28th Intelligence Squadron Reaches IOC

The 28th Intelligence Squadron, an Air Force Special Operations Command Reserve unit at Hurlburt Field, Fla., recently reached initial operational capability, according to an April 30 release. The milestone comes some two months ahead of schedule, said Maj. Elisabeth Applegate, the squadron’s assistant director of operations. “I’m proud of the job they’ve done so far and will continue to do in this critical mission,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Marcinek, the 28th IS commander, of his airmen. Within the first year, the squadron increased its manning from zero to 120 percent of authorized officers and 83 percent of enlisted reaching 89 percent of its total manning, states the release. At the same time, the squadron also focused on integrating with is Active Duty associate unit, the 25th Intelligence Squadron. The squadron is tasked with providing specialized analysis to AFSOC forces and is host to the “only aircraft maintenance flight within its group, the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group” at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, states the release. (See also Air Force Reserve Outlines Force Structure Changes.)