The 48th Intelligence Squadron (48 IS) prepares forces to provide near-real-time electronic intelligence (ELINT) derived from the Contingency Airborne Reconnaissance System (CARS) and compatible platforms to the decision maker such as unified commands; joint task forces; air operations centers, and national-level command, control, and intelligence nodes in peace, crisis, and war. During peacetime, the 48 IS conducts information operations to support Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed sensitive reconnaissance operations and operational exercises; and conducts operational training to maintain information superiority. During a contingency or war, the 48 IS provides battle space war fighters and headquarters elements with time-sensitive intelligence products required to determine the disposition of enemy forces and to assist friendly forces in responding to threats directed toward US and allied interests. Specific intelligence applications include battle space surveillance and warning, target and order-of-battle analysis, battle damage assessment, and current intelligence support. In cooperation with its Air Combat Command sister unit, the 13th Intelligence Squadron, the unit continues to accomplish its assigned DGS-2 mission.

The 48 IS is under the:
Administrative control of the Commander, Air Intelligence Agency, through the 67th Intelligence Wing, 67th Intelligence Group.
Operational control of the Commander, Air Combat Command (ACC/CC) , through the Commander, 12th Air Force, 612th Air Intelligence Group.

Combat command of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Command.

The Commander (48 IS/CC) prepares forces for CARS operational employment for ACC/CC, and provides CARS-associated communications, logistical support, and ELINT operations to the Commander, AIA, the service cryptologic element. The 48/CC manages internal communications requirements to support ground station operations, and maintenance and supply requirements to support ground station operations. The Squadron conducts ELINT operations to satisfy customer requirements in peace, crisis, and war, and computer, communications, and information security requirements to support local and deployed ground station operations.

This squadron stood-up on November 30, 1994. On July 1, 1995, the unit and DGS-2 were declared operational after completing a rigorous 12th Air Force Operational Verification Test demonstrating the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy DGS-2, both equipment and personnel, anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. Immediately following the Initial Operational Capability test, the unit received a tasking from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to support NATO’s response to the Balkans crisis. The 48th Intelligence Squadron and DGS-2 supports the U-2 Reconnaissance operations over Bosnia. The ground station remains in garrison at Beale and maintains connectivity with signal and imagery sensors aboard the U-2 aircraft through a forward deployed system known as Mobile Stretch. Intelligence products are disseminated in near-real time to operational decision-makers in the area of operations.