From 2001 to 2021, the shadowy 41st Electronic Combat Squadron — known as the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron when deployed overseas — was the longest continuously deployed Air Force unit in Afghanistan. The EC-130H Compass Call electronic-attack unit from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, was pivotal in fighting the Taliban, al Qaida and Islamic State-Khorasan fighters and protecting American and allied troops, logging nearly 14,800 sorties over 90,000 flying hours. They returned home in October to begin their next chapter with new missions and, soon, new planes.

Air Force Times spoke to six current and former members of the 41st about the past, present and future for Compass Call and its airmen. Interviews were edited for length and clarity.

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