23rd Special Tactics Squadron

Mission
The unit trains, equips and employs combat control, pararescue, and support personnel in response to Presidential/Secretary of Defense taskings. The primary task is to integrate, synchronize, and/or control the elements of air and space power in the objective area.

The unit performs austere airfield control, terminal attack control, personnel rescue and recovery, assault zone assessment, battlefield trauma care, direct action, and special reconnaissance.

Lineage
Constituted 23rd Fighter Control Squadron (Special) on 10 Jan 1943. Activated on 6 Feb 1943. Redesignated 23rd Fighter Control Squadron on 16 Sep 1943. Inactivated on 29 Oct 1945. Disbanded on 8 Oct 1948. Reconsituted, and consolidated (1 Mar 1992) with 1723rd Combat Control Squadron. Redesignated 1723rd Special tactics Squadron on 1 Apr 1990; 23rd Special Tactics Squadron on 31 Mar 1992.

Emblem Significance
Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe stands for the worldwide commitment of Special Tactics Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen. The two shades of blue signify night and day deployment capability. The parachute and the dagger denote infiltration and commando operations respectively. The arrows represent triple threat capabilities--land, sea, or air. The lightning bolt indicates quick action medical and communications capabilities. The lamp of knowledge reflects the civic action role of the unit, i.e. the unit functions as teachers and medical providers as well as warriors.

Units