About this Unit
The 66th Air Police Squadron was activated as part of the United States Air Force during the early years of the Cold War. Assigned to the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, the unit was stationed at various bases in Europe, including RAF Sculthorpe and later RAF Upper Heyford in the United Kingdom. Its primary mission was to provide security and law enforcement for Air Force personnel, aircraft, and sensitive installations, especially during heightened tensions between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces. The squadron contributed to base defense, response to security incidents, and the broader mission of protecting U.S. air operations in Europe until it was eventually redesignated as a Security Police unit in line with USAF organizational changes.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Cold War: The 66th Air Police traces its roots to the early Cold War era, established to provide security for key USAF assets in Europe during a time of heightened tension with the Soviet Union.
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Association with the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing: The 66th Air Police Squadron was part of the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, stationed at bases such as RAF Upper Heyford and later RAF Woodbridge in the United Kingdom.
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Guardians of Nuclear Weapons: Members of the 66th Air Police were tasked with the critical responsibility of protecting nuclear weapons storage sites, including "Special Weapons" bunkers, during their tenure in the UK.
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Uniform Evolution: The 66th Air Police wore distinctive blue Air Police armbands and brassards in the 1950s and transitioned to Security Police identifiers as the USAF standardized its security forces.
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Rendlesham Forest Incident: Security forces from the 66th, while based at RAF Woodbridge, were directly involved in the famous 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO incident. They responded to reports of strange lights and unexplained phenomena near the base perimeter.
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International Cooperation: The squadron worked closely with British police and military security units, particularly during NATO exercises and security alerts, fostering a unique Anglo-American defense relationship.
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Training Innovations: The 66th Air Police were among the first in Europe to implement new USAF security protocols, including advanced weapons training and early adoption of K-9 patrol units for perimeter defense.
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Base Security During Heightened Threats: During periods of increased threat, such as the Berlin Crisis and Cuban Missile Crisis, the 66th Air Police increased patrols and readiness, sometimes working 12-hour shifts to maintain security.
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Transition to Security Police: In the late 1960s, the unit was redesignated from "Air Police" to "Security Police" in line with USAF-wide changes, reflecting expanded duties beyond law enforcement to include anti-sabotage and counter-terrorism.
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Legacy and Honors: Veterans of the 66th Air Police/Security Police have held reunions and maintain a strong legacy of camaraderie and service, with their contributions commemorated in both USAF and RAF historical records.
