Rob Walton

The 6988th Security Squadron was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit activated in the early 1950s during the Korean War. Stationed primarily at Yokota Air Base, Japan, the squadron played a crucial role in monitoring and intercepting enemy communications throughout the Far East. Its personnel operated sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment aboard airborne and ground platforms, providing vital intelligence to U.S. and allied commanders. The 6988th contributed significantly to the U.S. Air Force Security Service’s mission until its eventual inactivation and consolidation into other intelligence units in the 1970s.

The 6990th Security Group was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit activated in 1965 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Its primary mission was to provide electronic surveillance and intelligence support during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War in the Pacific region. The group operated RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and other intelligence-gathering platforms, intercepting and analyzing communications from adversaries. The 6990th Security Group remained active until it was inactivated in 1993 as part of post-Cold War restructuring of Air Force intelligence assets.