7th Expeditionary AirborneCommand and Control Squadron

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Maj David “Ralphie” Fisher7 EACCS/DO

24 Dec 09

7 (E)ACCS Historyand Patch Redesign

BLUF

Request your permission to return the 7 EACCS patch to its historical design

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7 ACCS History (1)

The squadron was formed as the 7th Airborne Comand and Control Squadron (ACCS) in September 1965 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, flying the C-130 (later EC-130).

The 7 ACCS played an extremely important role in the conduct of air operations during the conflict in Southeast Asia (SEA) from 1965 through the cessation of operations in Cambodia in 1972. During the action in SEA, the squadron had a minimum of two aircraft airborne 24 hours a day directing and coordinating the effective employment of tactical air resources as an extension of the 7th Air Force Tactical Air Control Center (TACC) at Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam.

SEA Storyboard

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7 ACCS History (2)

The squadron acted as the Airborne Mission Commander for the evacuations of Phnom Penh and Saigon, the recovery of the merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew, and the US Marine assault on Koh Tang Island.

7 ACCS History (3)

Other accomplishments of ABCCC as 7th ACCS include the American student rescue operation in Grenada, Operation URGENT FURY (November 1983), the recovery efforts of Texas Congressman Mickey Leland (August 1989), and the invasion of Panama, Operation JUST CAUSE (December 1989).

The 7th ACCS deployed nearly 9000 miles in a matter of days in to the United Arab Emirates in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD. During Operation DESERT STORM the squadron directly supported the overall destruction of Iraqi ground units, SCUD missile sites, and other targets of interest, including the Republican Guard Forces.

In July 1993 the 7 ACCS deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of the United Nations ground forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Operation DENY FLIGHT and subsequently Operation Joint Endeavor. During the summer of 1994, the men, women, aircraft and equipment of the ABCCC relocated to Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. On 20 July 1994, the 7 ACCS stood down and became the 42 ACCS under the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ.

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7 EACCS History

From November 2001 to January 2003 E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft and crews of the 12th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, from the 93 ACW and subsequently the 116 ACW at Robins AFB, GA, deployed to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, in Support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. From January 2003 to May 2003 E-8 JSTARS aircraft and crews redeployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in Support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

E-8 JSTARS redeployed to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, in May of 2003 as the 16th, 128th, 12th, and 116th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron.

The Squadron was re-designated 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron (EACCS), and converted to provisional status, on 19 Mar 2008, flying the E-8C JSTARS. In July 2009 the 7 EACCS received its first permanent squadron commander who will serve for a period of one year.

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7 ACCS Patch History

Emblem On a Light Blue disc fimbriated White within a Yellow band a stylized White bird

detailed Black with wings extending to base emitting two Red lightning bolts to dexter and sinister base. Originally approved on 17 Feb 1977 (KE 61927) revised in 1994; replaced emblems approved on 28 Feb 1956 (K 9866) and 5 Jul 1945 (K 3760).

17 Feb 1977Circa 1969Vietnam

1994

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7 EACCS Patch History

Current In 1998 the following patch was adopted. Large Spade shape with lightning bolt. Ace

of Spades playing card superimposed. Three smaller playing cards arrayed in a hand of three: 128 clubs suit, 16 hearts suit, and 12 diamonds suit. All three smaller cards have one star in the middle. Upper tab with JSTARS. Lower Tab with 7 EACCS. Desert subdued color scheme.

Current Patch not Approved

2008Not Approved

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7 EACCS Patch Redesign

Proposed new design Return to original approved design. On a Light Blue disc fimbriated White within a

Yellow band a stylized White bird detailed Black with wings extending to base emitting two Red lightning bolts to dexter and sinister base. Upper tab with JSTARS in Yellow . Lower Tab with 7 EACCS in Yellow. Similar design with desert subdued color scheme.

Originally approved on 17 Feb 1977 (KE 61927) revised in 1994; replaced emblems approved on 28 Feb 1956 (K 9866) and 5 Jul 1945 (K 3760).

Proposed Dec 2009 Proposed Dec 2009

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Questions