203728.jpg

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I love the one for the 5th Joint Defense Space Communications Squadron! I've never seen that version for that unit... I own several, but not that one.

 

For those that may not know, this unit was named as a Space Communications Squadron way back before the Defense Support Program was declassified. Later, it was renamed as the 5th Space Warning Squadron, which continued until that site closed in 1999.

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Designations:

46th Communications Squadron, Air Force
46th Communications Group
46th Information System Group
46th Communications Group
46th Communications Squadron



Lineage: Constituted: as the 46th Communications Squadron, Air Force (SAC), on 04 Dec 1950. Activated: on 04 Jan 1951. Redesignated: as the 46th Communications Group (SAC), on 01 Jul 1976. Resignated: as the 46th Information Systems Group (SAC), on 06 Jul 1984. Redesignated: as the 46th Communications Group (AFCC)*, on 01 Nov 1986. Redesignated: as the 46th Communications Squadron (AFCC), on 01 Sep 1991. Inactivated: on 01 Jun 1992.

Assignments: Strategic Air Command (Inactive List), 04 Dec 1950; Second Air Force, 04 Jan 1951; Strategic Communications Area (Later: Strategic Communications Division; Strategic Information Systems Division), 01 Jul 1976; Air Force Communications Command: 01 Nov 1986 (AFCC SO: G-18 Dated: 07 Nov 1986 [Retroactive: 01 Nov 1986] Ref: DAF/PRM Letter 743q 07 Nov 1986*); Eighth Air Force, 01 Oct 1990; 2d Support Group: 01 Sep 1992 – 01 Jun 1992.

Components:
Headquarters, 46th Communications Group (Later: 46th Information Systems Group), 01 Jul 1976 – 01 Nov 1986*.

Stations:
Barksdale AFB, LA. 04 Jan1951 – 01 Jun 1992.

Awards, Honors, and Decorations:
Service Streamers:
None.

Campaign Streamers:
None

Decorations:
Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards:
01 May 1958 – 04 Jun 1960
01 Jul 1967 – 30 Jun 1968
01 Jul 1968 – 30 Jun 1969
01 Jan – 31 Dec 1977

Emblem:
post-3627-0-70584500-1389600012.jpg

 

Blue refers to the sky, the theater of operations for the Air Force. Yellow represents the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The electronic flashes symbolize the communications and refer to the mission of the group. The electron orbits and the star refer to the advanced technology and methods used. The globe portrays the worldwide aspect of the unit's mission. The flight symbol depicts the group's mission of support to all aircraft Approved: on 12 Feb 1985

 

(Note 1 DAF/PRM Letter 743q Dated 07 Nov 1986, / AFCC SO: G-19 Deletes the HQ Element thus making the Group a “Non Flag Bearing Unit” and removes the authorization / entitlement for a Shield Insignia per AFR 26-2 [c1], para 3–1 and 3–2 and AFR 900-3 [c1], para 2–4 & table 2–1) The unit may request a disc insignia.

Replaced Insignia:
post-3627-0-32634400-1389600268.jpg

Approved: on UNKNOWN
Motto: PRINCEP INTER OPTIMUS

 

 

Terry L Horstead

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Dave, The 46th Communications Group you displayed was not approved but it appears some one designed a insignia while unaware the Group was a "Non Flag Bearing unit" however the insignia was approved as the 2nd Communications Squadron (AAC)

 

post-3627-0-53330700-1389645442.jpg

 

Terry L Horstead

 

 

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29th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, COMMAND LANGLEY AFB, VA (Supporting HQ, Tactical Air Command)

 

post-3627-0-17357500-1389655679.jpg

 

Terry L Horstead

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1st AEROSPACE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP (Later: WING)

(Redesignated: as the 55thCommunications Group, on 01 Apr 1993)

 

post-3627-0-55541600-1389656898.jpg

 

Terry L. Horstead

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First Combat Comm - First In, Last Out - Hooah!

 

I was in the 1CCSQ from 1996-1998 and served several TDYs with them before that.....best unit in the Air Force, bar none.

 

 

Mark sends

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49th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, DIVISION

ORGANIZED AT OFFUTT (At Offutt for approx 30 Days)

Relocated to SIDI SLIMANE AB, FRENCH MOROCCO

Supporting HQ, 5th Air Division (SAC)

Redesignated as 49th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE

Relocated to TORREJON AB, SPAIN

Supporting HQ, Sixtheenth Air Force

post-3627-0-83469500-1389661350.jpg

 

Terry L Horstead

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14th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE (ADC)

TOKOROZAWA CST, JAPAN

Asigned to 71st MISSILE WARNING WING (ADC)

Relocated to JOHNSON FHA, JAPAN

 

post-3627-0-81474900-1389678432.jpg

 

Terry L Horstead

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15th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE (ADC)

Aviano AB, Italy

Asigned to 71st MISSILE WARNING WING (ADC)

Approved 31 Dec 1959

 

post-3627-0-59721200-1389680463.jpg

 

 

Terry L Horstead

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50th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE

Richards - Gebaur AFB, Missouri

Assigned to Central NORAD Region

 

post-3627-0-11258700-1389681058.jpg

 

Terry L Horstead

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