711th Special Operations Squadron
| 711th Special Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1943–1945; 1949–1951; 1955–1957; 1971–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Special operations, Close Air Support, Interdiction, Armed Reconnaissance |
| Part of | Air Force Reserve Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Hurlburt Field, Florida |
| Colors | Blue (World War II) Brown (beret color, 2013-2022) |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Operation Just Cause Operation Desert Storm |
| Decorations | Gallant Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major General Richard S. Haddad |
| Insignia | |
| 711th Special Operations Squadron Emblem | |
| 711th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
| World War II fuselage code | IP |
| 447th Bombardment Group tail marking | Square K |
| Combat Aviation Advisor beret flash | |
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The 711th Special Operations Squadron is an active reserve squadron of the United States Air Force, part of the 919th Special Operations Wing and stationned at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The unit is operationally gained by Air Force Special Operations Command if called to active duty. As of February 2025 the squadron is being stood up to operate the Lockheed AC-130J Ghostrider from Hurlburt Field, Florida.
The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 711th Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theatre of Operations, where it engaged in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. 2d Lieutenant Robert E. Femoyer, of the 711th Bombardment Squadron, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during a mission over Merseburg, Germany, on 2 November 1944. The squadron returned to the United States following the war and was inactivated.
The squadron was activated in the reserves as a light bomber unit in 1949 and served until it was called to active duty in 1951 as a result of the Korean War and its personnel used as fillers for other units. In 1955, the squadron was again activated in the reserves as the 711th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. It trained with Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars and North American F-86 Sabres until being replaced by the 69th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1957.
The squadron activated in 1971 as the 711th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Duke Field, Florida with the mission of intratheater airlift, using Lockheed C-130 Hercules Aircraft. Three years later, it converted to the AC-130 gunship model of the Hercules and became the 711th Special Operations Squadron. In 1995 it converted to a third type of C-130 when it began to fly the MC-130 Combat Talon model. In 2013 it re-equipped with PZL C-145A Skytrucks and its mission became one of providing training and support for friendly nations. The Squadron was inactive between 2022 and 2025 after the retirement of the MC-145. In February 2025 the air force announced the squadron would begin operating the AC-130J out of Hurlburt Field, Florida.