Larry Lewis

The 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (66th Tac Recon) was a United States Air Force unit based at Laon Air Base, France, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1952, the wing was equipped with RF-84F Thunderflash and later RF-101C Voodoo aircraft, specializing in photographic and electronic reconnaissance missions in support of NATO operations. Throughout its tenure at Laon AB, the 66th played a crucial role in gathering intelligence on Warsaw Pact activities, contributing to the overall deterrence posture of Allied forces in Europe. The unit remained at Laon until 1966, when France withdrew from NATO’s integrated military command, prompting the relocation of U.S. forces.