F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from Shaw Air Force Base's 79th Fighter Squadron "The Tigers", Sumter, South Carolina, conducted joint integrated training at MacDill and Avon Park Air Force Range during exercise Raider Fires 21-12 Sept. 8-15, 2021. From Sept. 1994 through Jan. 1995, and again in 1996, the squadron deployed to Southwest Asia (SWA) for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW). The 79th FS received the 3,500th F-16 Fighting Falcon produced by Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems on April 27, 1995. Airdrome meant airfield. The 79th Fighter Squadron (79 FS) is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 378719a7422dbf16a653a31d0524fb9a2058ed47_2023-04-20T10:09:12, 79th Fighter Generation Squadron maintains mission readiness [Image 3 of 3], Strategic David Wade, command chief of ACC, began their immersion at the 15th Air Force Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Central headquarters and U.S. Army Central headquarters. U.S. Air Force Airman Rulby De La Cruz, 79th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks and communicates with the pilot of his aircraft prior to takeoff at Shaw Air Force . The squadron was re-designated the 79th Fighter Squadron on Oct. 1, 1991, as part of the Air Force's restructuring. The squadron was in the area for Operation Southern Watch, a UN sanctioned patrol of a no-fly zone over Southern Iraq. Jessica Distefano, 20th Medical Group, noncommissioned officer in charge of laboratory, briefs U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, about COVID-19 efforts and future plans at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. Lt Col Thomas A. Gilkey III, 1 Jan 1994; Lt Col Jeffrey W. Eberhart, 8 Jul 1994; Lt Col Timothy J. Collins, 1 Apr 1996; Lt Col James W. Hyatt, 16 May 1997; Lt Col James Dodson, 14 Jun 1999-. Additionally, the 79 FS used this joint training as an opportunity to practice and refine their agile combat employment checklists and procedures. Can you list the top facts and stats about 79th Fighter Squadron? Its their ideas and their team and they get to work towards a better day, a better solution. JTAC Airmen direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. The next change came in 1970, when the squadron transitioned to the F-111 Aardvark and moved to Royal Air Force Upper Heyford, England. Evidently included JN-4, JN-6, and perhaps S-4 during 1918. Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / Units in the UK from ETOUSA Station List, as transcribed by Lt. Col. Philip Grinton (US Army, Retired) and extracted by IWM; air division data from L.D. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. The unit moved to Shaw Field, S.C., in October 1946. The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 22 February 1918, being organized at Rich Field, Waco, Texas, as a pilot training Squadron during World War I. In August 1943, the squadron moved to King's Cliffe, England, for the duration of the second World War. David Wade, command chief of ACC, along with base leadership, recognizes U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lucas Haas, a 77th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny), U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from Shaw Air Force Bases 79th Fighter Squadron The Tigers, Sumter, South Carolina, conducted joint integrated training at MacDill and Avon Park Air Force Range during exercise Raider Fires 21-12 Sept. 8-15, 2021. The 20th MDG has stepped up to the challenge to innovate by creating an effective and cohesive COVID-19 Response Cell, a working group whose primary job is to ensure the wing maintains readiness while remaining safe and healthy. None. The squadron was demobilized on March 16, 1919, following the war. The Group flew 312 missions before their last mission on 25 April 1945. I got to talk with a lot of those Airmen, said Kelly. The blast killed nineteen USAF personnel and heavily damaged or destroyed six high-rise apartment buildings. Capt Roy W. Camblin, c. 1 Apr 1933; Capt Charles G. Pearcy, 15 Mar 1936; Maj Frank O'D Hunter, 17 Nov 1936; Maj Armin F. Herold, Sep 1937; Maj Thayer S. Olds, Jul 1938; Capt Jesse Auton, Feb 1941; 1 Lt James Ferguson, May 1941-unkn; Maj Nathaniel H. Blanton, by Aug 1943; Maj Richard L. Ott, 14 Nov 1943; Capt Jesse O. Yaryan, 30 Jan 1944; Capt Carl E. Jackson, 31 Jan 1944; Capt Robert J. Meyer, 20 Feb 1944; Maj R. C. Franklin Jr., 22 Feb 1944; Maj Delynn E. Anderson, 10 May 1944; Capt Jack M. Ilfrey, 27 Sep 1944; Maj Robert J. Meyer, 9 Dec 1944; Maj Walter R. Yarbrough, 4 Apr 1945-unkn. This joint training enhanced the exercise participants capabilities and qualifications, which included three pilot and two joint terminal air controller training Airmen upgrades, and 10 JTAC Airmen evaluations. Our . Combat in European Theater of Operations (ETO), 28 Dec 1943-25 Apr 1945. Object Number - FRE 1439 Afterward, they headed to the 25th Attack Groups remotely piloted aircraft operations site, the 20th Medical Groups COVID-19 response cell, as well as the 79th Fighter Squadron and partnered 79th Fighter Generation Squadron. The squadron returned to the states and was inactivated Oct. 19, 1945. One year later the squadron was re-designated a tactical fighter squadron. David Wade, command chief of Air Combat Command, fist bumps 79th Fighter Squadron and 79th Fighter Generation Squadron leadership at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. The 20th Operations Support Squadron traces its lineage back to Jan. 25, 1943, as the 20th Airdrome Squadron. The 79th, along with the 20th, was reactivated in July 1946, at Biggs Field in El Paso, Texas. Airfield View all 148 images Object Number - FRE 1439 - Captain Jack M. Ilfrey, one of the COs of the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, at Kings Cliffe air base. The 99th Flying Training Squadron (99 FTS) is part of the 12th Flying Training Wing based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. It was based on the earlier Curtiss P-36 Hawk, having the P-36s air-cooled radial engine replaced with a liquid-cooled inline engine. Redesignated Squadron B, Taliaferro Field, TX, on 23 Jul 1918. The unit moved to Shaw Field, S.C., in October 1946. Please note that your data will be managed in the US by the American Air Museum in Britain charity. 20 Pursuit (later, 20 Fighter) Group, 1 Apr 1933-18 Oct 1945. Aircraft is General Dynamics F-16C Block 50 Fighting Falcon serial 94-49. In keeping pace with the restructuring, the squadron reorganized and incorporated maintainers from its aircraft generation, equipment maintenance and supply squadrons on Feb. 1, 1992. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. June 30, 1993, the squadron inactivated. This was an incredibly difficult choice, but I'm confident we chose the right team to carry on the Thunderbird mission and showcase America's Air Force." Col. John Caldwell . U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shaw AFB, SC, 1 Jan 1994-. The squadron moved again to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in November 1951. Shaw is a hub of strategic military power and our Airmen are the key to success.. The training at MacDill allowed Shaws F-16 fighter pilots to integrate into a joint training environment to practice dropping inert munitions from their aircraft instead of simulating the air-to-ground training. The squadron is one of three F-16 units assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., under the direction of Headquarters 9th Air Force/U.S. Avionics technicians are responsible for ensuring that all the electronics onboard an aircraft are in working order. On 30 June 1993 the squadron was yet again inactivated. This work, 79th Fighter Generation Squadron maintains mission readiness [Image 3 of 3], by A1C Meghan Hutton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. Object number: FRE 5051 - The Tigers flew more than 1,000 successful combat sorties with these dual operational requirements. Taken in 2002. The squadron also deployed regularly to Italy, Turkey and Libya, fulfilling its commitments in Europe. Our mission is to provide combat ready aircraft and aircrew to conduct operations as assigned by Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT and Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. The squadron was organized in February 1918, as the 79th Aero Service Squadron at Waco Field, Texas, with an aerial gunnery mission. This squadron is not related to the 79th Aero Squadron organized on 15 August 1917 at, Regular Army Inactive units were units that were constituted in the regular army. U.S. Air Force Airman Rulby De La Cruz, 79th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks and communicates with the pilot of his aircraft prior to takeoff at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 18, 2023. This affected the 79th Fighter Squadron, with a reduction of its flying hours, placing it into a basic mission capable status from 5 April - 30 July, then returning it to combat mission ready through September 2013. The reason behind the reactivation was to keep the history alive of the 20th FW and its resident squadrons over those of the 363rd FW which deactivated and its squadrons as well. Its very dynamic and very diverse--it spans the entire globe across every capability in ACC. Redesignated 79 Pursuit Squadron on 8 May 1929. The squadron moved to Langley Air Force Base, Va., in November 1951, and in June 1952, trained to support North American Treaty Organization ground forces in conventional and nuclear roles. The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny), Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Robertson. The squadron flew more than 1,000 successful combat sorties with these dual operational requirements. In 1957, the 79th began transitioning to the F-100 Super Sabre. Aircraft. The "Loco Squadron" flew 293 combat sorties without sustaining a loss. Sixty-nine members of the 79th FS were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in this terrorist attack and 12 members of the squadron were decorated for valour. Since that time, the 79th has continuously supported Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia. MOTTO: "Shield the Enterprise". The unit moved to Shaw Field, South Carolina, in October 1946. Strive for perfection and be proud. This joint training enhanced the exercise . The squadron was later assigned duties patrolling near Washington, D.C. The 79th Fighter Squadron "Tigers" are a combat ready F-16C/D squadron tasked with air-to-air, air-to-surface and Suppression of Enemy Air Defences missions as directed by the wing or component commander in support of friendly forces. In 1996 the 79th FS flew more than 7,700 flying hours including 882, combat sorties and 2,477 combat hours. In July 1944, the squadron was flying the much faster P-51 Mustang while furnishing air support for the 3rd Army in the Battle of the Bulge and other strategic areas. Southwest Asia:Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait; Southwest Asia Ceasefire. - Captain Jack M. Ilfrey, one of the COs of the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, at Kings Cliffe air base. Plan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, sits parked on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. He stands with other crew members. Activated on 29 Jul 1946. Colonel Harold J. Rau and his ground crew of the Insignia ot the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Kelly and Wade began their immersion at the 15th Air Force Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Central headquarters and U.S. Army Central headquarters. Based on risk assessment, Airmen are either seen immediately and tested, or placed on a random selection list. From 1940 to 1942, the 1 2 Go To Page of 2 Plan. The 325th Fighter Wing's primary mission is to train and project unrivaled combat power. The 49th Operations Support Squadron is made up of seven flights including Weather, Aircrew Flight Equipment, Airfield Operations, White Sands Radar, Intelligence, Current Operations and Weapons and Tactics. The 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., provide combat ready airpower and Airmen, to meet any challenge, anytime, anywhere. Take pride in the fact that we safeguard the freedom, security, and prosperity of our Nation. Although they were not activated, they were organized with reserve personnel during the 1920s and early 1930s. Demobilized on 15 Nov 1918. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Meghan Hutton). Type or paste contributions or comments below and click Send. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. Provided personnel for and helped train units, 1940-1942. Object Number - FRE 5231 - Official emblem of the 20th Fighter Group, approved 26 November 1942. Supersedespublished information in Judy G. Endicott (ed. The . (Used from Spring of 1944 until disbanded in 1947). . Mission statement. From 1940 to 1942, the squadron trained combat pilots and flew the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk from bases on the East Coast. Inactivated on 30 Jun 1993. . Combat in Southwest Asia, Jan-Feb 1991. Shaw Air Force Base is a self-contained town, administered and maintained by the 20th Fighter Wing through the Mission Support Group. Apparently a flying training unit, 1918. In March 1944, as part of a new Allied tactic, 79th pilots swept target areas after the bombers had departed. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945. Station information in Robertson, except as noted. In January 1999, the 79th Fighter Squadron was awarded the South Carolina Air Force Association's Outstanding Air Force Unit of the Year award. David Wade, command chief of ACC, visited Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 4-5, 2020. During Kellys first visit to Shaw since assuming command, he received a firsthand look at how Team Shaw, comprised of multiple major commands, stays mission ready 24/7 while striving for innovation at every turn with over 600 aircraft and over 53,000 Airmen and civilians located across the globe. The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 22 February 1918, being organized at Rich Field, Waco, Texas, as a pilot training Squadron during World War I. A terrorist attack was plotted and carried out against US forces stationed at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on June 25th, 1996. David Wade, command chief of Air Combat Command, fist bumps 79th Fighter Squadron and 79th Fighter Generation Squadron leadership at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. MOS 79R Recruiter. Carl Swat Painter, 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) pilot, demonstrates the squadrons Tiger Tiger! hand signal before taking off for a training sortie at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 18, 2023. A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 79th Fighter Squadron gets situated in the cockpit of his F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to takeoff for exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on Feb 130225-F-CJ989-901.jpg 2,100 1,397; 991 KB Curtiss P-36A (AC 38-17) (6127836062).jpg 1,780 1,026; 798 KB The P-47 had better performance than the P-40 in most areas, with the exception of maneuverability and range. The 79th FS traveled to MacDill from Shaw to conduct agile combat employment training. Aircraft flown by the 79th FG Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (Used from 1942 until the Spring of 1944) The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an American single-engine, single-seat, all metal fighter and ground-attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. Crew chiefs and pilots develop a close working relationship, holding each other accountable to ensure mission objectives are met at home and while deployed down range. As part of 8th Air Force, the 79th, and its newly acquired P-38s, escorted medium and heavy bombers on strikes over Europe. These flights support the wing, tenant units and Army's White Sands Missile Range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin), U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. In June 1999, the 79th deployed F-16CJs in support of Operation Allied Force to a bare base in Southwest Asia. In 1929, the squadron was redesignated the 77th Pursuit Squadron and, The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. Since that time, the "Tigers" continuously supported Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia. 20 Operations Group, 1 Jan 1994-. David Wade, command chief of ACC, visited Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 4-5, 2020. In January 1999, the 79th Fighter Squadron was awarded the South Carolina Air Force Association's Outstanding Air Force Unit of the Year award. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. P-51, 1946-1948; F-84, 1948-1957; F-100, 1957-1970; F-111, 1970-1993. The 20th AS was assigned to the 2nd Air Force for a brief time before being disbanded in April 1944. The airmen were from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Waco, TX, 22 Feb 1918; Taliaferro Field, TX, 28 Feb-15 Nov 1918. Service Streamers. The squadron was organized in February 1918, as the 79th Aero Service Squadron at Waco Field, Texas, with an aerial gunnery mission. The 78th Air Base Wing Communications Directorate effectively employs information technologies to enable the Center to enhance warfighter capabilities. The squadron was demobilized after World War I, but was reactivated in October 1927, as the 79th Reconnaissance Observation Squadron. The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an American single-engine, single-seat, all metal fighter and ground-attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. It is an outpatient clinic with 24-hour ambulance transport service. Pride. A qualified and current joint terminal air controller is recognized across the Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform terminal attack control. until 0400 est. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin), U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Named the top air dominance squadron in the Air Force for their actions across five combat operations and two exercises in fiscal year 2020, the 79th Fighter Squadron received the Raytheon Trophy Aug. 28, 2021.