13th Reconnaissance Squadron
The squadron provides theater commanders with near-real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition data. The 13th flew combat in the European Theater of Operations from 28 March 1943 – 26 April 1945. In 1952, it converted to a troop carrier mission and provided intra-theater airlift for high-ranking USAFE military and civilian officials and small mission-essential equipment from, 1987–1993. In 1987, it was renamed the 13th Military Airlift Squadron. The squadron moved without personnel and equipment to McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, on 1 October 1993 and absorbed personnel and equipment of the 30th Airlift Squadron and was renamed the 13th Airlift Squadron. Equipped with C-141, the squadron took on a new worldwide airlift mission until its inactivation in 2000. Since 2005 the 13th has operated and maintained deployable, long-endurance RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft and ground control elements to fulfill training and operational requirements generated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in support of unified commanders and the Secretary of Defense. It currently trains all RQ-4B pilots and sensor operators. Activated on 20 June 1942
 Redesignated 13th Photographic Squadron (Light) on 6 February 1943
 Redesignated 13th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 13 November 1943
 Inactivated on 1 December 1945
 Activated in the reserve on 6 July 1947
 Inactivated on 27 June 1949
 Activated in the reserve on 14 June 1952
 Inactivated on 1 April 1953
 Activated on 1 October 1987
 Redesignated 13 Airlift Squadron on 1 April 1992
 Inactivated on 31 March 2000
 Activated in the reserve on 12 March 2005 Explanatory notes
 Citations
History ; Airlift
The 13th Reconnaissance Squadron is part of the 926th Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California.