dag Posted January 8, 2014 Share #1 Posted January 8, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted January 8, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted January 8, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted January 8, 2014 There were also some lower numbered Communications squadrons, some of which did not report directly to the AFCS/AFCC. Some examples shown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted January 8, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted January 8, 2014 There were other Communications Wings, Groups, Squadrons, and Flights existing or created after that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted January 8, 2014 There were (and still are) a good many Combat Communications units as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted January 8, 2014 There were other Communications units as well, such as Communications Maintenance, Space Communications, Airborne Communications, others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted January 8, 2014 There were also named organizations as well: Groups, Divisions, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattsmilitary Posted January 8, 2014 Share #10 Posted January 8, 2014 Great job! Awesome resource for someone collecting these type patches. Well done and Thank you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchcollector Posted January 10, 2014 Share #11 Posted January 10, 2014 Very nice study!Thanks for posting this.I've always liked the AF Communications units! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemesa159 Posted January 11, 2014 Share #12 Posted January 11, 2014 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 13, 2014 Share #13 Posted January 13, 2014 Designations:46th Communications Squadron, Air Force 46th Communications Group46th Information System Group46th Communications Group46th Communications SquadronLineage: 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:NoneDecorations: 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 1977Emblem: 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:Approved: on UNKNOWN Motto: PRINCEP INTER OPTIMUS Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 13, 2014 Share #14 Posted January 13, 2014 A well constructed and informative thread...thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dag Posted January 13, 2014 Author Share #15 Posted January 13, 2014 Thanks, Terry, for the info on the 46th Comm. And thanks to all for the kind comments. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 13, 2014 Share #16 Posted January 13, 2014 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) Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 13, 2014 Share #17 Posted January 13, 2014 28th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE HAMILTON AFB, CA Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 13, 2014 Share #18 Posted January 13, 2014 29th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, COMMAND LANGLEY AFB, VA (Supporting HQ, Tactical Air Command) Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 13, 2014 Share #19 Posted January 13, 2014 1st AEROSPACE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP (Later: WING) (Redesignated: as the 55thCommunications Group, on 01 Apr 1993) Terry L. Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 13, 2014 Share #20 Posted January 13, 2014 31st COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, COMMAND OFFUTT AFB, NEBRASKA Terry L. Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvmhm Posted January 14, 2014 Share #21 Posted January 14, 2014 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 14, 2014 Share #22 Posted January 14, 2014 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 Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 14, 2014 Share #23 Posted January 14, 2014 14th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE (ADC) TOKOROZAWA CST, JAPAN Asigned to 71st MISSILE WARNING WING (ADC) Relocated to JOHNSON FHA, JAPAN Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 14, 2014 Share #24 Posted January 14, 2014 15th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE (ADC) Aviano AB, Italy Asigned to 71st MISSILE WARNING WING (ADC) Approved 31 Dec 1959 Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLHorstead Posted January 14, 2014 Share #25 Posted January 14, 2014 50th COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON, AIR FORCE Richards - Gebaur AFB, Missouri Assigned to Central NORAD Region Terry L Horstead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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