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33 SOS reactivation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kathee Mullins
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 33rd Special Operations Squadron became an active component of the 27th Special Operations Wing July 31, 2009, with the official assumption of command by Lt. Col. Michael Bruzzini, here. 

Originally organized as the 33rd Aero Squadron on June 12, 1917, the 33rd has a long and colored history both with the Army Air Corps and today's Air Force. The multiple tasking of the 33rd under its many squadron titles have ranged from constructing facilities, maintaining aircraft, performing air defense, tactical reconnaissance, and conducting training for the flying mission to participation in Operation Southern Watch over southern Iraq as the 33rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in support of United Nations operations. 

The new 33 SOS will operate the MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial System, which is a medium altitude, multi-sensor platform that can locate, identify and destroy enemy positions while potentially keeping the Airman warrior out of harm's way. 

This newly assigned squadron was formed in direct response to combat needs of today's overseas contingency operations. 

"The vision of the 33 SOS is to 'provide unparalleled weaponized intelligence reconnaissance and close air support to the warfighter and combatant commanders, said Colonel Bruzzini. "The multi-roled capability of the MQ-9--its ability to conduct worldwide operations--can and will keep America safe. The second part of the 33rds vision is to 'develop a professional aviation force embracing the Air Commando traditions and warrior ethos.' We are poised to launch our first mission tomorrow; this unit is more than ready to answer our nation's call to duty. The MQ-9 is an awesome platform, but it is these individuals [men and women of the 33 SOS] who will make our enemies truly 'fear the reaper,'" Colonel Bruzzini told attendees of the activation. 

Colonel Bruzzini assured civic and community leaders that the new 33 SOS, even with its unique calling to defend and protect the American people, will be a community-oriented group. He added that the men and women under his command would not only ensure the safety of fellow Americans, but they would be there at the local baseball and soccer games, as this is where they work and live. 

The 33 SOS is currently composed of about 30 Airman, and is expected to double by the end of Fiscal Year 2010. By Fiscal Year 2012, the squadron is expected to have nearly 150 people assigned.

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