About

Mission

TACRON 11 detachments deploy throughout the Pacific Fleet, providing centralized planning, control, and integration of all air operations in support of amphibious operations, training and transits.

Helicopters are employed in the movement of combat troops and supplies from ships to the assault objective area. Fixed and rotary-wind aircraft provide Close Air Support (CAS) for friendly troops and ensure that air superiority exist in the area of the amphibious operation.

The squadron also maintains the capability of temporarily manning and operating a remote or existing control facility ashore, thus supporting amphibious or disaster relief operations. In addition, TACRON personnel serve on the staff of the Joint Force/Coalition Force Air Component Commander (JFACC/CFACC), providing air control and planning in unified or allied theater of operation.

Motto

The TACRON-11 insignia symbolizes the mission of VTC-11. The peregrine falcon is perched on the mailed glove of a hunter. The falcon, which attacks its prey on land, sea or in the air, is guided and controlled by the hunter. Our motto is: Dirigimus, which means "We Control" in Latin.

The origin of TACRON ELEVEN is traced to the Pacific island hopping campaign of World War II where wartime experiences dictated a requirement for organizations trained in the control of air support for amphibious operations. Air Support Control units were formed to advise the Amphibious Commander on all matters involving aircraft employment, including air support for ground troops, combat air patrol and anti-submarine patrol.

In January 1946, these units were redesignated Tactical Air Control Squadrons (TACRONs). Assigned to Amphibious Force Flagships (AGC), a system was inaugurated which assigned detachments to deploy amphibious ready groups rather than the entire squadron.

On 29 August 1950, TACRON THREE was commissioned at NAS North Island. During hostilities in Korea, TACRONs planned and executed air operations in support of amphibious assaults on Pohang-Dong, Inchon, Wonsan and Hung-Nam.

In April 1955, TACRON THREE was redesignated TACRON ELEVEN. The squadron participated in several amphibious operations during the Vietnam War, including OPERATION END SWEEP, where the squadron controlled nearly one thousand helicopter sorties. During the post-Vietnam era, TACRON ELEVEN was decommissioned and consolidated with several other squadrons to form TACRON ONE.

On 20 May 1981, TACRON ELEVEN was recommissioned with ceremonies at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Since then, Dirigimi detachments have made numerous Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf deployments supporting West Coast Amphibious Ready Groups. TACRON ELEVEN detachments were actively involved in DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM operations as well as participating in Humanitarian Assistance efforts in East Timor.

Squadron detachments deployed on September 11, 2001 were critical components of the nation's initial response in Afghanistan. In 2003, TACRON ELEVEN detachments deployed with Amphibious Task Force West, the largest amphibious task force assembled since the Korean War in support of military operations in Iraq.

TACRON ELEVEN personnel deployed to Pakistan during Operation LIFELINE in 2005, to coordinate earthquake relief efforts, and foster increased military cooperation with the Pakistani armed forces. As active participants in the Global War on Terrorism, TACRON ELEVEN has established itself as an integral component in today’s fight. The squadron’s flexibility and resident aviation expertise has facilitated the undertaking of many of our country’s most diverse and unique mission sets—ranging from the integration of Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in support of both maritime and land-based expeditionary operations, to the training of detachments and the development of doctrine to support air operations for five of the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Groups.