The 325th Fighter Wing's primary mission is to train and project unrivaled combat power. The unit inactivated from November 1918 until April 1933, when it became the 79th Pursuit Squadron, flying the Boeing P-12 at Barksdale Field, La. Insignia ot the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Sign up now to receive news and communications from American Air Museum in Britain charity. The Gallant Unit Citation is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in . 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. Redesignated Squadron B, Taliaferro Field, TX, on 23 Jul 1918. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 79th began patrolling San Francisco Bay and the vicinity for detection of hostile aircraft or ships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), A maintainer with the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS), 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. Reconstituted, and consolidated (25 May 1933) with 79 Observation Squadron, which was constituted on 18 Oct 1927. 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. 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. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. 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. Warren Air Force Base in southeastern Wyoming. Lineage. Take pride in the fact that we safeguard the freedom, security, and prosperity of our Nation. The 20th AS was assigned to the 2nd Air Force for a brief time before being disbanded in April 1944. 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. 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. 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. Help us to tell the stories that deserve to be told, by contributing information to the archive. Additionally, the 79 FS used this joint training as an opportunity to practice and refine their agile combat employment checklists and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin), U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Chisenhall, a crew chief assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron diligently preforms preflight check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. Click on the map above to zoom into where the 79th FG was stationed. Members of the 79th Fighter Squadron and 79th Fighter Generation Squadron under the 405th Expeditionary Group responded with an aggressive assault, providing superior airpower to defend American lives. The squadron was demobilized after World War I, but was reactivated in October 1927, as the 79th Reconnaissance Observation Squadron. 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 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. 20 Fighter (later, 20 Fighter-Bomber) Group, 29 Jul 1946 (attached to 20 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 15 Nov 1952-7 Feb 1955); 20 Fighter-Bomber (later, 20 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 8 Feb 1955 (attached to 39 Tactical Group, 23 Oct 1990-28 Feb 1991); 20 Operations Group, 31 Mar 1992-30 Jun 1993. The 79th received the Commander in Chief's Trophy in 1981, as the best tactical fighter squadron in U.S. Air Forces in Europe. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Carlos Yanez, an aircraft armament systems specialist with the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, inspects the missiles on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. Activated on 29 Jul 1946. Please note that your data will be managed in the US by the American Air Museum in Britain charity. The 79th FS Tigers often show squadron pride prior to takeoff; this culture builds camaraderie between crew chiefs and pilots that both improves morale and ensures good work ethic, leading to mission success. In June 1999, the 79th deployed F-16CJs in support of Operation Allied Force to a bare base in Southwest Asia. Sgt. Phone Number: (478) 926-8553. . Also in 1999, the squadron was honored with Air Combat Command's Maintenance Effectiveness Award. (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 goal is to test 10% of the MDG, 10% of dorm residents and 1% of base population every two weeks which allows the CRC to have a full understanding of COVIDs impact on the wing. On 1 January 1994, the 79th was reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, transitioning to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and assuming the mission of suppression of enemy air defenses. It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop and airland of pararescue personnel and/or equipment in support of combat personnel recovery. 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. We are the first to launch and the last to land. David Wade, command chief of ACC, visited Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 4-5, 2020. MOS 79S Career Counselor. Stations. In 1994 the 79th upgraded to a newer version of the F-16 and flew a total of 4,370 sorties with more than 8,400 flying hours. P-12, 1933-1935; P-26, 1935-1938; P-36, 1938-1940; P-40, 1940-1942; P-39, 1942-1943; P-38, 1943-1944; P-51, 1944-1945. MOS 79R Recruiter. The 20th Operations Support Squadron traces its lineage back to Jan. 25, 1943, as the 20th Airdrome Squadron. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. 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. For the 79th Aero Squadron of 1917, see. Unkn, 1918. This joint training enhanced the exercise . Upon their arrival, the 79th joined the United States Air Forces in Europe, becoming an integral part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's air arm as one of its Tiger organizations. Assignment information in Robertson, except as noted. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny), U.S Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, talks with U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Schisler, 20th Communications Squadron commander at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The squadron was reactivated in November, The squadron was organized Feb. 20 1918, as the 77th Aero Squadron at Waco Field, Texas. Kings Cliffe began as a satellite air base for the Group based at nearby Wittering. Sept. 11, 1944, the squadron received P-51 Mustangs. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. (Used from Spring of 1944 until disbanded in 1947). Chris Rasnick, an avionics technician assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron preforms a preflight check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. 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. Getting to come down and work on a range where we can drop munitions and work with actual JTACs, this is the closest thing were going to get to a deployed location before we actually deploy, said Brady. 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. 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. The 78th Air Base Wing Communications Directorate effectively employs information technologies to enable the Center to enhance warfighter capabilities. 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. Kelly and Wade began their immersion at the 15th Air Force Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Central headquarters and U.S. Army Central headquarters. 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. Plan. Direct outpatient care is provided for pediatrics to. Station information in Robertson, except as noted. Distinguished Unit Citation: Central Germany, 8 Apr 1944. Campaign Streamers. Can you list the top facts and stats about 79th Fighter Squadron? It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop, and . The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. 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 . Based on risk assessment, Airmen are either seen immediately and tested, or placed on a random selection list. Since that time, the 79th has continuously supported Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia. Activated on 1 Apr 1933. Central Command Air Forces and Headquarters Air Combat Command. JTAC Airmen direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. In March 1944, as part of a new Allied tactic, 79th pilots swept target areas after the bombers had departed. In December 1998, the 79th took an active part in Operation Desert Fox in conjunction with Operation Southern Watch demands. 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. The ACC command team began their immersion at the 15th Air Force Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Central headquarters and U.S. Army Central headquarters. 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. David Wade, ACC command chief, elbow-bump Airmen at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. Capt. The 79th, along with the 20th, was reactivated in July 1946, at Biggs Field in El Paso, Texas. The 79th FS started receiving the first F-16s in 1994 after departing RAF Upper Heyford in October of 1993. In August 1943, the squadron moved to King's Cliffe, England, for the duration of the second World War. Avionics technicians are responsible for testing and troubleshooting avionic components of aircraft systems at all levels of maintenance. 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 was inactivated in April 1993, and reactivated at its present home, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., on Jan. 3, 1994. 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. The next change came in 1970, when the squadron transitioned to the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark and moved to RAF Upper Heyford, England. From Sept. 1994 through Jan. 1995, and again in 1996, the squadron deployed to Southwest Asia (SWA) for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW). Combat in European Theater of Operations (ETO), 28 Dec 1943-25 Apr 1945. (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. Because they had no regular personnel they were still considered inactive in the regular army. The 79th played an important role in the rescue efforts following the tragic terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in 1996. 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 .