216th Engineering Installation Squadron Alumni Association

01 Jan 1943

98^th Signal Company, Service Group is constituted and assigned to the 7^th Service Group under the Air Service Command. The 98^th will be activated on 01 Jan 1943 at Kellogg Field Michigan – per AG 320.2 (12-26-43) OB_I_AF_M dtd 28 Dec 1942. Activated effective 01 Jan 1943 – per letter from HQs. I Air Service Area Command, Hempstead, N.Y. dtd 07 Jan 1943.

17 Mar 1943

98^th Signal Company, Service Group is assigned to the Fairfield Air Depot Control Area Command, as of 01 Feb, 1943 – per 1^st Ind. From HQs ASC Patterson Field, Ohio, dtd 17 Mar 1943.

04 May 1943

98^th Signal Company, Service Group, is re-designated as the 1098^th Signal Company, Service Group – per AG 320.2 (2-24-43) OB_I_AFRPG dtd 19 Apr 1943. Re-designated effective 04 May 1943 – per GO 20 from HQs. Fairfield Air Depot Control Area Command, Patterson Field Ohio, dtd 04 May 1943.

20 May 1943

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group, is to transfer at the earliest practical date from Kellogg Field, Battle Creek, Michigan to Rentschler Field, Hartford, Connecticut for a permanent change of station – per letter from HQs. AAF, Washington, D.C. AFROO dtd 20 May 1943 Letter of 20 May 1943 amended to show destination of unit to be Barnes Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts instead of Rentschler Field, Connecticut – per letter from HQs AAF (AFROO) dtd 16 Jun 1943. Dates of movements reported – per 1^st Ind. From HQs. 7^th Service Group, Barnes Field Massachusetts, dtd 03 Jul 1943.

05 Sep 1943

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group is to transfer to the San Francisco Port of Embarkation (SFPE) from Barnes Field, Massachusetts so as to arrive at the time determined by the Port Commander, for Shipment 2008-N per WD 370.5 (04 Sep 1943) OB_S_E_M dtd 05 Sep 1943. Departed Barnes Field Massachusetts, 23 Oct 1943 to arrive Camp Stoneman, California, on 28 Oct 1943 – per Radio from Bradley Field, Connecticut dtd 23 Oct 1943.

28 Oct 1943

 1098^th Signal Company, Service Group, arrived Camp Stoneman, California, 28 Oct 1943 – per MR card from Camp Stoneman, California, dtd 28 Oct 1943.

01 Nov 1943

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group departed on the “NIEUW AMSTERDAN” 01 Nov 1943 and arrived in Australia on 18 Nov 1943 – per Water Transportation Report, dtd 27 Nov 1943.

19 Nov 1943

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group assigned to the 5^th Air Force – per Station List from General HQs, Pacific dtd 28 Jun 1945. Dates and movements of the 1098^th Signal Company, Service Group from time of arrival in Sydney, Australia on 19 Nov 1943 to time of arrival Fukouka, Japan on Nov 1945 were taken from 1^st Ind. 1098^th Signal Company, Service Group dtd 25 Feb 1946.

Battle Credits:

WWII Asiatic Pacific Campaign

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group is entitled to battle credits for participation in the “NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN” – per GO 18 HQs USAFFE, dtd 24 Jan 1945. Confirmed by GO #12 WD, dtd 01 Feb 1946.

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group is entitled to battle credits for participation in the “LUZON CAMPAIGN” – per GO 118, from General HQs USAF PAC dtd 18 Aug 1945. Confirmed by GO #12 WD dtd 01 Feb 1946.

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group is entitled to battle credits for participation in the “LYETE CAMPAIGN”

Philippine Presidential Unit Citation

04 Jul 1945

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group is entitled to the Philippine Presidental Unit Citation for the period of 04 Oct 1944 to 04 Jul 1945.

25 Mar 1946

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group will be inactivated at the earliest practical date, under command of CINCAFPAC – per CM_OUT Radio 41601 dtd 26 Jan 1946. Effective 25 Mar 1946 – per CM_IN_65357 (27 Mar 1946) from CINCAFPAC GO 40, HQs. 5^th Air Force, 13 Mar 1946.

24 May 1946

112^th Signal Light Construction Company is allotted to the State of California Air National Guard – per WDSNG 325.4 (Air) (PWP) Gen-31, dtd 24 May 1946.

24 May 1946

112^th Signal Light Construction Company is re-designated as the 615^th Signal Light Construction Company, effective 24 May 1946 – per WDSNG 325.4 (Air) (PWP) 03 Feb 1947 Gen-31, dtd 03 Feb 1947

24 May 1946

1098^th Signal Company, Service Group is re-designated as the 615^th Signal Light Construction Company, Avn and allotted to the National Guard, effective as of 24 May 1946 – per AG 322 (26 Nov 1946) AO_I_AFCOR_M dtd 05 Dec 1946.

01 Jul 1948

615^th Signal Light Construction Company is authorized to organize, effective 24 May 1946, in accordance with T/O&E 11-277, Colms 1 thru 7,strength required for Federal Recognition 2-Off, 7-EM-per CSNGB, California dtd 02 Jul 1948.

18 Jul 1948

Extended Federal Recognition to the 615^th Signal Light Construction Company, , effective 18 Jul 1948, by authority Secretary of Army, at Lockheed Air Terminal, Burbank, California – per CSNGB, California, dtd 08 Oct 1948.

4^th Air Force responsible for the administration and supervision of training this unit – per AAF Plan for the Air National Guard January 1947, approved by the WD 12 Nov 1946.

01 Dec 1948

4^th Air Force relieved from assignment ADC, and assigned Continental Air Command, effective 01 Dec 1948 – per Ltr 322 (AFCOR 949e)  DAF, HQ USAF, dtd 19 Nov 1948.

1949

            LTC Robert Zeus becomes Commander.

01 Nov 1950

615^th Signal Light Construction Company attached to 146^th Composite Wing, 01 Nov 1950 for administrative and logistical support and operational control – per ltr DA&AF, National Guard Bureau, 01 Nov 1950.

26 Jan 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company moved from the Lockheed Air Terminal, Burbank, California to Metropolitan Airport, Van Nuys, California effective 26 Jan 1951 – per ltr DA&AF, National Guard Bureau, 30 Jan 1951.

02 Apr 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company attached to 146^th Aircraft Control and Warning Group for administrative and logistical support and operational control – per ltr DA&AF, National Guard Bureau, 02 Apr 1951.

01 May 1951

By direction of the President, under authority conferred by the Selective Service Extension Act of 1950 (Public Law 599, 81^st Congress) (AF Bul 24, 1950), the  615^th Signal Light Construction Company, Aviation, Metropolitan Airport, Van Nuys, California, and members there of the Air National Guard of the United States are ordered into the active military service of the United States, effective 01 May 1951, to serve therein for a period of twenty-one (21) consecutive months, or such other period as may be authorized by Law, unless sooner relieved: assigned to Continental Air Command, effective 01 May 1951 – per ltr 322 (AFOMO 91g) DAF, 27 Mar 1951.

08 May 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company, avn is relieved from direct assignment to ConAC and re-assigned to 4^th AF ConAC upon being ordered into active duty, per GO #41, Hq 4^th AF, 1951, per SC-OS-18, 08 May 1951.

12 May 1951

Alert for movement from Metropolitan Airport, Van Nuys, California (6-0, 96EM) to foreign service for PCS shipment No 9150_c; R/D 12 Jun 1951 – per message AFOOP-OO 51367, 12 May 1951.

24 May 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company will be moved at approx strength of 5-O, 73-EM from Metropolitan Airport, Van Nuys, California through NYPE thence to Bremerhaven, Germany for further movement as directed by CIC, USAF shipment No is 9150-C R/D is 12 Jun 1951: this is a PERMANENT change of station, after arrival at overseas destination, will br relieved from assignment to Continental Air Command and will be assigned to United States Air Force in Europe – per ltr AGAO-I 370.5 (21 May 1951) G4-M/AFOOP-))-C 370.5 DA&AF, 24 May 1951.

12 Jun 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company departed Metropolitan Airport, Van Nuys, California 12 Jun 1951 – per SC-OS-18, 03 Jul 1951.

07 Jul 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company arrived in Bremerhaven, Germany (PCS) effective 07 Jul 1951 – per SC-OS-18, 03 Jul 1951.

07 Jul 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company arrived Wiesbaden Military Post, Germany (PCS) 07 Jul 1951 – per SC-OS-7, dtd 30 Jul 1951.

10 Jul 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company relieved from assignment to 4AF-ConAC and assigned to 12AF-USAFE effective 10 Jul 1951 – per GO 36.51 HQ USAFE, dtd 19 Jul – per SC-OS-7 dtd 30 Jul 1951.

28 Nov 1951

615^th Signal Light Construction Company, Aviation will be re-designated 615^th Communications Construction Squadron and re-organized on or about 20 Dec 1951 in accordance with T/O&E 1-2234, 25 May 1950. Composition secs II and III, 1 x colms 5, 13, 14; 2 x colms 11 and 15; 3 x colm 9; 4 x colm 16; plus1-2233T, 15 Jan 1951. Composition 4 x colm 3, sec IIAF; 4 x colm 3A, sec IIIAF, with authorized strength of 7-O, 198-EM – per ltr 322 (AFOMO 562g) DAF, 228 Nov 1951.

28 Nov 1951

Effective on or about 23 Dec 1951, the 615^th Signal Light Construction Company is assigned to the 2^nd Communications Group – per ltr 322 (AFOMO 577g), DAF, 28 Nov 1951.

20 Dec 1951

The 615^th Signal Light Construction Company is re-designated and re-organized effective 20 Dec 1951, assigned to 12AF-USAFE – per GO 91, USAFE – per SC-OS-7, 02 Jan 1952. (2) (GO #91, 08 Dec 1951).

23 Dec 1951

Effective 23 Dec 1951, the 615^th Signal Light Construction Company is relieved from assignment to 12AF-USAFE and assigned to 2^nd Communications Group-12AF-USAFE – per GO 91, USAFE, 08 Dec 1951 – per SC-OS-7, 02 Jan 1951.

1952

216^th Communications Construction Squadron was relocated to Hayward ANGB.

16 Jun 1952

Effective 16 June 1952, the 615^th Signal Light Construction Company will be re-organized in accordance with T/O-MEAL 1-2234, 01 Jan 1952 with authorized strength o 7-O, 198-EM. Composition: 1 x parts IIAA, IIAW, IIWB, 2 parts IITD, IIWC, 3 x part IITB, 4 x part IIWD; plus 1-2233, 01 Jan 195, 4 x part IIAG. Ref DAF ltr 322 (AFOMO 812g) 21 May 1952.

16 Jun 1952

615^th Signal Light Construction Company re-organized, effective 16 Jun 1952. Ref. GO #43, HQ USAFE, 31 May 1952.

01 Feb 1953

615^th Signal Light Construction Company is relieved from active military service in the United States Air Force, less personnel and equipment, effective 01 Feb 1953, and will revert to State Control. Ref. DAF ltr 322 (AFOMO 270h) 15 Dec 1952. drl Will revert to control of the State of California. Ref. DAF ltr 322 (AFOMO 276h) 15 Dec 1952. Returned to state control. Ref GO #5 Hq USAFE, 13 Jan 1953, SC-OS-7, 09 Feb 1953.

1953

            LTC John K. O’Neil replaces LTC Robert Zeus as Commander.

01 Feb 1953

615^th Signal Light Construction Company is re-designated  to the 216^th Communications Construction Squadron effective 01 Feb 1953 and re-organized in accordance with T/O 1-2234, 01 Jan with authorized strength of 5-O, 101-EM. Composition: 1 x parts IIAA, IIAC, IITB, IIWA, IIWD, IIWG; 3 part IIWC. Attached to the 146^th Fighter Bomber Wing for administration and operational control.  Ref. GO #14, OTAG-Calif, 05 Feb 1953.

1956

The Air Force gaining command for the 216^th Communications Construction Squadron is Hq ConAC (Continental Air Command).

1958

            Maj. John S. Nettleton replaces LTC John K. O’Neil as Commander.

1959

The Air Force gaining command for the 216^th Communications Construction Squadron is Hq GEEIA under AFLC (Air Force Logistics Command).

01 Jan 59

216^th Communications Construction Squadron was re-designated the 216^th GEEIA Squadron.

1962

            LTC George R. Abbott replaces Maj. John S. Nettleton as Commander.

1970

The Air Force gaining command for the 216^th GEEIA Squadron is AFCC (Air Force Communications Command).

01 May 1970

The 216^th GEEIA Squadron was re-designated 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron.

California Governors Outstanding Unit Award

1974

1975

            LTC Donald W. Strauch replaces LTC George R. Abbott as Commander.

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

31 Dec 1981

216^th Engineering Installation Squadron was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

1982

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron performed it’s first overnight combat camp at the Sepulveda ANGS, CA.

1983

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in Exercis Ulchi Focus Lens at Osan AB, Korea.

1983

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in the 1983 Combat EI Shootout.

1984

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in Team Sprit 84 at Osan AB, Korea.

1986

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in the 1986 Combat EI Shootout.

1987

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in the 1987 Combat EI Shootout.

1987

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in Team Sprit 87 at Osan AB, Korea.

1988

            LTC Warren H. Taniguchi replaces LTC Donald W. Strauch as Commander.

1990

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in Team Sprit 90 at Osan AB, Korea.

1992    216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in Healthy Falcon 92 at Kingsley Field ANGS, OR

1993

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

1993

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron participated in Team Sprit 93 at Osan AB, Korea.

1993

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron deployed to Ramstein AB, Germany to perform project work.

Mar 1993

The gaining command for the 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron located at Hayward ANGS, California will change from AFCC to AFMC.

1994

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron deployed to Ramstein AB, Germany to perform project work (KRAFTIG COMM).

1994

            Chief Master Sergeant Ciochon was the first female Chief promoted in the Engineering Installation Squadron community. This includes both Air National Guard and Active Duty units.

1995

            LTC Leonard Pringle replaces LTC Warren H. Taniguchi as Commander.

1996

            LTC Neil Nakatsuka replaces LTC Leonard Pringle as Commander.

2000

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron deployed to Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shift.  This project was in direct support of Operation Southern Watch.

16 Oct 2001

            Members of the 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron were activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  These unit members were deployed to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).  Diego Garcia was the launching point for the Air Campaign over Afghanistan after the attack of 11 Sep 01.  This was the first time since WWII that unit members were activated in a war time contingency.

2003

2004

23 Feb 2004

            The 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron hosted the 2004 EI Commanders Conference.

11 Jul 2004

            The 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron Base Honor Guard performs for the first time at the retirement dinner for LTC Neil Nakatsuka.

2005

            216^th Engineering Installation Squadron deployed to Ramstein AB, Germany to perform project work (Kabel Fest).

17 Jul 2005

Effective 17 Jul 2005, the gaining command for the 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron located at Hayward MAP, California will change from AFMC to ACC. Orders should be published and distributed IAW AFI 38-101, Chapter 6 (21 Apr 2004) and AFI 33-328 (01 Feb 1999).

Mar 2007

30 Aug 2007

By order of the Secretary of the Air Force, the following unit will be redesignated on or about the date shown.  The gaining command changes from Air Combat Command to Air Force Space Command.  Ref DAF/AIM 861s, 30 Aug 07

Current Designation                   New Designation                       Date

216^th Engineering                       216^th Operations                        01 Apr 2008

Installation Squadron                 Support Squadron

09 Sep 2007

            Final Unit Training Assembly (UTA) and re-mission ceremony of the 216^th Engineering Installation Squadron was held at the Hayward ANGS, CA.