603rd Special Operations Squadron: Difference between revisions

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==Planes==
==Planes==
The following planes were assigned to the 603rd Air Commando Squadron, Detachement-1 - otherwise known as Operation Big Eagle. These planes were the first B-26Ks in Vietnam and were attached to the [[606th Air Commando Squadron]]. In Jan 1967 all of these surviving planes were transferred to the [[606th Air Commando Squadron]].  
The following planes were assigned to the 603rd Air Commando Squadron, Detachement-1 - otherwise known as Operation Big Eagle. These planes were the first B-26Ks in Vietnam and were attached to the [[606th Air Commando Squadron]]. In Jan 1967 all of these surviving planes were transferred to the [[606th Air Commando Squadron]].  
[[File:Big Eagle A-26A.jpg|600px]]


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"

Revision as of 17:18, 10 February 2021

603rd Special Ops Sqd
603ACS.jpg
Air Force:
Division:
Wing: 1st Air Commando Wing
Active:
Theater
Motto:
Aircraft: Douglas B-26K


This unit was originally known as the 603rd Fighter Squadron (Composite). They were renamed to the 603rd Air Commando Squadron circa 1965.

The 603rd Air Commando Squadron was renamed the 603rd Special Operations Squadron during 1968.

The Squadron's parent unit was the 1st Special Operations Wing. However, in 1966 a detachment of planes from this squadron, Detachment-1, were sent to Nakhon Phanom Air Base and attached to the 606th Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing.

This is the patch that was worn by Detachment-1 while they were stationed at Nakhon Phanom Air Base.
603ACSDet1 NKP.JPG

After the detachment duty was completed the 603rd returned to normal duties at England AFB. This is the patch that was worn while the unit was stationed at England AFB.
603SOS England.JPG

Later the Squadron was moved to Hurlburt Field and became a training squadron tasked with training new B-26K pilots on tactics and maneuvers. This patch was worn by the unit when they were a Special Operations Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field.
603SOTS Hurlburt.JPG

Planes

The following planes were assigned to the 603rd Air Commando Squadron, Detachement-1 - otherwise known as Operation Big Eagle. These planes were the first B-26Ks in Vietnam and were attached to the 606th Air Commando Squadron. In Jan 1967 all of these surviving planes were transferred to the 606th Air Commando Squadron.

Big Eagle A-26A.jpg

Serial Number Date Assigned Date Attached to 606th. Comments
64-17643 3 Aug 1964 11 Jul 1966 Sent to Vietnam. Glass Nose. Crashed 25 Jul 1966.
64-17650 9 Sep 1964 11 Jun 1966 Sent to Vietnam. Shot down 28 Jun 1966.
64-17665 6 Jan 1965 11 Jun 1966 Sent to Vietnam. Scrapped.
64-17667 16 Jan 1965 11 Jun 1966 Sent to Vietnam. Shot down 23 Mar 1969.
64-17668 21 Jan 1965 11 Jun 1966 Shot down 22 Feb 1967.
64-17669 2 Feb 1965 11 Jun 1966 Destroyed 22 Feb 1967 when 64-17668 exploded in flight beside it.
64-17676 23 Mar 1965 11 Jun 1966 Sent to Vietnam. On disply at Wright-Patterson.
64-17672 22 Feb 1965 11 Jun 1966 Sent to Vietnam. Shot down 14 Dec 1966.

Images

603rd Plane dropping practice bomb.jpg
Night Mission.jpg