97th IS celebrates its 97th anniversary

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Past and present members of the 97th Intelligence Squadron marked the unit's 97th anniversary with a full day of activities Aug. 22.

The 97th IS has a tactical airborne reconnaissance support heritage that dates back to Aug. 20, 1917, when it stood up as an aero squadron at Kelly Field, Texas.

Today, the unit is the largest airborne reconnaissance squadron in Air Combat Command, with more than 450 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel.

"I'm humbled every day to have the opportunity to lead such an historic organization full of incredible Airmen, quiet warriors, who are truly national treasures," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Evan Smith, 97th IS commander.

Nearly 100 veterans of the 97th IS, including two former squadron commanders, joined with its current members for a base tour, golf tournament, RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint static display and heritage ball.

"It's been absolutely wonderful," George Montaque, who retired from Air Force and served with 6949th Security Wing, which ties its lineage to the 97th IS. "It's important for the unit to learn about their heritage and this is a great opportunity to do that."

"I've enjoyed seeing a lot of old friends," said Jerry Dobyak, an Air Force retiree who also served with the 6949th. "And it's really great seeing the younger guys doing this now."

In its 97 years of existence, the 97th has been a multifaceted unit. After initially being an aero squadron, it became an observation squadron, redesigned as a reconnaissance squadron and a tactical reconnaissance squadron before being disbanded in 1944.

Eventually, it was resurrected and consolidated with a security wing, also being elevated briefly to a wing and then group, before commemorating its re-designation as the 97th IS under the 55th Operations Group on Oct. 1, 1993.

With such a rich heritage, Smith thought it was important to mark the unit's 97th anniversary with a celebration.

"The 97th has long and storied history and its vital that our currently serving Airmen, 80 percent of whom are under the age of 24, know the unit's history and accomplishments and honors the professional Airmen who came before us," he said.

Nearly 400 past and present 97th IS members attended the heritage ball where retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kerry Taylor, former 97th IS commander and current director of Ohio Aerospace Hub, was keynote speaker.

Other highlights included a cake cutting, a special presentation by the Prop Wash Gang and music from the Heartland of America Band.

"It was truly a great event," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Skarda, 97th IS flight commander, who helped organize the event. "It's very special to bring back some heroes of the past so that we have a better understanding of our squadron's heritage."