18th Intelligence Squadron

The 18th Intelligence Squadron (18 IS) is a space control intelligence organization of the United States Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

The squadron provides, through space systems expertise, tailored intelligence to the planning, development, and execution of space control operations. The 18 IS consists of a headquarters element at Wright-Patterson AFB and two geographically separated detachments: Detachment 2, Osan AB, Korea; and Detachment 4, RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom.

The 18 IS is a subordinate unit to the 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, subordinate to Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency (AFISRA), a field operating agency subordinate to the Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (HQ USAF/XOI). Through fixed and mobile sites, 18th IS provides scientific and technical collection to the NSA (National Security Agency), AFISRA, AFMC (Air Force Materiel Command), and 21st Space Wing, Passive Space Surveillance (21 SW/PASS) mission. Where available, also provides limited analysis to the entities.

History

The 18th Intelligence Squadron was activated as the 381st Fighter Squadron on 11 Feb 1943, assigned to Hamilton Field, California. The 381st FS was re-designed as the 161st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 25 August 1944. In these early years, the unit served...
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