World War II

The squadron was established in mid-1943 as the 70th Reconnaissance Squadron, a tactical reconnaissance squadron. Shortly afterwards the squadron converted to a photographic reconnaissance unit and was redesignated the 31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron. It trained in the southeast United States as an element of Third Air Force.^[2]

The squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations in the spring of 1944. It was initially engaged in aerial photography of the French English Channel coastline and Low Countries. The squadron flew Lockheed F-4 and F-5 Lightnings, and North American F-6 Mustang reconnaissance aircraft supporting Allied buildup for the Normandy Invasion. It furnished vitally important photographs of the beaches and defenses on the Continent for briefing and training of assault troops. The unit's low-level missions under difficult weather and combat conditions led to the awarding of the Distinguished Unit Citation for the period of 6 through 20 May 1944.^[2] After D-Day, the squadron moved to France and performed battlefield tactical reconnaissance^[2] primarily for the Third Army, but also for First and Ninth Armies during the Northern France Campaign in 1944. The squadron moved into Germany in the spring of 1945 continuing to supply battlefield reconnaissance for Army ground forces.^[2]

After the German surrender the 31st remained as part of the United States Air Forces in Europe occupation forces, gradually drawing down during the fall of 1945 until inactivated.^[2]

Air Force reserve

The squadron was activated again in the reserves as the 31st Reconnaissance Squadron in 1947. It was redesignated the 33d Reconnaissance Squadron (apparently to avoid confusion with the regular USAF 31st Reconnaissance Squadron). The squadron never reached full strength or received aircraft before inactivation when Continental Air Command reorganized its reserve units under the wing base organization plan.^[2]

Intelligence activities

The 6933d Electronic Security Squadron was activated by Electronic Security Command in Panama at Howard Air Force Base on 1 October 1985. Starting in December 1989 and continuing into the end of the operation in 1990 the squadron conducted signals intelligence and other intelligence missions and supported Operation Just Cause in 1989–1990.^[4] By 1993 the USAF was eliminating its Major Command controlled (MAJCON) (four digit) units. To preserve the heritage of the 6933d, the squadron was consolidated with the 33d Reconnaissance Squadron as the 33rd Intelligence Squadron. It continued to provide intelligence support in Panama until inactivating on 30 June 1996.

The squadron was again activated on 1 August 2000 as the 33rd Information Operations Squadron at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. It conducted information operations and after 5 July 2005, network defense operations. It was redesignated the 33rd Network Warfare Squadron in July 2007 and the 33rd Cyberspace Operations Squadron in 2022.^[1]

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft

• Lockheed F-5 Lightning, 1943–1945
• Lockheed F-4 Lightning, 1943–1944
• North American F-6 Mustang, 1945^[1]

Awards and Campaigns