162d Fighter Wing
Encyclopedia
The 162d Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force
unit located at Tucson International Airport
, near Tucson, Arizona
.
vintage F-86A Sabres. At that time the "base" consisted of an old adobe farmhouse and a dirt-floor hangar with enough space for three aircraft.
Despite the facility limitations, the Air Defense Command's Headquarters Fourth Air Force
judged the 152nd FIS outstanding in accomplishing its air defense mission. It declared the unit "Best in the West" in the 1950s and the early 1960s. Late in 1968 the unit received its first of five Air Force Outstanding Unit Citations for converting from the F-100A Super Sabre day-fighter to the all-weather F-102 Delta Dagger interceptor aircraft in just 10 months. The unit did it faster and better than any other Air National Guard unit converting to the F-102. The Air National Guard officially redesignated the unit as the 162d Tactical Fighter Training Group and the 152nd Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1969. The unit's new job was producing combat-ready pilots for the F-100 aircraft. They graduated their first students in 1970. Shortly afterward, the unit formed the Air National Guard Fighter Weapons School in Tucson. This school taught Air Guard and Reserve fighter pilots from throughout the country to effectively use advanced tactics and weapons technology.
The unit received its third Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation in the 1970s and began another dimension in training in 1983 when the unit added the A-7 Fighter Weapons School.
During the 1980s the unit received its fourth Outstanding Unit Citation and the Spaatz Trophy. The Spaatz trophy recognized the 162d Fighter Wing as the outstanding Air National Guard unit in the United States.
In 1985, the unit began a unique dual training mission in the F-16 and A-7 aircraft.
In 1987, the Group was awarded the "Sistema de Cooperacion Entre Las Fuerzas Aereas Americanas (SICOFAA)," the Safety Award of the Americas, and is the only Air National Guard unit to ever be so honored. In 1989 the Netherlands and the United States formally agreed to use the 162d Fighter Group's first-rate facilities and people to train Dutch fighter pilots in the F-16 aircraft. In 1990 the unit received its fifth Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation. Midsummer 1991 saw the retirement of all its A-7D aircraft. Now the unit flies the F-16C/D and the newer F-16E/F "Fighting Falcon" aircraft plus a single C-26A "Metroliner" light transport aircraft.
In addition to the training done at the ANG base in Tucson, the Wing conducts training at individual client nations. Mobile Training Teams have conducted classes in numerous countries around the world, most recently in Turkey, the Netherlands, Thailand and Poland. The Thailand Mobile Training Team conducted the unit's premier international training course, known as the Advanced Weapons Course. This program provides "graduate-level" training to assist allied nations in meeting their need for highly trained F-16 pilots.
On June 9, 1997, the wing embarked on a new mission, training international maintenance technicians on F-16 systems. Jordan sent the first six of nearly 60 technicians to observe and learn 162d Fighter Wing maintenance techniques so they can emulate what they learn here at their home stations. The training they receive here supplements the technical training they received from the aircraft manufacturer. Italy and the United Arab Emirates have also sent their technicians to Tucson for maintenance training.
From October 1998 until August 1999, the unit conducted a program to convert three former Air Defense units to the general-purpose role. This air-to-ground training program taught current F-16 air defense pilots how to employ the F-16 in the ground attack mission. Air defense units from the Vermont, New Jersey, Texas and California Air National Guard transferred eight F-16C/Ds to the 162d FW. These aircraft were used to train nearly 60 pilots from the three air defense units. Maintenance people from these states also provided maintenance support for these aircraft under 162d FW supervision.
The unit received its sixth Outstanding Unit Award in 2003 for mobilizing more than 300 personnel to support the North American Air Defense Command's Operation Noble Eagle, providing more than 50 personnel to support Central Command's Operation Enduring Freedom, for supporting Joint Forge, Coronet Oak, Coronet Nighthawk and providing personnel to Southern Command and European Command.
On June 27, 2004, the 162d Fighter Wing and the United Arab Emirates initiated a unique training program. The UAE F-16 Training Program is a dedicated F-16 squadron, the 148th Fighter Squadron. The squadron will operate in the long-term with 13 F-16E/F (Block 60) aircraft. The first aircraft arrived on Sept. 2, 2004.
Along with the Homeland Defense mission, the 162d FW continues its primary mission of International F-16 Pilot Training adding new countries every year. The 162d Fighter Wing now features new modern buildings, up-to-date equipment and continually updated technology that keeps pace with its rapidly changing roles and missions.
The ultramodern Air Guard Base at Tucson is very different from the adobe farmhouse and dirt-floor hangar of 50 years ago. What remains unchanged is the outstanding dedication of the men and women working to make the 162d Fighter Wing one of the finest fighter training wings in the world
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...
unit located at Tucson International Airport
Tucson International Airport
Tucson International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located six miles south of the central business district of Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona, United States, and is the second largest and busiest airport in Arizona, after Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.- Overview...
, near Tucson, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
.
Mission
The Air National Guard in Tucson is home to F-16 training for the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and International countries.History
Early years
The unit's history dates back to 1956 when the 152nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Arizona Air National Guard flew the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
vintage F-86A Sabres. At that time the "base" consisted of an old adobe farmhouse and a dirt-floor hangar with enough space for three aircraft.
Despite the facility limitations, the Air Defense Command's Headquarters Fourth Air Force
Fourth Air Force
The Fourth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Reserve . It is headquartered at March Air Reserve Base, California....
judged the 152nd FIS outstanding in accomplishing its air defense mission. It declared the unit "Best in the West" in the 1950s and the early 1960s. Late in 1968 the unit received its first of five Air Force Outstanding Unit Citations for converting from the F-100A Super Sabre day-fighter to the all-weather F-102 Delta Dagger interceptor aircraft in just 10 months. The unit did it faster and better than any other Air National Guard unit converting to the F-102. The Air National Guard officially redesignated the unit as the 162d Tactical Fighter Training Group and the 152nd Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1969. The unit's new job was producing combat-ready pilots for the F-100 aircraft. They graduated their first students in 1970. Shortly afterward, the unit formed the Air National Guard Fighter Weapons School in Tucson. This school taught Air Guard and Reserve fighter pilots from throughout the country to effectively use advanced tactics and weapons technology.
1980s
The unit received its second Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation for successfully continuing to train F-100 students while completing the most challenging conversion in the unit's history. That tasking was to convert from F-100s to A-7Ds. In the early 1980s the Group also received the A-7K, a two-seat combat-capable training aircraft. This was the first time an aircraft manufacturer produced a new aircraft specifically designed for Air National Guard use.The unit received its third Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation in the 1970s and began another dimension in training in 1983 when the unit added the A-7 Fighter Weapons School.
During the 1980s the unit received its fourth Outstanding Unit Citation and the Spaatz Trophy. The Spaatz trophy recognized the 162d Fighter Wing as the outstanding Air National Guard unit in the United States.
In 1985, the unit began a unique dual training mission in the F-16 and A-7 aircraft.
In 1987, the Group was awarded the "Sistema de Cooperacion Entre Las Fuerzas Aereas Americanas (SICOFAA)," the Safety Award of the Americas, and is the only Air National Guard unit to ever be so honored. In 1989 the Netherlands and the United States formally agreed to use the 162d Fighter Group's first-rate facilities and people to train Dutch fighter pilots in the F-16 aircraft. In 1990 the unit received its fifth Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation. Midsummer 1991 saw the retirement of all its A-7D aircraft. Now the unit flies the F-16C/D and the newer F-16E/F "Fighting Falcon" aircraft plus a single C-26A "Metroliner" light transport aircraft.
1990s
In April 1992, the Group's international training mission began a major expansion, training fighter pilots for the Republic of Singapore, followed in 1993 by Bahrain, by Portugal in 1994, and by Thailand, Indonesia and Turkey in 1995. The unit was designated a wing in October 1995 and the international training mission continued to expand, adding Belgium in 1996 followed by Jordan and Norway in the first half of 1997. Denmark began training here in June 1998, and Japan began training in late 1998. Italy sent their first pilot to Tucson in October 2000, Greece began training here in January 2001 and the United Arab Emirates sent their first students here in August 2001. Oman and Poland both began sending students here in 2004. Other nations who have trained or are currently training in Tucson are Israel, Italy, Chile and Taiwan. Additional nations are currently negotiating training programs with the 162d FW.In addition to the training done at the ANG base in Tucson, the Wing conducts training at individual client nations. Mobile Training Teams have conducted classes in numerous countries around the world, most recently in Turkey, the Netherlands, Thailand and Poland. The Thailand Mobile Training Team conducted the unit's premier international training course, known as the Advanced Weapons Course. This program provides "graduate-level" training to assist allied nations in meeting their need for highly trained F-16 pilots.
On June 9, 1997, the wing embarked on a new mission, training international maintenance technicians on F-16 systems. Jordan sent the first six of nearly 60 technicians to observe and learn 162d Fighter Wing maintenance techniques so they can emulate what they learn here at their home stations. The training they receive here supplements the technical training they received from the aircraft manufacturer. Italy and the United Arab Emirates have also sent their technicians to Tucson for maintenance training.
From October 1998 until August 1999, the unit conducted a program to convert three former Air Defense units to the general-purpose role. This air-to-ground training program taught current F-16 air defense pilots how to employ the F-16 in the ground attack mission. Air defense units from the Vermont, New Jersey, Texas and California Air National Guard transferred eight F-16C/Ds to the 162d FW. These aircraft were used to train nearly 60 pilots from the three air defense units. Maintenance people from these states also provided maintenance support for these aircraft under 162d FW supervision.
War on Terror
The September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States brought immediate change to the 162d Fighter Wing. Within hours of the first attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the 162d FW placed F-16 aircraft on alert. In the days and weeks that followed, the wing met every requirement of this new air defense mission, dubbed Operation Noble Eagle, with outstanding results. Many members of the wing volunteered to support this new mission and others have stepped up and answered the President's call to "mobilize" in support of this critical mission.The unit received its sixth Outstanding Unit Award in 2003 for mobilizing more than 300 personnel to support the North American Air Defense Command's Operation Noble Eagle, providing more than 50 personnel to support Central Command's Operation Enduring Freedom, for supporting Joint Forge, Coronet Oak, Coronet Nighthawk and providing personnel to Southern Command and European Command.
On June 27, 2004, the 162d Fighter Wing and the United Arab Emirates initiated a unique training program. The UAE F-16 Training Program is a dedicated F-16 squadron, the 148th Fighter Squadron. The squadron will operate in the long-term with 13 F-16E/F (Block 60) aircraft. The first aircraft arrived on Sept. 2, 2004.
Along with the Homeland Defense mission, the 162d FW continues its primary mission of International F-16 Pilot Training adding new countries every year. The 162d Fighter Wing now features new modern buildings, up-to-date equipment and continually updated technology that keeps pace with its rapidly changing roles and missions.
The ultramodern Air Guard Base at Tucson is very different from the adobe farmhouse and dirt-floor hangar of 50 years ago. What remains unchanged is the outstanding dedication of the men and women working to make the 162d Fighter Wing one of the finest fighter training wings in the world
Major 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 Education and Training CommandAir Education and Training CommandAir Education and Training Command was established July 1, 1993, with the realignment of Air Training Command and Air University. It is one of the U.S. Air Force's ten major commands and reports to Headquarters, United States Air Force....
(1992–Present) - 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 Training CommandAir Training CommandAir Training Command is a former major command of the United States Army Air Forces and United States Air Force. ATC came into being as a redesignation of the Army Air Forces Training Command on July 1, 1946...
(???) - 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...
(???) - 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 Defense Command (1958-???)
Previous designations
- 162d Fighter Wing (1995–Present)
- 162d Fighter Group (1992–1995)
- 162d Tactical Fighter Group (???-1992)
- 162d Tactical Fighter Training Group (1969-19??)
Units assigned
- 162d Operations Group
- 162d Operations Support Flight
- 148th Fighter Squadron148th Fighter SquadronThe 148th Fighter Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 162d Fighter Wing, Arizona Air National Guard. It is stationed at Tucson Air National Guard Base, Arizona.-Overview:...
- 152nd Fighter Squadron152nd Fighter SquadronThe 152d Fighter Squadron flies the F-16C Block 42 Fighting Falcon. It is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 162d Fighter Wing.-Major Command:*Air National Guard/Air Education and Training Command...
- 195th Fighter Squadron195th Fighter SquadronThe 195th Fighter Squadron flies the F-16C Block 25 Fighting Falcon. It is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 162nd Fighter Wing.-History:...
- International Military Student Office (IMSO)
- 162d Maintenance Group
- 162d Maintenance Operations Flight
- 162d Maintenance Squadron
- 162d Medical Group
- 162d Medical Squadron
- 162d Mission Support Group
- 162d Security Forces Squadron
- 162d Civil Engineer Squadron
- 162d Communications Flight
- 162d Mission Support Flight
- 162d Logistics Readiness Squadron
- 162d Services Flight
- 162d Contracting Office
- Geographically Separated Units (at Davis-Monthan AFB)
- 162d Fighter Wing Air Sovereignty Alert (ASA) Detachment
- Operation Snowbird
- 214th Reconnaissance Group214th Reconnaissance GroupThe 214th Reconnaissance Group is a group of the United States Air Force located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. It is a component of the Arizona Air National Guard, and is one of the first Air National Guard units to fly the MQ-1 Predator....
Aircraft Operated
- F-16E/F Fighting Falcon (2006-today)
- F-16C/D Fighting Falcon (1995-today)
- F-16A/B Fighting Falcon (1985–2008)
- A-7D/K Corsair II (1975–1987)
- F-100C/D/F Super Sabre (1969–1976)
- F-102A Delta Dagger (1966–1969)
- F-100A Super Sabre (1958–1966)
- F-84F ThunderstreakF-84F ThunderstreakThe Republic F-84F Thunderstreak was an American-built swept-wing turbojet fighter-bomber. While an evolutionary development of the straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F was a new design. The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version....
(1957–1958) - F-86A Sabre (1956–1957)