11 IS takes on 1 SOW heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman Dennis Spain
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The 11th Intelligence Squadron was re-designated to the 11th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron during a ceremony here Aug. 1.

The 11th SOIS is composed of approximately 500 personnel operating in 11 career fields including geospatial intelligence analyst, operations intelligence analyst and cyber systems operations specialist. The squadron focuses on providing tailored, full-motion video processing, exploitation and dissemination for special operations forces engaged in both combat and non-combat operations worldwide.

The unit renamed it’s squadron in an effort to standardize their organizational nomenclature with other squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Wing while highlighting its own distinct special operations forces heritage and mission.

During the ceremony, Staff Sgt. Andrew Bary, a multi-source analyst with the 11th SOIS, recounted the unit’s many de-activations, re-activations, re-designations and re-subordinations that have spanned over several decades before merging with the 1st SOW.

“The 11th IS's lineage originates from World War II when, on Oct. 20, 1943, the 5th Photographic Technical Squadron was activated,” Bary said. “Ten years ago today, the unit was re-activated as the 11th IS under Air Force Special Operations Command to deliver tailored and dedicated intelligence to special operations forces, and became the first imagery and full-motion video [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] unit specifically assigned to [AFSOC].”

Col. Stewart Hammons, commander of the 1st Special Operations Group, presided over the ceremony and spoke on the diligence of the 11th SOIS to be recognized as a special operations squadron.

“It wasn’t that hard of a decision,” he said. “In fact it wasn’t a decision at all up at AFSOC either. We had a few little hick-ups here and there at the Air Force level, but those were steam-rolled by the passion and zeal of the 11th IS to become a part of the culture and the nomenclature tied to being a special operations squadron.”

Chief Master Sgt. Warren Triche, chief enlisted manager of the 11th SOIS, discussed what separates Air Commandos from the rest.

“There’s a different state of mind that comes over you when you come through the front gate of Hurlburt,” Triche said. “Airmen are reminded that they are a part of an elite team which is comprised of an all-star roster of military professionals. A great deal of effort goes into making everyone assigned to this base take pride in being key players on the Air Commando team.”

Lt. Col. Shawn Ayers, commander of the 11th SOIS, displayed gratitude for the progress of his unit.

“We have senior leaders who appreciate our uniqueness in what we do and understand our mission and our challenges,” Ayers said. “And for that, the 11th SOIS is truly grateful for your support.”

With the ending of the ceremony, the 11th SOIS becomes the last unit in the 1st SOW to include Special Operations in their name.