OFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. —

For 30 years, the men and women of the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron have conducted global reconnaissance and treaty verification missions at
Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

To commemorate the squadron’s 30 years of service at Offutt, Nebraska, State Sen. Rita
Sanders, Nebraska’s 45th District, has introduced a resolution in the 2024 Nebraska State Senate
congratulating the squadron on their achievements. The Senate passed the resolution
unanimously and sent a delegation to Offutt Air Force Base to present the resolution to
squadron on March 22, 2024.

Furthermore, on June 17, 2024, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation that
the squadron’s thirtieth birthday, July 1, 2024, as Wildcat Day in the state of Nebraska; he urged
all citizens of Nebraska to note the day as such and expressed their gratitude on behalf
the people of nebraska.

“You are part of the most important and most powerful air force base in the world,” Pillen said. “I
tell people all over Nebraska about Offutt Air Force Base how great the people are here
and how everyone who is stationed at Offutt falls in love with the people of Nebraska.
We are grateful for that, but most of all for all your great work to keep us safe and recognized
that takes place.”

The resolution and proclamation by the civic leaders of the state of Nebraska is public
recognizing the collective effort between local government and the United States Air Force to a
protect the homeland, its citizens, and US interests around the world.

Originally activated as the 423rd Night Fighter Squadron at Orlando AFB, Florida in
1943, the squadron will be redesignated as 155 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron
in the summer of 1944 when he flew the RAF’s Douglas F-3 Havoc reconnaissance aircraft
Chalgrove for night reconnaissance missions in the European Theatre. The squadron served with
distinction, including flying reconnaissance support in the Battle of the Bulge.

After World War II the squadron was redesignated the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance
Squadron, Night Photographic, and assigned to the Air National Guard until 1949, when it was
disabled.

The squadron was reactivated and deactivated several times to serve the United States
during both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

On 1 July 1994, the squadron was designated as 45 Reconnaissance Squadron and activated
at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

For 30 years, the men and women of the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, affectionately known as
The Wildcats have fulfilled their duty to uphold and defend the US Constitution against all
enemies through missions around the globe. Throughout those years, the squadron led
missions on board RC-135S COBRA BALL, RC-135U COMBAT SENT, WC-135 W/C/R
CONSTANT PHOENIX and OC-135B OPEN SKIES.