Description

12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Patch

Attention all military history enthusiasts and collectors! Introducing the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Patch – a stunning embroidered patch that pays homage to the brave men who served in the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. Measuring 4 inches, this patch is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the history and legacy of military aviation.

• 4-inch patch
• Embroidered
• US Veteran-Owned Business
• Reproduction

On 3 November 1965, the outfit was redesignated the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (Photographic) and assigned to Tactical Air Command. It was reactivated at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho on 1 July 1966, and organized there about 8 July, assigned again (temporarily) to the 67th Wing. At this time the unit was equipped with McDonnell RF-4C Phantom II reconnaissance aircraft. On 2 September of that year, the unit deployed to Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, where it became a part of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing on 9 September.[3]

In the first four full months of operation in Southeast Asia, crews of the 12th TRS flew 2,014 combat sorties against pinpoint, strip, and area cover targets in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and Laos. Approximately two-thirds of these were flown at night. Continuous information on enemy supply movements, troop concentrations, and fortifications was obtained from aerial photography taken by the 12th. In addition, photography taken by the unit was used in bomb damage assessment, base defense planning, and enemy air defense site detection. The 12th flew more than 26,000 combat sorties and 53,000 hours over a 5-year period. This was more than in both World Wars and Korea combined.[3]

Post-Vietnam

The 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron moved to Bergstrom AFB, Texas, on 20 August 1971, where it became – once again – a component of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. The unit made annual Salty Bee exercise deployments to USAFE bases in Europe, participated in exercises throughout North America, and was actively involved in the Peacetime Aerial Reconnaissance Program (PARPRO). Modifications to the RF-4C added the capability to designated targets for laser guided munitions. Crews and aircraft from the 12th deployed to the Middle East to take part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. On 28 August 1992 with the retirement of the RF-4C Phantom, the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was inactivated at Bergstrom AFB, Texas.

Get your hands on the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Patch today and show your support for the brave men who served in this storied unit. Display it proudly on your flight jacket, backpack, or anywhere else you want to show your love and admiration for military aviation.