The first predecessor of the squadron was the 1st Photographic Lab Section, which was activated in October 1943 at Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma. After training in the United States, it served with Ninth Air Force in the European Theater of Operations until V-E Day, advancing across Northern Europe with American Forces. It remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces until inactivating in November 1945.[1]
Strategic reconnaissance
The 90th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron was activated at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas in June 1952 to provide processing and interpretation of reconnaissance products for the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. In the fall of that year a second reconnaissance wing became operational at Forbes, and the 90th was replaced by the 815th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, which supported the 90th and 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wings until inactivating in the summer of 1958. These two squadrons and the World War II era 1st Photographic Technical Unit were consolidated into a single unit in October 1984 and given the designation 24 Reconnaissance Technical Squadron.[1]
Intelligence support in Hawaii
In 1980, Electronic Security Command organized the 6924th Electronic Security Squadron at Wheeler Air Force Base, Hawaii. In the 1990s, the Air Force eliminated units whose organization was controlled by its Major Commands (MAJCON or 4-digit units) The 6924th was converted to an Air Force controlled unit by consolidating it with the 24 Reconnaissance Technical Squadron (which had never been active with this designation) as the 324 Intelligence Squadron.[1]
Lineage
1st Photographic Technical Unit
Constituted as the 1st Photographic Lab Section on 9 October 1943
Activated on 20 October 1943
Redesignated 1st Photographic Technical Unit on 13 October 1944
Inactivated on 30 September 1945
Consolidated with the 90th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron and the 815th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron as the 24th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron on 16 October 1984[1]
90th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron
Constituted as the 90th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron on 4 June 1952
Activated on 16 June 1952
Inactivated on 16 October 1952
Consolidated with the 1st Photographic Technical Unit and the 815th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron as the 24 Reconnaissance Technical Squadron on 16 October 1984[1]
815th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron
Constituted as the 815th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron on 28 August 1952
Activated on 16 October 1952
Inactivated on 11 July 1958
Consolidated with the 1st Photographic Technical Unit and the 90th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron as the 24 Reconnaissance Technical Squadron on 16 October 1984
Consolidated with the 6924 Electronic Security Squadron as the 324 Intelligence Squadron on 1 October 1993[1]
324th Intelligence Squadron
Designated as the 6924th Electronic Security Squadron and activated on 1 August 1980[note 2]
Redesignated 6924th Electronic Security Group on 1 August 1986
Consolidated with the 24th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron as the 324 Intelligence Squadron on 1 October 1993[1]
^This emblem was approved for the 6924th Security Squadron on 16 August 1967. It was used without authorization by the 6924th Electronic Security Squadron, but was grandfathered for continued use by the 324th. Bailey, Factsheet, 324th Intelligence Squadron.
^The 6924th Electronic Security Squadron is not related to the 6924th Security Squadron that was organized at Da Nang Air Base on 1 October 1965, moved to Ramusan Station, Japan c. January 1973 and to Kunia Air Force Station in May 1976 and was discontinued on 1 August 1979. See note on emblem. Bailey, Factsheet, 324th Intelligence Squadron.