82nd RECONNAISSANCE SQDN (1991 version)
Shown here is the 82 RS patch after the unit was reactivated in 1991. The it features the original design for the 82nd Observation Squadron as well as it's shape. The device symbolizes flight, observance and radio, the function required for an observation squadron. This particular version was replaced with the disc shaped version (see below) in 1994. Major Greg Ogletree (USAF Ret.) contributed information again while the patch comes from MSgt Andy Hunold's (GEAF Ret) patch collection.

82nd RECONNAISSANCE SQDN (1994 version)
Illustrated is the post 1994 version of the 82nd RS patch which replaced the rectangular version per order of the Chief of Staff of the USAF. The 82nd has always been stationed at Kadena conducting RC-135 operations- the original patch was approved on 14 April 1938 for the 82nd Observation Squadron. Major Greg Ogletree (USAF Ret.) contributed information again while the patch comes from MSgt Andy Hunold's (GEAF Ret) patch collection.

The 82nd SRS saw combat actions during the Vietnam War while being assigned to the 4252nd Strategic Wing, being based at Kadena AB. The unit operated an RC-135M RIVET CARD aircraft during that time. While seeing actions the 82nd flew ELINT missions as part of the COMBAT APPLE program out of Kadena. Later on, the RC-135M was modified under the BIG SAFARI Program as an RC-135W RIVET JOINT aircraft. According to Don Logan's colorful book on the C-135 Series (published by Schiffer Publishing), there were / are six RC-135M aircrafts as follows: 62-4131, 62-4132, 62-4134, 62-4135, 62-4138 and 62-4139. All were later modified into RC-135W RIVET JOINT aircrafts. By 11 September 1976 all RC-135M were reassigned to the 55 SRW, Offutt AFB.

RC-135M 62-4135 was the first aircraft to be converted to an RC-135M. This aircraft flew the 2,000th COMBAT APPLE mission out of Kadena during the Vietnam conflict and became the first "M" model to be modified into an RC-135W in November 1980.

RC-135M 62-4138 flew the 3,000th COMBAT APPLE sortie and was modified into an RC-135W model in July 1981.

RC-135M 62-4139 was the last C-135B to be modified into an RC-135M and flew the 1,000th COMBAT APPLE mission. This aircraft also flew the last RC-135M sortie from Kadena AB on 11 November 1984, after which is was remodified into an RC-135W model and delivered to the 55th SRW at Offutt AFB in August 1985. It is also one of the RC-135s with the most flying hours, totaling well over 40,000 hours.

In addition to the RC-135M models, three other C-135 series aircraft were modified to RC-135W RIVET JOINT aircrafts bringing the total strength to nine aircrafts. Those three were 62-4125, 62-4128 and 62-4130.

The "M" models were rebuild to RIVET JOINT Block III standards during the early 1980s after which they were designated as RC-135W. They are similar in appearance to the RC-135W models with the primary difference being the different engines flown on those two models. Both however feature the prominent hog nose and E-Systems cheeks. Of particular note is 62-4128 which was first modified into an EC-135B (T/RIA), later turned into the sole RC-135X and even later being demodified to RC-135S and finally to RC-135W RIVET JOINT Block III standard. Talk about some major changes and history here!

About Andreas Hunold: Andy is a retired German AF MSgt, now working at the NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany as a local civilian and his hobby is the U.S. AIR FORCE! "I'm interested in just every USAF unit and I collect everything from fact sheets to base guides, photos and of course cloth patches! At present I have slightly over 10,000 USAF patches in my collection and quite a few from the 55th SRW."