17th TRS

• Origins in World War II: The 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) traces its lineage to the 17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, activated in 1942, playing a key role in World War II aerial intelligence gathering. • Pacific Theater Operations: During WWII, the squadron was assigned to the Pacific Theater, conducting photographic missions over Japanese-held islands, including critical pre-invasion reconnaissance of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. • Famed Aircraft: The unit flew legendary reconnaissance aircraft such as the F-5 Lightning (a reconnaissance version of the P-38) and later the F-6 Mustang (a modified P-51) during WWII. • Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, the 17th TRS flew RF-80 Shooting Star jets, providing valuable intelligence for UN forces and earning a Distinguished Unit Citation. • Cold War Missions: In the 1950s and 1960s, the squadron operated the RF-101 Voodoo and RF-4C Phantom II, conducting reconnaissance missions in Europe and supporting NATO operations. • Vietnam War Deployments: The 17th TRS was deployed to Southeast Asia, flying hazardous photo-reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam, gathering crucial information on enemy troop movements and supply lines. • Decorated Service: The squadron has earned multiple awards, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, for its extraordinary performance in multiple conflicts. • Technological Innovation: The 17th TRS was among the first units to integrate high-speed jet reconnaissance and advanced camera systems, pushing the envelope of aerial intelligence capabilities. • Emblem and Motto: The squadron’s emblem features a winged camera, symbolizing its reconnaissance mission. Its unofficial motto is “Eyes of the Force.” • Modern Legacy: Although inactivated and reactivated several times, the 17th TRS’s legacy lives on in the modern U.S. Air Force’s reconnaissance and intelligence units, inspiring new generations of aerial scouts.