301st Intelligence Squadron celebrates 65th anniversary

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Lassiter
  • 301st Intelligence Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 301st Intelligence Squadron recently held a luncheon at Misawa's Enlisted Club to celebrate its 65th Anniversary in February.

"This was a great event and was very well put together," said Tech. Sgt. Brad Jones, 301st Intelligence Squadron.

The 75-plus guests enjoyed a slide show presentation that continuously played throughout the luncheon and contained pictures from as far back as the 1950s. The pictures included past squadron members, images of how the facility has expanded, as well as more recent photos.

The luncheon festivities began with the posting of the colors by the Misawa Honor Guard and the playing of the Japanese and U.S. national anthems. After a few opening remarks by the Mistress of Ceremonies Tech. Sgt. Melissa Jordan, the 301st took a few moments to recognize 18 squadron members who were killed or remain missing in action. The base honor guard then performed a solemn prisoners of war/missing in action ceremony.

After a brief invocation by Chap. (Captain) Ralph Elliot, lunch was served. The honored guests and veterans and squadron members interacted and heard their old "war stories" as they enjoyed the meal. When the meal was finished, the veterans were asked to come to the front of the room to share some of their fondest memories and answer questions.

Lt. Col. Eva Jenkins, 301st Intelligence Squadron commander, asked the veterans to share a favorite memory of their time in the unit. Everyone shared a few laughs as they reminisced about the years.

After the luncheon, Colonel Jenkins presented each veteran with a squadron coin to thank them for being a part of the historic event. The event culminated with everyone participating in the squadron chant "silent in the search, ferocious in the fight!" and the singing of the Air Force song.

Colonel Jenkins said she thought the event was well put together and should be repeated. Sergeant Jones agreed.

"I think we should definitely do it again next year," said Sergeant Jones.

The squadron has existed in one way or another for 65 years. The 301st Intelligence Squadron was originally activated as the 138th Signal Radio Intelligence Company at Fort George Wright, Spokane Wash., February 7, 1942. During the war years the unit moved several times and performed various missions as a subordinate unit of the Department of the Army.

Previously designated as the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile, the unit was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Security Service while remaining at Johnson Air Base, Japan. In January 1953, the squadron relocated to Misawa and 19 years later it was re-designated as the 6921st Security Wing.

In October 1978, the unit was in-activated and re-activated as the 6920th Security Squadron. Less than a year later it was re-designated as the 6920th Electronic Security Group.

In October 1992, the unit became truly multi-service as the operational components of the Naval Security Group Activity, Misawa, the Company E Marines, and the 750th Military Intelligence Company consolidated with the 6920th Electronic Security Group to become the Misawa Cryptologic Operations Center. One year later, the 6920th Electronic Security Group became the 301st Intelligence Squadron, its current designator. On August 16, 2000, the 301st was assigned to the 70th Intelligence Wing and later transferred to the 373rd Intelligence Group September 7, 2000.