115th Fighter Wing
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 115th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard
fighter unit located at Truax Field
, Wisconsin
.
As an Air National Guard unit, it is normally under the command of the Governor, but has a federal role as well. Currently the wing has personnel and/or aircraft assigned to Operation Noble Eagle
, Operation Jump Start
and regularly serves with the Air Expeditionary Force in Iraq and Afghanistan.
was the aircraft assigned to the unit. In 1950, 10 of the unit's 25 Mustangs were shipped to Korea in support of the Korean War effort. In February 1951, the 176 Fighter Squadron was called to active duty, but remained at Truax Field.
During the active duty tour, the 176 Fighter Squadron converted its aircraft to the F-89 Scorpion
. They became the first Air National Guard unit to fly the modern jet fighter. In October 1952, the 176th returned to reserve status and state control, and converted back to the F-51 Mustang.
One year later, 1953, the unit was redesignated the 176 Fighter Interceptor Squadron and converted to the F-86 Sabre
. This was the legendary fighter that gained fame as a "MIG Killer" during the Korean War.
In October 1955, the 176 Fighter Interceptor Squadron converted back to the F-89 Scorpion. During the next 12 years the 176th was equipped with each model of the F-89: the D model with 104 2.75 inches (69.9 mm) rockets, the H model with rockets and missiles, and the J model with the Genie rocket. During that 12 years, the role of the 176th went from that of stand-by reserve force to that of a force of being, a fully participating member of the air defense of the North American continent.
The unit began transitioning from the Scorpion to the F-102 Delta Dagger
in 1965. For the next nine years, pilots and crews were on a five minute (24 hours/day) alert commitment.
In 1972, the 176th was recognized as the best F-102 unit in the U.S. Air Force. During the year the unit won the William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons meet plus six other major awards.
In 1974, the 176th underwent a major change in aircraft, mission, and designation. The role of the unit transitioned from fighter squadron to support squadron when the unit was redesignated the 176 Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS). The aircraft was converted to the O-2 Skymaster
observation aircraft with the Forward Air Control mission.
After five years, 1979, the unit was one of the first to become Jet Forward Air Control with the OA-37 Dragonfly. This role wouldn't last very long. The wing would phase out the Dragonfly two years later.
In 1981, the 176 Tactical Air Support Squadron transitioned again into a fighter role when the unit was redesignated as the 128 Tactical Fighter Wing. This time the Wing's aircraft was converted into the A-10 Thunderbolt II
. During the next 11 years, the Wing performed the close air support mission, not only in support of Army units located throughout the United States, but on a global scale as well. Numerous deployments to Europe and Central America clearly demonstrated the Wing's readiness for worldwide tasking.
In 1991, the unit received the first "OUTSTANDING" rating ever given to any fighter unit for a Unit Effectiveness Inspection. That achievement was a first for any active or reserve unit in the history of the Tactical Air Command. In addition, during this time, the unit received two Outstanding Unit Awards and numerous flight safety awards.
In 1992, the unit was redesignated the 128 Fighter Wing, under the newly formed Air Combat Command, and it began converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon
. The roles of the new mission include aerospace control and force application. Typical missions include counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close air support.
In October 1995, the 128 Fighter Wing was redesignated the 115th Fighter Wing with no change in mission or aircraft. The unit continued in readiness and preparing for all assigned tasking. In 1997 and 1998, the unit received its first combat missions, deploying to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, for Operation Northern Watch and to Al-Jabber Air Base, Kuwait, for Operation Southern Watch; both operations enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq.
Following the 11 September attacks in 2001, the 115th Fighter Wing once again assumed an alert commitment. Under the command of NORAD and in cooperation with civilian aviation and law enforcement agencies, the fighter wing now maintains a force of armed fighter aircraft and personnel ready at a moments notice as part of Operation Noble Eagle
.
In the Global War on Terror
, wing personnel and aircraft have served in many missions and countries including; Iraq, Qatar, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Kuwait.
An F-16 belonging to the wing was destroyed in a crash in New Chester, Wisconsin
after takeoff from Volk Field on 7 June 2011. The pilot ejected and was not seriously injured.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's 115th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
fighter unit located at Truax Field
Dane County Regional Airport
-Statistics:-External links:* Dane County Regional Airport: * Wisconsin Airport Directory: * * - Listen live to Madison's Air Traffic Control...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
.
Mission
The 115th Fighter Wing provides multi-role fighter support including air-to-air, close air support and precision guided bombing. The wing currently operates the latest generation of munitions such as the JDAM series bombs and the AIM-9X air-to-air missile.As an Air National Guard unit, it is normally under the command of the Governor, but has a federal role as well. Currently the wing has personnel and/or aircraft assigned to Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Noble Eagle is the name given to military operations related to homelandsecurity and support to federal, state, and local agencies...
, Operation Jump Start
Operation Jump Start
Operation Jump Start was a plan to aid U.S. Customs and Border Patrol , announced by President George W. Bush in May 2006. It included the deployment of United States National Guard troops along the Mexico–United States border. The mission entailed enforcement of border security and construction...
and regularly serves with the Air Expeditionary Force in Iraq and Afghanistan.
History
The 176 Fighter Squadron was organized at Truax Field in 1948. The P-51 MustangP-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
was the aircraft assigned to the unit. In 1950, 10 of the unit's 25 Mustangs were shipped to Korea in support of the Korean War effort. In February 1951, the 176 Fighter Squadron was called to active duty, but remained at Truax Field.
During the active duty tour, the 176 Fighter Squadron converted its aircraft to the F-89 Scorpion
F-89 Scorpion
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
. They became the first Air National Guard unit to fly the modern jet fighter. In October 1952, the 176th returned to reserve status and state control, and converted back to the F-51 Mustang.
One year later, 1953, the unit was redesignated the 176 Fighter Interceptor Squadron and converted to the F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
. This was the legendary fighter that gained fame as a "MIG Killer" during the Korean War.
In October 1955, the 176 Fighter Interceptor Squadron converted back to the F-89 Scorpion. During the next 12 years the 176th was equipped with each model of the F-89: the D model with 104 2.75 inches (69.9 mm) rockets, the H model with rockets and missiles, and the J model with the Genie rocket. During that 12 years, the role of the 176th went from that of stand-by reserve force to that of a force of being, a fully participating member of the air defense of the North American continent.
The unit began transitioning from the Scorpion to the F-102 Delta Dagger
F-102 Delta Dagger
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...
in 1965. For the next nine years, pilots and crews were on a five minute (24 hours/day) alert commitment.
In 1972, the 176th was recognized as the best F-102 unit in the U.S. Air Force. During the year the unit won the William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons meet plus six other major awards.
In 1974, the 176th underwent a major change in aircraft, mission, and designation. The role of the unit transitioned from fighter squadron to support squadron when the unit was redesignated the 176 Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS). The aircraft was converted to the O-2 Skymaster
O-2 Skymaster
The O-2 Skymaster is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster utilized as an observation and forward air control aircraft...
observation aircraft with the Forward Air Control mission.
After five years, 1979, the unit was one of the first to become Jet Forward Air Control with the OA-37 Dragonfly. This role wouldn't last very long. The wing would phase out the Dragonfly two years later.
In 1981, the 176 Tactical Air Support Squadron transitioned again into a fighter role when the unit was redesignated as the 128 Tactical Fighter Wing. This time the Wing's aircraft was converted into the A-10 Thunderbolt II
A-10 Thunderbolt II
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed for a United States Air Force requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks,...
. During the next 11 years, the Wing performed the close air support mission, not only in support of Army units located throughout the United States, but on a global scale as well. Numerous deployments to Europe and Central America clearly demonstrated the Wing's readiness for worldwide tasking.
In 1991, the unit received the first "OUTSTANDING" rating ever given to any fighter unit for a Unit Effectiveness Inspection. That achievement was a first for any active or reserve unit in the history of the Tactical Air Command. In addition, during this time, the unit received two Outstanding Unit Awards and numerous flight safety awards.
In 1992, the unit was redesignated the 128 Fighter Wing, under the newly formed Air Combat Command, and it began converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
. The roles of the new mission include aerospace control and force application. Typical missions include counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close air support.
In October 1995, the 128 Fighter Wing was redesignated the 115th Fighter Wing with no change in mission or aircraft. The unit continued in readiness and preparing for all assigned tasking. In 1997 and 1998, the unit received its first combat missions, deploying to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, for Operation Northern Watch and to Al-Jabber Air Base, Kuwait, for Operation Southern Watch; both operations enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq.
Following the 11 September attacks in 2001, the 115th Fighter Wing once again assumed an alert commitment. Under the command of NORAD and in cooperation with civilian aviation and law enforcement agencies, the fighter wing now maintains a force of armed fighter aircraft and personnel ready at a moments notice as part of Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Noble Eagle is the name given to military operations related to homelandsecurity and support to federal, state, and local agencies...
.
In the Global War on Terror
War on Terrorism
The War on Terror is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom with the support of other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as well as non-NATO countries...
, wing personnel and aircraft have served in many missions and countries including; Iraq, Qatar, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Kuwait.
An F-16 belonging to the wing was destroyed in a crash in New Chester, Wisconsin
New Chester, Wisconsin
New Chester is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 864 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Brooks and Grand Marsh are located in the town.-Geography:New Chester is located at ....
after takeoff from Volk Field on 7 June 2011. The pilot ejected and was not seriously injured.
Major Command/Gaining Command
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
(since 1992) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
(1981–1992)
Previous designations
- 115th Fighter Wing (since 1995)
- 128th Fighter Wing (1992–1995)
- 128th Tactical Fighter Wing (1981–1992)
Aircraft assigned
- F-16C/D Fighting Falcon (since 1992)
- A-10A Thunderbolt II (1981–1992)
- OA-37A Dragonfly (1979–1981)
- O-2 SkymasterO-2 SkymasterThe O-2 Skymaster is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster utilized as an observation and forward air control aircraft...
(1974–1979) - F-102A Delta Dagger (1965–1974)
- F-89 ScorpionF-89 ScorpionThe Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
(1955–1965) - F-86 SabreF-86 SabreThe North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
(1953–1955) - F-51 Mustang (1952–1953)
- F-89 ScorpionF-89 ScorpionThe Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
(1951–1952) - F-51 Mustang (1948–1951)