The 13th Reconnaissance Squadron is part of the 926th Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California.

It operates RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The squadron provides theater commanders with near-real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition data.

In 1952, it converted to a troop carrier mission and provided intra-theater airlift for high-ranking USAFE military and civilian officials and small mission-essential equipment from, 1987–1993.

[1] Since 2005 the 13th has operated and maintained deployable, long-endurance RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft and ground control elements to fulfill training and operational requirements generated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in support of unified commanders and the Secretary of Defense.