1st ASA Avn Company (R)

The 1st ASA Aviation Company (Radio), often abbreviated as 1st ASA Avn Co (R), was a specialized aviation unit within the U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA) during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1960s, the unit’s primary mission was to provide aerial signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and electronic surveillance in support of U.S. and allied operations, particularly in Southeast Asia. Utilizing modified aircraft such as the RU-6A Beaver and RU-8D Seminole, the company flew numerous reconnaissance missions over Vietnam, gathering critical intelligence on enemy communications and movements. The 1st ASA Avn Co (R) played a vital role in enhancing battlefield awareness and supporting tactical operations until its eventual inactivation as Army aviation and intelligence capabilities were reorganized in the post-Vietnam period.