EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing reactivated its newest squadron, the 23d Electronic Warfare Squadron, April 18, during a ceremony here.
The 23d EWS supports Mission Data File (MDF) reprogramming for command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C2ISR) platforms, combat rescue platforms, and expendables for the Combat Air Force (CAF), including the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM).
Lt. Col. Luke Marron, former commander of the 350th SWW, Detachment 1, assumed command.
“The 23d Electronic Warfare Squadron will be the shield that protects our forces, the sword that disrupts our enemies, and the eyes that provide critical intelligence in the electromagnetic spectrum,” Marron said.
The 23d EWS provides operational, technical, and maintenance support for electromagnetic warfare (EW) systems. Their expertise is also leveraged to maintain 24/7 contingency reprogramming capabilities, conduct exploitation testing of foreign threat systems, and support developmental and operational tests of new and modified EW systems.
Activated in 1939 as the 23d Pursuit Squadron and redesignated the 23d Fighter Squadron in 1942, the unit provided crucial support during World War II, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism.
“As we stand here today…I’m reminded of the importance of service and sacrifice,” Marron said. “Service and sacrifice defined the 23d Fighter Squadron, and it will continue to define the 23d Electronic Warfare Squadron.”
Col. Candice Sperry, 350th SWW commander, presided over the ceremony.
“There is no one better prepared or more deserving to lead the 23d EWS than Lieutenant Colonel Marron,” Sperry said. “We need his leadership to build this squadron’s rich history and to continue building capabilities our warfighters need.”
Updating MDFs equips warfighters with current intelligence to detect, identify, target, and neutralize threats, enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of Air Force personnel and assets.
“We have the skill, the dedication, and the unwavering commitment to our mission,” Marron said. “Together, we will write the next chapter in the proud history of the 23d Electronic Warfare Squadron.”