16th Special Operations Squadron
| 16th Special Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
AC-130A Hercules of the 16th Special Operations Squadron in 1974 | |
| Active | 1942–1944; 1944–1945; 1968–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Special operations Close air support |
| Part of | Air Force Special Operations Command 27th Special Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Cannon Air Force Base |
| Motto | Spectre |
| Engagements | World War II Vietnam War |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation (2x) Gallant Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 16th Special Operations Squadron emblem | |
| 16th Special Operations Squadron emblem | |
| 16th Combat Cargo Sq emblem | |
| 16th Ferrying Squadron emblem | |
The 16th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. It operates the AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft in support of special operations.
First formed in 1942, the 16th primarily flew cargo transport missions from India into Burma and China, and was deactivated following the Allied victory in World War II in 1945. It was then reformed in 1968, when it took up its current role and missions under the 1st Special Operations Wing. The 16th remained with the 1st Special Operations Wing throughout its service in Vietnam, and was later reassigned to the 27th Special Operations Group in 1992.
The 16th has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest award a U.S. Armed Forces unit can receive for valor in combat, twice in its history, along a Gallant Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam's Gallantry Cross.