Plaque presentation commemorates centennial

This plaque was unveiled March 8, 2013, on Beale Air Force Base, Calif., celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. The plaque unveiling was just one of the many events honoring the squadron’s 100 years of aviation history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

Plaque presentation commemorates centennial

An audience gathers for the unveiling of a commemorative 1st Reconnaissance Squadron Centennial plaque on Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 8, 2013.The 1st RS is the United States military’s oldest flying unit, first established on March 5, 1913. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

100 years for 1st RS

Col. Phil Stewart (left), 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Stephen Rodriguez, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron commander, unveil a commemorative plaque celebrating the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron’s 100 year anniversary on Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 8, 2013. The 1st RS is the United States military’s oldest flying unit, established March 5, 1913. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

Plaque presentation commemorates centennial

Published March 13, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings
9RW Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A ceremonial plaque unveiling honoring the 100 year anniversary of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron occurred March 8th, 2013, on Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

The 1st RS is the U.S. military's oldest flying unit, established March 5th, 1913.

The guest speakers for the event were Col. Phil Stewart, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Stephen Rodriguez, 1st RS commander. Among the attendees were distinguished guests including Congressman John Garamendi.

"Magnificent are the exploits of the men and women through the century of the 1st RS," Rodriguez said. "Today we honor their sacrifice, heroism, passion and dedication to defending this nation."

The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is responsible for training all high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircrew for the U-2S Dragon Lady and the RQ-4 Global Hawk. This includes pilots and mission planners for the U-2S, and pilots and sensor operators for the RQ-4.

"As it was in the beginning and as it is today, the 1st RS, the Air Force's oldest squadron, continues to play a vital role in America's defense," Stewart said. "The plaque represents 100 years of excellence and sacrifice to our country and the U.S. military."

As a testament to the squadron's success the 1st RS has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 18 times.

"I feel humbled and honored to be the commander of the 1st RS," Rodriguez said. "I'm also very thankful for all the Airmen who took part in organizing this event."