24th Intelligence Squadron

The 24th Intelligence Squadron, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was activated in January 2003. The Squadron is the one of the most in demand organizations in the Air Force intelligence community due to its capabilities to provide actionable intelligence to the warfighter and component commanders.

History
The 24th Intelligence Squadron traces its roots back to World War II. It was constituted as the 24th Observation Squadron (Light) on 5 February 1942 and activated on 27 February 1942 under the 76th Observation (later 76th Reconnaissance) Group at Wilmington, NC. The unit was redesignated, inactivated and reactivated numerous times over the years, finally activating in its current form on 8 June 2003 as the 24th Intelligence Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany as part of USAFE. In February of 2008 it was re-aligned with the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency (AFISRA), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Mission
The 24th Intelligence Squadron plans, directs and conducts multi-source ISR tasking, processing, exploitation and dissemination (TPED) operations in support of USAFE, USEUCOM, USAFRICOM, USCENTCOM, NATO, and Joint/Combined Force Air Component Commanders. The squadron operates two primary mission systems: Distributed Ground System (DGS-4) and  Eagle Vision One.

DGS-4 is a part of the greater Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS), which is the Air Force’s ‘SENTINAL’ weapon system (AN/GSQ-272). DGS-4 is one of five core sites executing collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination of intelligence data derived from Air Force ISR platforms including U-2 and PREDATOR UAV. DGS-4 has the unique distinction to be the only DGS involved in operations across three different commands on a recurring basis (USEUCOM, USCENTCOM and USAFRICOM).

Eagle Vision One executes collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination of Commercial Satellite Imagery (CSI). The 24th Intelligence Squadron’s Eagle Vision One is one of only five Eagle Vision systems worldwide. It is the only active duty Eagle Vision unit with its own pool of Eagle Vision imagery analysts. Eagle Vision is a deployable ground station with the capability to produce CSI and geospatial products.

The hard work and dedication of the men and women of the 24th Intelligence Squadron directly impact USEUCOM, USAFRICOM, USCENTCOM and NATO Commanders in their decision-making process by arming them with the information necessary to prosecute combat operations.