Legacy of Major General Doyle E. Larson

Members of the 390th IS take a unit photo in front of an RC-135.

The 390th Intelligence Squadron ensures information superiority to the "last tactical mile," by providing tailored intelligence to warfighters, combatant commanders, and national decision-makers. The unit's airborne cryptologic linguist aircrew, airborne special signals operators, airborne maintenance specialists and information integration officers, fly operational reconnaissance missions aboard the RC-135 Rivet Joint - the USAF's premier manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft - in both U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command and augment other 55th Wing requirements as necessary.

In the run-up to a crisis, the RC-135 conducts intelligence preparation of the battlefield, while during contingencies or war, the unit provides near-real time information awareness to command and control assets and direct threat warning support to tactical aircraft and other warfighters. When tasked, the unit can also augment crews aboard the RC-135U Combat Sent and RC-135S Cobra Ball.

The 390th IS originally commenced operations as the 6990th Security Squadron, United States Air Force Security Service. Activated by Maj. Gen. (then a Lieutenant Colonel) Doyle E. Larson on July 15, 1967, the unit's mission, along with its sister squadron the 82nd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, was to conduct airborne reconnaissance and direct intelligence support operations aboard the RC-135M model of today's RC-135V/W Rivet Joint, so-called Combat Apple missions. Customers included tactical Commanders, all friendly aircraft operating over the skies of North Vietnam and certain national agencies; hence the unit's warrior creed, "Born in Battle."

Additionally, members of the 6990th also conducted similar direct support operations flying aboard C-130 aircraft from the unit's detachment at Cam Ranh Bay, Republic of South Vietnam.

In Sept. 1971, the unit was redesignated the 6990th Security Group, USAFSS, and headquartered at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, to cope with its expanding cryptologic role in the Pacific theater as well as the addition of Communication Security responsibilities.

On Aug. 1, 1979, the USAFSS was redesignated as Electronic Security Command and the 6990th Security Group was renamed the 6990th Electronic Security Squadron that same month.

The reorganization expanded the command's and the unit's operational missions to include the use of electronic warfare capabilities for both offensive and defensive combat operations in support of Air Force command, control and countermeasures. This increased responsibility once again eventually elevated the unit to group status on May 1, 1980.

On April 1, 1990, due to the restructuring of the unit's tasking, the unit was again designated a squadron. On Oct. 1, 1993, the 6990th ESS was redesignated the 390th IS. Today, all 241 of the 390th's Airmen are recognized worldwide for their continued excellence.

They are currently participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, supporting PACOM intelligence requirements and participating in the Global War on Terrorism writ large.

On Aug, 24, the men and women of the 90th will hold their 40th Anniversary Dining Out, an event that holds special significance due to the recent passing of the unit's founding commander, Maj. Gen. Doyle E. Larson, on Aug. 14.

While most of the men and women of today's 90th never met General Larson, they hold his legacy dear, epitomize the values he represented and expertly do what he tasked the unit to do so many years ago when the unit was "Born in Battle" - fly the very best RC-135 missions they can in support of our nation's freedom.

Through their diverse backgrounds and specialties and their combined efforts to ensure mission success, they execute his last order to the unit every day: "Keep Larson Hall Shining!"

©Suburban Newspapers 2007