Newly Activated Squadron “Rolls Out” First Roll Call

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- It's been almost a year since the 427th Reconnaissance Squadron was activated. Since that time this MC-12W squadron has grown exponentially to more than 350 combat aviators and has since deployed more than half that number to support counter-insurgency operations over Afghanistan. Though the 427th "Spartan" members left behind aren't actively engaged in combat, the struggle to normalize state-side operations continue as the squadron prepares to deploy more combat ready aircrew, resulting in lost weekends and valuable time away from families. As with any new unit, it remains a challenge to participate in events that establish tradition, foster esprit de corps, and reflect on our heritage.

On 15th March, the Spartans hosted its first ever, Friday "Roll Call" at the Recce Point Club. Each member, as they arrived, was greeted with their own squadron coin and patch. A "time hack" of 1627 marked the beginning of the event. Every flyer, officer and enlisted gathered around as attendance was called. Every flight commander announced the number of personnel present and then solemnly reminded the room of the number of personnel they have deployed; followed with a toast to the men and women who couldn't attend.

A heritage lesson followed the initial Roll Call, as pilots told tales of the 427th Bomb Squadron and their dangerous missions over Europe during WWII. As the formal part of the event came to a close, the group sang aviation songs while attempting to do so in unison. Though the event was comfortably familiar for those coming from the pilot community, the Roll Call seemed quaint if not foreign for young enlisted airmen.

After the scripted event was over, everyone separated into groups during social hour and shared stories of their own deployment and combat experiences. A mix of backgrounds, officer and enlisted sprinkled the room. For the young Airmen, who originally looked upon the event with skepticism, the purpose of the Roll Call became clear. The attendance was a reminder of our MC-12W brothers and sisters who could not attend. The story was a reminder that though we are a new squadron, we are not without our own history and heritage. The song was a lesson in unity that bonded us to a common purpose.

In a few weeks' time, many of those young enlisted airmen, some straight out of technical training, will be flying in combat operations in their first deployment. They will think back to their first roll call and recall the experiences of those that came before them. As Roll Calls continue into the future, the 427th will have established tradition, fostered esprit de corps, and reflected on its heritage; thus securing its own identity, as Spartans.