The history of the 6th can be traced back to 1 August 1943 when it was activated as the 794th Bombardment Squadron flying the B-17, it then became the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron flying the B-29, photographic-RCM on 17 December 1945. The squadron was inactivated after WW II and then reactivated as the 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron flying the RB-47, on 14 January 1955. The squadron was redesignated as the 6th Bombardment Squadron on 25 Oct 1961 and was discontinued and inactivated on 25 June 1962. Five months later, the squadron was reactivated as the 6th Bombardment Squadron flying the B-52 and flew under this designation until inactivation on 31 Dec 1969. The 6th Reconnaissance Squadron was most recently activated on 23 October 2009 and assigned to the 49th Operations Group at Holloman AFB New Mexico flying the MQ-1 "Predator".

The 6th Reconnaissance Squadron quickly developed a new "heritage" of training combat warriors in the Remotely Piloted Aircraft career field with a new mission: Train MQ-1 warriors to execute combat operations anywhere at any time. The squadron nickname (Hawks) refers to the Goshawk, a member of the Raptores species. He is the most fearless and merciless opponent of his foe and is proud, defiant, strong and courageous. The 6th Reconnaissance squadron patch shows the Goshawk in an attack position releasing the AGM-114 “Hellfire” missile. The red bolt of lightening signifies the ability to strike quickly as the MQ-1 “Predator” does on a daily basis supporting ground forces on the battlefield in numerous areas of operation around the world.

Actual Squadron Patch

When the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron stood up in 2009, a new "Friday" or morale patch needed to be designed, one that would capture the mission of the MQ-1 Predator. Nighthawk Custom was contacted by a member of the 6th RS Hawks and asked permission to use our logo as the basis for this morale patch. A hawk in front of the moon symbolizes the MQ-1's 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, persistent mission. Day or night, they are watching the enemy and protecting our troops. Also, the hawk with outstretched talons represents the ability to strike anytime, day or night, with pinpoint precision. When asked for permission, Nighthawk Custom was honored to grant it.