About this Unit
The 362nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (TEWS) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Vietnam War. Activated in the mid-1960s, the squadron operated the EC-47 aircraft, specializing in airborne electronic warfare and signals intelligence missions. Based at various locations in Southeast Asia, including Pleiku and Da Nang, the 362nd TEWS provided critical support by intercepting and jamming enemy communications. Their efforts significantly enhanced the effectiveness of U.S. and allied combat operations until the unit was inactivated in the early 1970s.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation and Role: The 362nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (TEWS) was primarily tasked with electronic warfare missions, specializing in electronic countermeasures during the Vietnam War.
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Vietnam War Service: The 362nd TEWS was activated at Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam, in 1966, becoming an essential component of the United States Air Force’s efforts in Southeast Asia.
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Primary Aircraft: The squadron flew the Douglas EC-47, a modified version of the C-47 "Skytrain" equipped for electronic intelligence (ELINT) and electronic warfare operations.
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“Electric Goon” Nickname: The EC-47s operated by the 362nd TEWS were nicknamed "Electric Goons" due to their electronic gear and the original C-47’s nickname, "Gooney Bird."
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Mission Purpose: The squadron’s main mission was to intercept and locate enemy radio transmissions, providing valuable intelligence for air strikes and ground operations against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.
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Flight Hours and Missions: The 362nd TEWS logged thousands of combat missions and flight hours, often flying in dangerous conditions under threat from enemy anti-aircraft fire.
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Integration with Army Units: The intelligence gathered by the 362nd TEWS was directly relayed to Army units in the field, significantly improving the effectiveness of U.S. and allied operations.
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Unit Losses: The squadron lost several aircraft and crew members during operations, highlighting the risks involved in electronic warfare missions over hostile territory.
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Awards and Recognition: For its service, the 362nd TEWS received numerous unit citations and commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
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Deactivation: The squadron was inactivated in 1972 as U.S. involvement in Vietnam wound down, but its legacy in tactical electronic warfare continues to influence USAF operations today.
