Photo By Staff Sgt. Mercedes Taylor | Members and former members of the 50th Airlift Squadron pose for a photo during the...... read more read more
Maj. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz Jr., vice commander of the Air Mobility Command, and the 53rd 50th Airlift Squadron commander, and current 50th AS commander, Lt. Col James O’Brien III, addressed a crowd of more than 100 people attending an opening ceremony for a two-day squadron reunion here on April 1-2.
“We are honored to have so many former Red Devils here today to help celebrate the 50th Airlift Squadron’s rich heritage and long list of accomplishments,” said O’Brien. “It’s truly incredible and inspiring to look back at the 74 years of service this squadron has given t our nation. Thank you for being here and building… the Fight’n Five-O!”
Built on more than 70 years of tradition, the “Fighting Five-O” has seen action in every major campaign since World War II.
Activated Jun. 15, 1942, as the 50th Troop Carrier Squadron, the unit was located at Drew Field, Florida. Less than one year later in May 1943, the squadron flew their C-47 Skytrains into combat during World War II. They also participated in the Allied Invasion of the European Continent on June 6, 1944, commonly referred to as D-Day.
Deemed, “The Red Devils,” the unit received its third Presidential Unit Citation for gallantry and heroism while performing resupply missions for U.S. Army and Marine Crops units in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir in Korea.
From 1966 through 1973, “Fight’n Five-O” aircrews frequently flew combat support missions in Southeast Asia. Since then, the squadron has conducted numerous humanitarian airlift missions and accomplished multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Resolute Support.
Schatz reminded the crowd of their proud past. “The 50th has a great history and all of you played a part. It’s been a great ride for those of you who’ve worn this patch. Once a Red Devil, always a Red Devil.”
The reunion served as an opportunity for 50 AS veterans to reconnect, remember their heritage and with meet generational members.
A golf tournament was held April 2, followed with a barbecue at the base lake and included a bounce house for children and canoes for families to navigate the lake.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2017 13:04 |
| Story ID: | 237510 |
| Location: | LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 256 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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