ABOUT 274TH AIR SUPPORT OPERATIONS SQUADRON
- Origins and Activation: The 274th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) was originally constituted as the 274th Fighter Squadron during World War II, and later re-designated to fulfill its current mission supporting tactical air operations.
- Mission Role: The 274th ASOS provides Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialists and Air Liaison Officers who coordinate close air support for Army units, enhancing joint operations effectiveness.
- New York Air National Guard: The squadron is a part of the New York Air National Guard and is based at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York.
- Combat Deployments: Members of the 274th ASOS have been deployed to various theaters, including Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Disaster Response: The 274th ASOS has participated in domestic operations, including providing critical communications and air support coordination during natural disasters within the United States.
- Specialized Training: The squadron’s Tactical Air Control Party Airmen undergo rigorous physical and technical training, including survival, evasion, and advanced communications courses.
- Joint Operations: The squadron regularly trains and operates alongside U.S. Army units, especially the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, enhancing joint force integration.
- Call Sign "Syracuse": The unit is commonly referred to by the call sign "Syracuse" in radio communications and operational contexts.
- Unit Motto: The 274th ASOS’s unofficial motto, “First In, Last Out,” reflects its commitment to supporting ground forces from the start to the end of operations.
- Recognition and Awards: The squadron and its members have received numerous awards for valor and excellence, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and individual commendations for actions in combat.