Tag Archives: 45th

In August 1958, the subsonic Thunderjets were replaced by the supersonic McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo. The first supersonic tactical reconnaissance aircraft in the USAF inventory. In the early 1960s, the United States began to become more and more involved in the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, From its base at Misawa, a detachment of the squadron was ordered to Don Muang RTAFB. Thailand to fly high-speed reconnaissance missions over South Vietnam. In support of the government in Saigon. In December 1962, another detachment was deployed to Tan Son Nhut AB. Near Saigon, South Vietnam. Its mission was to fly intelligence gathering flights. The squadron began rotational TDYs to Tan Son Nhut, which continued until November 1965. The unit was re designated the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 January 1967. During its nine-year involvement in the Vietnam War. The 45th was involved in most major operations of the war. It operated from Udorn RTAFB. The usefulness of the RF-101 to the war effort, was in large part, the reason for the aircraft to remain in the inventory throughout the 1960s. Upon its return to Misawa AB, the squadrons aircraft, now relatively war-weary from nearly a decade of flying combat missions, were retired and the squadron became non-operational. It was inactivated on 31 May 1971. The item “Authentic Air Force USAF 45th TRS Grouping, Tan Son Nhut AB, RF-101C” is in sale since Monday, May 22, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\1976-89\Original Period Items”. The seller is “zeustinker” and is located in Marietta, Georgia. This item can be shipped worldwide.