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Introduction
No 24 Squadron's history is unique as not many of the PAF Squadrons have such a distinct and checkered history as that of this one. Some of the special features were as follows:
(a) This was the only PAF Squadron which was jointly raised and manned by assets of both United States and Pakistan by way of manpower and equipment.
(b) This Squadron used to carryout highly sensitive and secret operations for the defense of CONUS (Continental U.S), besides important tasks for Pakistan against its prime adversary.
(c) The flying operations of this Squadron were directed and monitored by one of the most important U.S Intelligence agency, the NSA (National Security Agency). This Agency came directly under the command of US President through his Defence Secretary and was not subordinate to U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff i.e. the uninformed Pentagon hierarchy.
Raising of the Unit
2. The Squadron was formed on 5th December, 1962 with the posting of Squadron Leader (Shaheed) M Iqbal S.J, as the Squadron Commander along with a skeleton staff of pilots/navigators and maintenance personnel (see appendix early story of No. 24 Sqn. PAF). It was housed in one of the two main hangers at PAF Peshawar, the one which faces the main Tarmac. The first two aircraft which were assigned to the Squadron were USAF's RB57BS Nos. 1536 and 1573,. both these aircraft were the property of U.S and were stationed at PAF Peshawar for special task to be solely performed for the benefit of US but were flown and maintained by PAF crew. The upkeep of the ELINT equipment was the responsibility of US personnel. The spare support was through a supply element dedicated for the Squadron and for this purpose a US Air Force supply officer was stationed with the Squadron at Peshawar. He ensured that the aircraft operation was not adversely affected for want of spares. Adequate reserves of all parts were maintained and arrangements were also made to ensure speedy acquisition of needed spares in the shortest possible time. In case they were not available in stock, they used to be flown through express service from US to Peshawar in Pakistan. Both these aircraft remained at Peshawar till March 1964, when they were taken back...