17TH SPECIAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON HISTORY


The 17th Special Operations Squadron traces its heritage back to World War II when the unit was activated as the 17th Observation Squadron (Light) on March 2, 1942. The squadron performed antisubmarine patrols off the west coast of the United States from May through September 1942. The squadron was re-designated the 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment) on April 2, 1943. Personnel from the unit trained in North American B-25 Mitchells at Laurel Army Airfield, Miss., in preparation for combat in the Pacific.

Members of the 17th began combat operations from New Guinea in January 1944. Flying armed reconnaissance was the squadron's primary mission. The 17th wreaked havoc with Japanese shipping throughout the Bismarck and Solomon Seas, destroying countless enemy ships. During the Battle of Cape Waios, ten Mitchells from the 17th RS(B) intercepted a Japanese task force intended on retaking the island of Biak. The squadron commander, Maj. William G. Tennille,