960th AACS 'Vikings' celebrate unit's 15-year anniversary

  • Published
  • By Ron Mullan
  • Tinker Public Affairs
The 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron celebrated its 15-year anniversary July 1. The day was dedicated to celebrating the "Vikings" lineage, honoring its distinguished history and success in the future. Events kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the 960th AACS Heritage Room followed by social activities involving past and present Vikings. The day concluded with a special military retreat service remembering all aviators in front of the Wright Flyer memorial.

The squadron hosted numerous families and friends of the squadron, including "Vikings" that helped stand up the squadron in 2001. 

"The 960th is very proud of its heritage and its legacy. We celebrate the fact that we are Viking Warriors with a tremendous combat record, but we honor the importance of taking care of our Viking family too," said Lt. Col. Kristen Thompson, 960th AACS commander. "It was such an honor to share this special day with many of the original Vikings and their family members from 2001. They built a fantastic foundation upon which we have continued to succeed. Special thanks to all the Vikings (past, present, and future) for their unending support and enthusiasm for the 960th...once a Viking, always a Viking," said the colonel.

The 960th's lineage began in 1940 as the 60th Bombardment Squadron and was deactivated and reactivated numerous times between World War II and the present. From 1979-1992, the 960th operated out of Keflavik Naval Installation, Iceland. The unit has flown a number of aircraft throughout its history to include the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, B-24 Liberator, B-29 Super Fortress, C-121 Constellation, and the E-3 Sentry. 

"It was awesome to commemorate the Vikings 15th anniversary," said Senior Airman Shelby, acting NCOIC, Squadron Aviation Resource Management section, 960th AACS. "I am proud to be in the 960th and to celebrate our heritage with our squadron family and our 552nd Air Control Wing family. The support was incredible and it's great to build upon the legacy that was started by the first Vikings back in 2001."