USAF 23rd STS / Subdued Patch

USAF 23rd Special Tactics Squadron / We Who Dare / Subdued Version Patch

Hurlburt Field, FL

The 23rd Special Tactics Squadron (23rd STS) is one of the Special Tactics units of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The 23rd STS was previously designated the 1723rd Special Tactics Squadron prior to 1992. 

Lineage

The squadron was constituted as the 23rd Fighter Control Squadron (Special) on 10 January 1943 and activated on 6 February. It dropped the "(Special)" designation on 16 September. The 23rd was inactivated on 29 October 1945 and disbanded on 8 October 1948. It was reconstituted and consolidated with the 1723rd Combat Control Squadron on 1 March 1992. The 1723rd was redesignated the 1723rd Special Tactics Squadron on 1 April 1990. On 31 March 1992, it was redesignated the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron

Mission

The unit trains, equips and employs combat control, pararescue, and support personnel in response to Presidential/Secretary of Defense taskings. The primary task is to integrate, synchronize, and/or control the elements of air and space power in the objective area. The unit performs austere airfield control, terminal attack control, personnel rescue and recovery, assault zone assessment, battlefield trauma care, direct action, and special reconnaissance. 

Emblem Significance

Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe stands for the worldwide commitment of Special Tactics Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen. The two shades of blue signify night and day deployment capability. The parachute and the dagger denote infiltration and commando operations respectively. The arrows represent triple threat capabilities--land, sea, or air. The lightning bolt indicates quick action medical and communications capabilities. The lamp of knowledge reflects the civic action role of the unit, i.e. the unit functions as teachers and medical providers as well as warriors.

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