With its robust airframe, powerful radial engine, and armament of eight .50 caliber machine guns, the P-47 was especially proficient in the ground-attack role. This joint training enhanced the exercise . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Activated on 1 Apr 1933. It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop and airland of pararescue personnel and/or equipment in support of combat personnel recovery. One year later the squadron was re-designated a tactical fighter squadron. Assignment information in Robertson, except as noted. U.S. Air Force Capt. It operates the Lockheed HC-130J "Combat King II" variant of the C-130 "Hercules" and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. The squadron maintains and operates Block 50 Mini-D variant F-16 Fighting Falcons in support of complex training and operational tasking, while maintaining proficiency in the employment of a full array of munitions and tactics. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945. He stands with other crew members See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below. The squadron was in the area for Operation Southern Watch, a UN sanctioned patrol of a no-fly zone over Southern Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Demobilized on 15 Nov 1918. On 30 June 1993 the squadron was yet again inactivated. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. 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 . (Used from 1942 until the Spring of 1944). Jan. 1, 1994, it was reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., transitioning to the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon and assuming the mission of suppression of enemy air defenses. The 79th Fighter Squadron (79 FS) is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The vision of the group is to be the Department of Defense's premier and proactive Information Technology organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft sits parked on flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 8, 2021. [4], In December 1998, the 79th took an active part in Operation Desert Fox in conjunction with Operation Southern Watch demands. None. Can you list the top facts and stats about 79th Fighter Squadron? The goal of agile combat support is to provide the most capable air and space forces to combatant commanders. Operations. Antisubmarine patrols, c. 8 Dec 1941-c. 8 Feb 1942. P-51, 1946-1948; F-84, 1948-1957; F-100, 1957-1970; F-111, 1970-1993. Kelly also took time to recognize 20 Team Shaw Airmen for outstanding performance. The wing is capable of meeting all operational requirements worldwide, maintains a state of combat readiness and operates as the host unit at Shaw by providing, 20th Component Maintenance SquadronThe 20th Component Maintenance Squadron supports a combat-ready wing of approximately79 F-16CFighting Falconsand equipment. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. The following principles will guide and shape our actions: a. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. Southwest Asia:Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait; Southwest Asia Ceasefire. 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 until 0400 est. In response to COVID-19, the 20th MDG has been selected to be part of Project Brown Herrin, an electronic surveillance program that is sent out to 400 members every two weeks. The 79th, along with the 20th, was reactivated in July 1946, at Biggs Field in El Paso, Texas. A qualified and current joint terminal air controller is recognized across the Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform terminal attack control. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the Cold War. In January 1991, as part of Joint Task Force Proven Force at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, the 79th became the first squadron to employ the F-111E in combat while supporting operation Desert Storm. The 79th was again reassigned to England in May 1952, at Royal Air Force Station Woodbridge. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. CMF 79 Recruiter, Counselor Duty Descriptions. David Salanitri) PRINT | E-MAIL 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. Since that time, the "Tigers" continuously supported Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia. 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. (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. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. The 79th FS traveled to MacDill from Shaw to conduct agile combat employment training. In March 1944, as part of a new Allied tactic, 79th pilots swept target areas after the bombers had departed. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. Redesignated 79 Pursuit Squadron on 8 May 1929. Airmen and leaders from both sides explained to Kelly how this change has been revolutionary, and since the switch, Airmen have been able to have closer relationships with their commanders. 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. Agile combat support is an Air Force distinctive capability that touches every functional area and is key to meeting the Air Force's mission to organize, train, equip and employ air and space power. The 79th received the Commander in Chief's Trophy in 1981, as the best tactical fighter squadron in U.S. Air Forces in Europe.[4]. Between 1946 and 1952, the squadron's history is filled with several moves and aircraft changes before the 79th moved to Shaw Field, S.C. After coining them, he gave words of advice, encouragement and praise for the Airmen and their leadership. 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. Reviewed byDaniel Haulman, An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Kelly and Chief Master Sgt. Service Streamers. In January 1999, the 79th Fighter Squadron was awarded the South Carolina Air Force Association's Outstanding Air Force Unit of the Year award. Also in 1999, the squadron was honored with Air Combat Command's Maintenance Effectiveness Award. JTAC Airmen direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. In June 1999, the 79th deployed F-16CJs in support of Operation Allied Force to a bare base in Southwest Asia. 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. Click on the map above to zoom into where the 79th FG was stationed. Emblem. The CRC in conjunction with the 20th MDG is currently leading the wing in Project Brown Heron, an electronic surveillance program that is sent out to 400 members every two weeks. Unkn, 22 Feb-15 Nov 1918. 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. Demobilized on 15 Nov 1918. Aircraft is General Dynamics F-16C Block 50P serial 92-3923, taken on 11 August 2001. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through31 Dec 2000. In response to COVID-19, the 20th MDG has been selected to be part of Project Brown Herrin, an electronic surveillance program that is sent out to 400 members every two weeks. 20th AF Mission Statement: Employ the world's finest nuclear deterrent force in the defense of U. S. interests and when directed, eliminate aggressors through decisive strike. The squadron was organized in February 1918, as the 79th Aero Service Squadron at Waco Field, Texas, with an aerial gunnery mission. 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. It maintains jet engines; accessory; and avionics components and systems; and a test, measurement and diagnostic equipment laboratory in, The 20th Medical Group provides ambulatory medical and dental services to the 20th Fighter Wing, Headquarters 9th Air Force (U.S. Air Force Central) and associate units. Redesignated Squadron B, Taliaferro Field, TX, on 23 Jul 1918. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. From 1940 to 1942, the, An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1956-30 Sep 1957; 1 May 1963-31 Dec 1964; 1 Jan 1965-31 Mar 1966; 1 Jul 1968-31 Mar 1970; 1 Sep 1970-30 Jun 1972; 31 Mar 1973-30 Jun 1974; 1 Jul 1977-30 Jun 1979; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jul 1987-30 Jun 1989; 1 Jul 1990-30 Jun 1992; 1 Oct 1992-23 Apr 1993; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1994; 24 Mar-10 Jun 1999; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jun 1999-31 May 2001. Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through5 Nov 2007. 79 Fighter Squadron (ACC) By. The squadron also deployed regularly to Italy, Turkey and Libya, fulfilling its commitments in Europe. Kelly recognized 20 Team Shaw Airmen for a variety of outstanding performances. It operates T-1 Jayhawk aircraft conducting flight training. Prepared byPatsy Robertson. The 20th Operations Support Squadron traces its lineage back to Jan. 25, 1943, as the 20th Airdrome Squadron. Combat in European Theater of Operations (ETO), 28 Dec 1943-25 Apr 1945. The squadron was demobilized on March 16, 1919, following the war. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the Cold War. Known as the Tuskegee Airmen the unit served with distinction in the European Theater of Operations. Originally organized as the 55th Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas, by Novemberthe squadron was deployed toIssoudun, France. The 79th FS received the 3,500th F-16 Fighting Falcon produced by Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems on April 27, 1995. Apparently a flying training unit, 1918. The blast killed nineteen USAF personnel and heavily damaged or destroyed six high-rise apartment buildings. Type or paste contributions or comments below and click Send. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin), U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. The squadron was inactivated at Camp Kilmer, N.J., in October 1945. Phone Number: (478) 926-8553. Sept. 11, 1944, the squadron received P-51 Mustangs. The squadron was demobilized after World War I, but was reactivated in October 1927, as the 79th Reconnaissance Observation Squadron. The next change came in 1970, when the squadron transitioned to the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark and moved to RAF Upper Heyford, England. Chris Rasnick, an avionics technician with the 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, performs a preflight check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. Evidently included JN-4, JN-6, and perhaps S-4 during 1918. It is an outpatient clinic with 24-hour ambulance transport service. Its very dynamic and very diverse--it spans the entire globe across every capability in ACC. Take pride in the fact that we safeguard the freedom, security, and prosperity of our Nation. From 1940 to 1942, the squadron trained combat pilots and flew the P-40 Warhawk from bases on the east coast. 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. It operates the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting air superiority missions. In 1943, the 79th converted to the P-38 Lightning, flying out of Northamptonshire, England, performing duty as bomber escorts and conducting fighter sweeps over Germany. Unit stations The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. Copyright 1961-2023 NATO Tiger Association. TDYs like this one enable our pilots and maintainers to practice joint integration and learning away from home station, said Capt. Waco, TX, 22 Feb 1918; Taliaferro Field, TX, 28 Feb-15 Nov 1918. The wing trains and prepares F-22 Raptor pilots, intelligence officers, and maintainers for assignment to . Afterward, they headed to the 25th Attack Groups remotely piloted aircraft operations site and the 20th Medical Groups COVID-19 response cell, as well as the 79th Fighter Squadron and partnered 79th Fighter Generation Squadron. (Used from Spring of 1944 until disbanded in 1947). Insignia ot the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Sign up now to receive news and communications from American Air Museum in Britain charity. Distinguished Unit Citation: Central Germany, 8 Apr 1944. Redesignated: 79 Fighter Squadron, Jet, on 15 Jun 1948; 79 Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 20 Jan 1950; 79 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 Jul 1958; 79 Fighter Squadron on 1 Oct 1991. 79th Fighter Squadron Squadron View all 52 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. until 0400 est. 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. MOS 79T Recruiting/Retention NCO (ARNG) MOS 79V Retention And Transition NCO. The squadron was demobilized in November 1918, but was reactivated and consolidated with the 77th Observation Squadron in October 1927. The CRC meets multiple times every week to present data, recommendations and concerns to wing leadership, who are then able to make informed decisions on how best to take care of Airmen executing the mission amidst a global pandemic. The across-the board spending cuts, called sequestration, took effect 1 March when Congress failed to agree on a deficit-reduction plan. 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. 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. 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.