414th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron
The 414th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is a provisional United States Air Force unit. It operates the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator, last known assigned to the 39th Expeditionary Operations Group, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 39th Expeditionary Operations Group was part of the 39th Air Expeditionary Wing (manned by the 39th Air Base Wing). It controls the launch and landing of the Predator air vehicles.
| 414th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron | |
|---|---|
A squadron MQ-1B Predator on the flight line at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 2011–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | United States Air Forces in Europe |
| Nickname(s) | All American |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Meritorious Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 414th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron emblem | |
| 414th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
The squadron was activated as the 24th Reconnaissance Squadron in February 1942. Shortly thereafter, it was redesignated as the 414th Bombardment Squadron. After brief training in the United States with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft, it was one of the first heavy bomber squadrons to deploy to the European Theater of Operations. At the end of the year, following Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa, it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany from the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions. Following V-E Day, it was inactivated in Italy.
The squadron was converted to provisional status under its current designation in 2011.