21st Special Operations Squadron

21st Special Operations Squadron
Active	1940–1946; 1956–1957; 1967–1975; 1988–2007; 2019–
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Special operations
Garrison/HQ	Yokota Air Base, Japan
Nickname(s)	Dust Devils[1]
Engagements	World War II Asiatic-Pacific Campaign (1941-1945) Vietnam War (1967–1973) Operation Frequent Wind Mayaguez incident[2] Gulf War NATO Operations Operation Deny Flight Operation Deliberate Force
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm
Insignia
21st Special Operations Squadron emblem (approved 18 October 1967, reinstated 1996)[2]
21st Special Operations Squadron emblem (approved 6 June 1995)[3]
21st Pursuit Squadron emblem (approved 20 December 1941)[4]

The 21st Special Operations Squadron is a unit within the 353rd Special Operations Wing, United States Air Force based at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The unit has been activated and inactivated a number of times in its history. Prior to October 2007 it was with the 352nd Special Operations Group, United States Air Force, United States European Command, and based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England.

It can trace its roots back to the 21st Pursuit Squadron, which was activated on 1 February 1940 at Moffett Field, California. It took part in the combat in the Philippine Islands, from 8 December 1941. Being inactivated on 2 April 1946, later being activated as the 21st Helicopter Squadron, and inactivated again. Then activated for the Vietnam war on 30 June 1967, assigned to Tactical Air Command, later being redesignated the 21st Special Operations Squadron on 1 August 1968. The squadron took part in both Operation Frequent Wind, and the Mayaguez incident. In addition to its combat duties, the unit has taken part in a number of humanitarian aid operations.