321st Special Tactics Squadron


The 321st Special Tactics Squadron is an active ground unit, within the 752d Special Operations Group, United States Air Force, United States European Command, and is based at RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, eastern England.
This squadron, combined with the unit's sister airborne units in the 752d Special Operations Group, allows the group to be capable of handling situations within a 4,300 km range of RAF Mildenhall, or further with fuel stops, and make up the special operations forces element of the United States Air Forces in Europe. Their specialized training and support structure make them a very versatile unit.

Mission

The 321st STS provides a Quick reaction, Rapid deployment force to establish and provide air-to-ground control during special operations or conventional missions. Its combat controllers and pararescuemen conduct the reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment, and creation of assault zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control missions. They also provide combat trauma medical care, personnel recovery and terminal attack control of munitions delivered by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron also has special operations weathermen assigned to provide weather support for other military forces.

History

Constituted as 321 Fighter Control Squadron, and activated, on 15 May 1943 at Bradley Field, CT. Inactivated on 16 Nov 1945. Disbanded on 8 October 1948. Reconstituted, and redesignated as 321 Special Tactics Squadron, on 20 Feb 1992. Activated on 31 March 1992, assigned to 752nd Special Operations Group, 352nd Special Operations Wing.

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