Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
History of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
1. History Marker for the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
January 1922 Federal Recognition 135th Observation Squadron
May 1923 Redesignated 114th Observation Squadron
January 1924 Redesignated 106th Observation Squadron
October 1943 Redesignated 100th Bombardment Squadron
November 1946 Federally Recognized 106th Bombardment Squadron
February 1951 Redesignated 106th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
May 1960 Assigned to 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
Erected 2000 by Alabama Air National Guard 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 33° 34.608′ N, 86° 45.198′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Lake Boulevard and 57th Street North, on the right when traveling east. Located in Aviation Park at the entrance to the Alabama Air National Guard Complex. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Birmingham AL 35217, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tarrant City Hall (approx. 1.3 miles away); CDR "Snuffy" Smith (approx. 1.3 miles away); 1963 Church Bombing Victims (approx. 1.6 miles away);
this page online
Also see . . . 117th Air Refueling Wing. Wikipedia entry; current iteration of unit (Submitted on December 14, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. CH-54 Skycrane
I was part of the last official mission of the Skycrane in March of 92, Teamwork 92. The Skycranes were flown by Company G, 244th Aviation Regiment of the Georgia Army National Guard in a joint NATO exercise which involved the United States, Norway, Great Britain, and Canada. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted November 29, 2011, by Steve Vreatt of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania.
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
2. History Marker for the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in the Center of Aviation Memorial Park
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
3. Aviation Memorial Park
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
4. In Memory of Col Harold E. Whaley
Commander, 117th Air Refueling Wing
January 1999 - May 2000
Through his leadership and vision, this Memorial Park is possible
Dedicated November 12, 2000
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
5. Freedom Rock
In Memory of the Men and Women of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing Who Gave Their Lives For Our Freedom.
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
6. RF-4C Phantom Jet On Display at Aviation Memorial Park
Used by the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing from 1971-1993
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
7. RF-84F Thunderflash Jet On Display at Aviation Memorial Park
Used by the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing from 1957-1971
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 11, 2009
8. CH-54 Tarhe "Skycrane" On Display at Aviation Memorial Park
Used by the Alabama Army National Guard up to the early 1990's
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,351 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on February 11, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
