Reconnaissance squadron honors Bushmaster alumni Published Dec. 4, 2009 By Capt. Jessica Martin 926th Group public affairs CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 78th Reconnaissance Squadron hosted its first Bushmaster alumni reunion here Nov. 13 and 14 in conjunction with Aviation Nation. More than 60 veterans, including a World War II ace and former 78th commanders and their guests, enjoyed a tour of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, briefings by current 78th RS leadership and a day at the Nellis Air Force Base air show. "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour at Creech and I can confidently say that I believe it was the highlight of the reunion" said Mark Stevens, 78th Fighter Command Association president. "Bless you and your fellow war fighters in the roles you continue to play to make this a safer and more peaceful world to live in." The reunion concluded with a banquet where Col. Herman Brunke, 926th Group commander, gave the keynote presentation. Colonel Brunke, a Bushmaster alum from the squadron's A-10 heritage, oriented the group on how Nellis' United States Air Force Warfare Center enables the 78th RS' war fighters to be the cornerstone of tactics, testing and training. Today the 78th RS is a U.S. Air Force Reserve asset, consisting of Unmanned Aerial Systems pilots, sensor operators and intelligence personnel conducting Integrated and Expeditionary Combat Operations, as well as training operations in the Predator and Reaper weapons systems. But the squadron has a rich history, one the reunion guests were able to share their personal experiences on. The unit was first activated as the 78th Aero Squadron in 1918 at Waco Field, Texas, responsible for training aircrews in the JN-4, JN-6 and S-4 aircraft. It was demobilized later that year. The squadron was then re-designated the 78th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) at Wheeler Field, Hawaii, in 1940, training pilots for combat missions in the Pacific Theater. In 1942 the unit was re-designated the 78th Fighter Squadron providing aerial defense for the USS Midway. The 78th FS moved to Bellows Field, Hawaii, in 1944 flying P-47s and P-51 Mustangs. In 1945 the unit starting flying combat patrol missions in support of the U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima. During the remaining months of the war it flew fighter sweeps against Japanese airfields and escorted B-29s on long-range strikes. It was re-designated the 78th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in 1952 and moved to Royal Air Force Station Shepherds Grove, England, flying F-84 and F-86 aircraft. The squadron was re-designated a tactical fighter squadron in 1958, flying F-4, F-101 and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Royal Air Force Station Woodbridge, England. In 1992 the 78th TFS was inactivated and transferred back to the United States. It was then reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., in 1994, flying F-16 aircraft. It was deactivated at Shaw AFB in 2003, and reactivated at Nellis as a reconnaissance squadron in June 2006. "It was an honor to meet and talk with men who went into Iwo Jima fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today," said Lt. Col. Ronald Stefanik, 926th Group deputy commander. "They have passed the torch to us and we will keep it burning, helping those Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen in harm's way."