244th History 1961

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AFCS

244 Radio Relay Squadron

LtCol Garvin

The 244th had experienced two name changes but it was time for even greater changes. On 1 July 1961, the Airways and Air Communications Service (AACS) was renamed as the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS) and was elevated to major command status. The 244th Radio Relay Squadron became part of the 252nd Mobile Communications Group, which was organized in January 1961 and headquartered at Spokane, Washington

Durning annual field training, the 244th established communications between Salem and Camp Rilea, Oregon. At this time, the 252nd Mobile Communications Group included the 142nd Communications Squadron and the 244th Radio Relay Squadron, Portland, Oregon; the 262nd Communications Squadron, Bellingham, Washington. Also training with the units was the 221st Radio Relay Squadron, Garland Texas. This was the first time that the 252nd Mobile Communications Group trained as a combined unit. Personnel and equipment were deployed to relay sites at Mt. Hood, Naselle AFS and Mt. Hebo AFS, Oregon.

In 1961, Senior Master Sergeant Bob J. Mitchell was the first enlisted member in the 244th to receive the Outstanding Unit Airman Award.

1961 Photos

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