About this Unit
The 6993rd Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit established during the Vietnam War era, with a presence at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. Activated in 1966, the squadron specialized in airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, particularly using EC-47 aircraft to intercept enemy communications in Southeast Asia. Personnel from the 6993rd provided critical real-time intelligence to U.S. and allied forces, significantly contributing to the effectiveness of air and ground operations during the conflict. The unit's legacy is marked by its pioneering role in electronic warfare and its vital contributions to Cold War-era intelligence efforts.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Cold War: The 6993rd Security Squadron was activated in July 1965 at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, as part of the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS), focusing on signals intelligence (SIGINT) during the height of the Cold War.
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Vietnam War Missions: The squadron became renowned for its airborne radio direction finding missions over Southeast Asia, primarily using EC-47 aircraft to locate enemy communications and support U.S. and allied ground operations during the Vietnam War.
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“Silent Warriors” Nickname: Members of the 6993rd were often referred to as “Silent Warriors” because of their secretive intelligence-gathering operations, which played a crucial but unheralded role in military successes.
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Highly Decorated Unit: The 6993rd Security Squadron received multiple commendations, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device, for its exceptional performance in hostile environments.
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The EC-47 “Electric Goon”: The unit’s primary platform, the EC-47, was a modified C-47 transport aircraft equipped with sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment, earning the affectionate nickname “Electric Goon.”
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Tragic Losses: The squadron endured the loss of several crews and aircraft due to enemy fire and operational hazards, making it one of the most dangerous Air Force assignments during the Vietnam conflict.
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Kelly AFB’s Intelligence Hub: Kelly Air Force Base served as a major intelligence and cryptologic center, and the 6993rd played a key role in training and deploying airborne intelligence specialists globally.
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Role in the Tet Offensive: The 6993rd’s intelligence work was critical during the 1968 Tet Offensive, helping to intercept and locate Viet Cong and North Vietnamese communications, directly impacting the allied response.
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Women in Intelligence: The squadron was among the first to integrate women into airborne SIGINT operations, reflecting the changing gender dynamics of the U.S. military in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
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Legacy and Associations: The 6993rd Security Squadron was inactivated in 1974, but its legacy continues through veteran associations and reunions, as well as the preservation of EC-47 aircraft on display at museums across the United States.
