23d Wing
Encyclopedia
The 23d Wing is a front-line United States Air Force
Air Combat Command
wing currently assigned to Moody Air Force Base
, Georgia
.
, HC-130
and HH-60, as well as pararescuemen and force protection assets. It consists of approximately 6,100 military and civilian personnel, including geographically separated units (GSU) at Nellis AFB, Nevada
, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
, MacDill AFB, Florida
and the Avon Park Air Force Range
, Florida.
as part of the "Wing" or "Wing-Base" plan, which prescribed a standard organizational setup for all USAF bases worldwide. The plan called for the creation of a wing headquarters that established policy and supervised four functional groups: an operational group, an air base group, a maintenance and supply group, and a medical group. The 23d Fighter Group
was assigned as the operational group under the new 23d Fighter Wing. The wing was assigned to Far East Air Forces.
The 23d's mission on Guam was to provide air defense of the island. The 23d Fighter Group was assigned the 74th, 75th and 76th Fighter Squadrons, being equipped with Republic F-47 Thunderbolts.
The 23d Fighter Wing was reassigned to Howard Air Force Base
, Canal Zone
, in April 1949, where it also acquired a squadron of Lockheed RF-80 Shooting Stars
. The 23d Fighter Wing conducted air defense of the Canal Zone under the Caribbean Air Command until it was again inactivated on 24 September 1949.
, Maine
, the group was re-designated the 23d Fighter-Interceptor Wing with the 74th and 75th Fighter-Interceptor Squadrons assigned, as part of the Air Defense Command. Equipped with North American F-86 Sabre
, F-51 Mustang, and F-80 Shooting Star aircraft, its mission was to provide air defense for the northeastern United States during the Korean War
and conduct basic training for about 500 Air Force recruits. The 23 FIW was inactivated 6 February 1952 along with the 23d Fighter Interceptor Group.
The 23d Fighter Wing (Air Defense) was activated 18 August 1955, at Presque Isle with the 75th and 76th Fighter Squadrons assigned directly to wing, since the 23 FG was not active. It flew Northrop F-89 Scorpions
as part of the Air Defense Command until again inactivated 1 July 1959.
, Kansas
, under Tactical Air Command
and Twelfth Air Force. The 23 TFW was activated to replace the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing
at McConnell after its deployment to Korat RTAFB
, Thailand
. Squadrons of the 23 TFW were:
Squadron markings on the natural metal / silver lacquered aircraft included the following: 561 TFS - black/yellow checkerboarding on rudder; 562 TFS - a red, white and black "sharkmouth" on the nose of the aircraft; 563 TFS red and white stripes on the rudder, wingtips and stabilizers with a white band on the top of the vertical fin.
When Southeast Asian camouflaged, the squadrons carried the following tail codes: 561 TFS "MD"; 562 TFS "ME"; 563 TFS "MF", and later the 4519th and 419th TFTS "MG".
Flying the Republic Aviation F-105D/G "Thunderchief"
aircraft, the mission of the 23 TFW at McConnell was to provide training for Thud pilots prior to their deployment to Southeast Asia
. The 560th acted as a combat training squadron, while the other three squadrons began rotational TDY deployments to Southeast Asia beginning in November 1964.
In February 1965, when the 23 TFW deployed three squadrons (the 561st, 562d and 563d) to Southeast Asia for combat, these units were initially under the control of the 2d Air Division. Later, the 6441 TFW (P) was activated at Takhli RTAFB in July 1965, taking control of the 23d's squadrons deployed there. It was during this five month tour that the 563d TFS lost 10 of its 18 F-105's deployed and was awarded two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" for Valor. In addition to the deployments to Thailand, detachments of the 561 TFS also deployed to Da Nang Air Base
RVN for operations within the borders of the Republic of Vietnam
.
On 1 August 1967, the 4519th Combat Crew Training squadron was added to the 23 TFW, and the 560 TFS was deactivated on 25 September 1968.
The wing maintained proficiency in tactical fighter operations, and later also functioned as an F-105 replacement training unit and assisted Air National Guard
units in their conversion to the F-105 when the Thunderchief left first-line service. For the dual role it played from June 1970 to June 1971 as both an operational and a training unit, the wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in March 1971. Two of its squadrons, the 562d and 563d, also received the same award for their duty in Vietnam during 1965. For its participation in Linebacker I and Linebacker II during 1972 the 561st (Wild Weasels) received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V".
During combat operations in Southeast Asia, the 562 TFS lost three aircraft, while the 563 TFS lost eleven aircraft.
On 1 July 1972 the 23 TFW was transferred to England AFB Louisiana
and the 561, 562 and 563 TFS were assigned to the 35 TFW at George AFB California
.
The 23d Tactical Fighter Wing moved "on paper" without people or equipment to England Air Force Base
, Louisiana
, 1 July 1972 and took over the assets and personnel of the 4403d Tactical Fighter Wing. Assigned to the Ninth Air Force
, the wing activated all three of its original World War II fighter units — the 74th, 75th and 76th Tactical Fighter Squadrons for the first time since 1949, and began operations with the Ling-Temco-Vought
A-7D Corsair II aircraft.
Squadron markings were a blue tail stripe, later adding white stars and a "74" in 1979 for the 74 TFS; s white outlined black tail stripe, later changed to black and white checkered for the 75 TFS, and a red tail stripe with white stars and a "76" for the 76 TFS. All 23 TFW aircraft carried the "EL" tail code at England AFB.
On 5 July 1973, the 74 TFS deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base
, Thailand
, on temporary duty with the 354 TFW (Deployed) from Myrtle Beach AFB
, South Carolina
. The 74th replaced the 354 TFS from Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
that had completed its temporary duty. For just over a month, until the cessation of all U.S. bombing on 15 August 1973, the 74 TFS supported the air war activities in Cambodia
, accounting for the destruction of 311 enemy structures, 25 ground artillery and missile sites, three bridges and 9,500 cubic meters of supplies. The 74 TFS returned to England AFB on 28 December 1973.
The 23 TFW took part in a variety of operational exercises both in the United States and overseas, including tactical bombing competitions against the Royal Air Force
at RAF Lossiemouth
, Scotland, during October 1977 and July 1978. In both events, A-7D teams captured the Sir John Mogg Team Trophy.
On 23 September 1980, the 74 TFS received the 23 TFW's first operational Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II
aircraft. The 75 and 76 TFS received A-10s within the next few months, and the 23 TFW took top honors in Ninth Air Force’s tactical bombing competition (Gunpowder 1981) in July, and advanced to TAC’s worldwide Gunsmoke 1981 competition at Nellis Air Force Base
, Nevada
, in September. The Flying Tigers won six of nine events, including top maintenance and munitions awards, and was the top A-10 unit in the competition. The wing’s maintenance complex was also awarded the 1981 Daedalian runner-up trophy, and earned the 1984 Daedalian Aircraft Maintenance Trophy.
Eight of the 23d's A-7Ds were transferred to the 4450th Tactical Group, based at Nellis Air Force Base
, Nevada
in June 1981, during the transition to the A-10. The 4451st Tactical Squadron at Tonopah Test Range Airport
used these aircraft to train F-117
pilots and to provide a cover story for F-117A development.
The wing set Air Force records for "mission capable
" and "fully mission capable" (meaning an aircraft can meet any mission tasking) rates during fiscal year 1985. The marks, 93.1 percent in MC and 92.8 percent in FMC, topped records set by the wing in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984.
The wing won its fourth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 1 April 1989, to 31 March 1991.
in August 1990, the 74th and 76th Tactical Fighter Squadrons deployed with numerous support personnel to King Fahd International Airport
, Saudi Arabia
, attached to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional) as part of Operation Desert Shield. The A-10 deployment was the largest ever fielded and consisted of:
A total of 144 A/OA-10 aircraft were deployed.
Using forward operating locations near the Kuwait
i border as well as King Fahd AB, A-10s made their combat debut in Operation Desert Storm on 15 January 1991. The 23 TFW flew more than 2,700 combat sorties over Iraq
and Kuwait while maintaining a mission-capable rate of 95 percent. In addition to providing close air support for ground units, the A-10s performed Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
and SCUD
-hunting missions. The combined efforts of the A-10 units resulted in the confirmed destruction of 987 tanks, 926 artillery pieces, 500 armored personnel carriers, 1,106 trucks, 112 military structures, 96 radars, 72 bunkers, 57 SCUD missile launchers, 50 anti-aircraft artillery batteries, 28 command posts, 11 FROG missiles
, nine surface-to-air missile sites, eight fuel tanks and 12 aircraft.
Both squadrons returned to England Air Force Base
at the end of March 1991. Support personnel continued to arrive for months after the aircraft redeployment. In October 1990, the Base Realignment and Closure
Commission decided that England Air Force Base would be closed by September 1992. A draw down of equipment and personnel began almost immediately.
On 1 October 1991, as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the wing designation became 23d Fighter Wing, and on 1 November 1991, the squadrons also dropped "tactical" from their designations.
On 2 December 1991, the 75th Fighter Squadron was inactivated. The 74 FS was inactivated on 13 February 1992, and the 76 FS on 29 May. The 23d Fighter Wing's A-10 aircraft were sent to Air National Guard
units, and the wing was inactivated on 1 June 1992. England AFB was closed the same day.
The collapse of the Soviet Union
in 1991 and the end of Cold War
tensions led senior defense planners to conclude that the structure of the military establishment which had evolved during the Cold War years was not suited to the new world situation. Senior planners reviewed numerous options before agreeing on the final conclusion—a merger of most strategic and tactical air resources and a reorganization of the Military Airlift Command (MAC). In addition, the number of Air Force wings was to be reduced by about one-third to reflect the financial constraints of the post Cold War environment.
These changes led to Pope Air Force Base being transferred to the new Air Combat Command
upon its activation on 1 June 1992. Also, the existing 317th Airlift Wing at Pope was blended with the transferred 23d Fighter Group from the deactivated England AFB into the new 23d Wing on 1 June 1992.
In April 1992, A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II
aircraft were transferred to the 75th Fighter Squadron from the 353d FS / 354th FW at Myrtle Beach AFB prior to the wing's deactivation and the Myrtle Beach AFB's closure in January 1993. In June 1993, Block 40 F-16C/Ds
were transferred to the 74th Fighter Squadron from the 347th FW at Moody and 388th FW at Hill.
Operational squadrons of the 23d Wing at Pope were:
All aircraft of the 23d Wing at Pope carried the tail code "FT" (Flying Tigers).
In December 1992, C-130s from the 2d Airlift Squadron
deployed to Mombasa
, Kenya
, to participate in Operation Provide Relief
. The aircraft and crews delivered tons of food and other relief supplies to small airstrips throughout Somalia
. 23d Wing C-130s have also been tasked to assist in other humanitarian relief efforts, to include Hurricane Andrew
in Florida
. They also airdropped relief supplies into Bosnia and Herzegovina
and flew relief missions into Sarajevo
for more than 28 months.
In September 1994, its C-130s participated in what was to be the largest combat personnel drop since World War II, Operation Uphold Democracy
. They were to assist in dropping more than 3,000 paratroopers from the 82d Airborne Division onto Port au Prince Airport, Haiti
. The invasion force was recalled at the last minute after word that the Haitian president had resigned upon hearing that the aircraft were on their way. The 75th Fighter Squadron's A-10s were deployed their aircraft to Shaw AFB, South Carolina
, where they were scheduled to launch close air support operations for the invasion force before recovering in Puerto Rico.
The first operational deployment of a composite wing happened in October 1994, when Iraqi troops began massing near the Kuwaiti Border. Within 72 hours, 56 aircraft and 1,500 personnel deployed to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Vigilant Warrior
. Eventually, the 75th Fighter Squadron redeployed to Al Jaber AB, Kuwait
, becoming the first U.S. fixed-wing aircraft to be stationed in that country since the end of the Gulf War.
On 1 July 1996, the 74th Fighter Squadron's F-16C/D Fighting Falcons were transferred to the 27FW / 524th FS at Cannon AFB, New Mexico
, and the squadron transitioned to A/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs
received from the 20FW / 55th FS at Shaw AFB, South Carolina
. This gave the 23d Group a 2d A-10 squadron.
On 1 April 1997, the 23d Wing was redesignated as the 23d Fighter Group. The 23 FG remained at Pope AFB as an operations group assigned to the Air Combat Command 347th Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia
but physically remaining at Pope as a Geographically Separated Unit (GSU).
The 23d Fighter Group was re-assigned to the 23d Wing as a second operations group in a ceremony held on 18 August 2006. The 23d Fighter Group transferred its personnel and equipment from Pope AFB in December 2007. There are currently two operational A/OA-10 squadrons to Moody. In addition, twelve additional A-10 aircraft from the 355th Fighter Squadron
/ 354th Fighter Wing
at Eielson Air Force Base
, Alaska were transferred to the 23d Fighter Group as a result of BRAC 2005.
Squadrons
Detachments and Operating Locations
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...
Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command
Air 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 ....
wing currently assigned to Moody Air Force Base
Moody Air Force Base
Moody Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in Lowndes County and Lanier County, about northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, United States.Moody Air Force Base is home to the 23d Wing...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
Mission
The mission of the 23d Wing is to organize, train and employ combat-ready A-10A-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,...
, HC-130
HC-130
The Lockheed HC-130 is an extended-range, search and rescue and Combat search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. The HC-130H and HC-130J versions are operated by the United States Coast Guard in a SAR and maritime reconnaissance role. The HC-130P and HC-130N Combat King models...
and HH-60, as well as pararescuemen and force protection assets. It consists of approximately 6,100 military and civilian personnel, including geographically separated units (GSU) at Nellis AFB, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, Davis-Monthan AFB, 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...
, MacDill AFB, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and the Avon Park Air Force Range
Avon Park Air Force Range
The Avon Park Air Force Range is a United States Air Force bombing range and air-ground training complex in the U.S. state of Florida located east of the city of Avon Park.-History:...
, Florida.
Units
The 23d Wing consists of the following groups:- 347th Rescue Group347th Rescue GroupThe United States Air Force's 347th Rescue Group is an active combat search and rescue unit assigned to the 23d Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia.-Mission:...
(HH-60G, HC-130P)
- 38th Rescue Squadron38th Rescue SquadronThe 38th Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operates various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
- 41st Rescue Squadron41st Rescue SquadronThe 41st Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operates HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
- 71st Rescue Squadron71st Rescue SquadronThe 71st Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It flies HC-130 Hercules aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
- 347th Operations Support Squadron
- 23d Fighter Group23d Fighter GroupThe 23d Fighter Group is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Wing and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
(A/OA-10A)
- 74th Fighter Squadron74th Fighter SquadronThe 74th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
- 75th Fighter Squadron75th Fighter SquadronThe 75th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
- 23rd Operations Support Squadron
- 563d Rescue Group (Davis-Monthan AFB)
- 48th Rescue Squadron48th Rescue SquadronThe 48th Rescue Squadron is part of the 563d Rescue Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. PJs/CROs primarily fly onboard HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft while conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...
(Davis-Monthan AFB) - 55th Rescue Squadron55th Rescue SquadronThe 55th Rescue Squadron is an aviation unit of the United States Air Force. It operates the HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide...
(D-M AFB) - 79th Rescue Squadron79th Rescue SquadronThe 79th Rescue Squadron operates the HC-130P Hercules and provides rapidly deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop, and airland of pararescue personnel and/or equipment in support of combat personnel recovery...
(D-M AFB) - 563rd Operations Support Squadron (D-M AFB)
- 58th Rescue Squadron58th Rescue SquadronThe 58th Rescue Squadron is one of only four active-duty Guardian Angel squadrons under the command of the 563rd Rescue Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona but located at Operating Site Alpha, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.-History:...
(Nellis AFB) - 66th Rescue Squadron66th Rescue SquadronThe 66th Rescue Squadron is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it operates HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft conducting search and rescue and combat search and rescue missions...
(Nellis AFB)
- 23rd Mission Support Group
- 23rd Medical Group
- 23rd Maintenance Group
Postwar era
The 23d Fighter Wing was activated on 10 August 1948 at Northwest Guam AFB, GuamGuam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
as part of the "Wing" or "Wing-Base" plan, which prescribed a standard organizational setup for all USAF bases worldwide. The plan called for the creation of a wing headquarters that established policy and supervised four functional groups: an operational group, an air base group, a maintenance and supply group, and a medical group. The 23d Fighter Group
23d Fighter Group
The 23d Fighter Group is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Wing and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
was assigned as the operational group under the new 23d Fighter Wing. The wing was assigned to Far East Air Forces.
The 23d's mission on Guam was to provide air defense of the island. The 23d Fighter Group was assigned the 74th, 75th and 76th Fighter Squadrons, being equipped with Republic F-47 Thunderbolts.
The 23d Fighter Wing was reassigned to Howard Air Force Base
Howard Air Force Base
Howard Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base located in Panama. It was closed on 1 November 1999 as a result of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties which specified that United States military facilities in the former Panama Canal Zone be closed and the facilities be turned over to the...
, Canal Zone
Panama Canal Zone
The Panama Canal Zone was a unorganized U.S. territory located within the Republic of Panama, consisting of the Panama Canal and an area generally extending 5 miles on each side of the centerline, but excluding Panama City and Colón, which otherwise would have been partly within the limits of...
, in April 1949, where it also acquired a squadron of Lockheed RF-80 Shooting Stars
P-80 Shooting Star
The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star was the first jet fighter used operationally by the United States Army Air Forces. Designed in 1943 as a response to the German Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter, and delivered in just 143 days from the start of the design process, production models were flying but...
. The 23d Fighter Wing conducted air defense of the Canal Zone under the Caribbean Air Command until it was again inactivated on 24 September 1949.
Air Defense Command
Reactivated on 12 January 1951, at Presque Isle Air Force BasePresque Isle Air Force Base
Presque Isle Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base, located in the city of Presque Isle, Maine.-History:Presque Isle Air Force Base was originally built in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as Presque Isle Airport, a commercial airport located west of the "business center."...
, Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
, the group was re-designated the 23d Fighter-Interceptor Wing with the 74th and 75th Fighter-Interceptor Squadrons assigned, as part of the Air Defense Command. Equipped with North American 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...
, F-51 Mustang, and F-80 Shooting Star aircraft, its mission was to provide air defense for the northeastern United States during the Korean War
Korean 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...
and conduct basic training for about 500 Air Force recruits. The 23 FIW was inactivated 6 February 1952 along with the 23d Fighter Interceptor Group.
The 23d Fighter Wing (Air Defense) was activated 18 August 1955, at Presque Isle with the 75th and 76th Fighter Squadrons assigned directly to wing, since the 23 FG was not active. It flew Northrop F-89 Scorpions
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...
as part of the Air Defense Command until again inactivated 1 July 1959.
McConnell Air Force Base
Following its longest period of inactivation, the group was re-activated as the 23d Tactical Fighter Wing on 28 January 1964, at McConnell Air Force BaseMcConnell Air Force Base
McConnell Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located four miles southeast of the central business district of Wichita, a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. The base was named in honor of Wichita brothers Fred and Thomas McConnell, both Air Force pilots and World War II...
, Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
, under Tactical Air Command
Tactical Air Command
Tactical 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...
and Twelfth Air Force. The 23 TFW was activated to replace the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing
388th Fighter Wing
The 388th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Combat Command Twelfth Air Force. The unit is stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.-Mission:...
at McConnell after its deployment to Korat RTAFB
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. It is located in northeast Thailand, located approximately 157 miles northeast of Bangkok and about 5 miles south of Nakhon Ratchasima , the second largest city in Thailand.During the Vietnam War, Korat RTAFB was the...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Squadrons of the 23 TFW were:
- 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron
- 562d Tactical Fighter Squadron
- 563d Tactical Fighter Squadron
- 560th Tactical Fighter Squadron (28 January 1964 - 25 September 1968)
- 4519th Combat Crew/Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (1 August 1967 - 16 October 1969)
- 419th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron419th Tactical Fighter Training SquadronThe 419th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 23d Tactical Fighter Wing and stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.-History:...
(15 October 1969 - 8 May 1971)
When Southeast Asian camouflaged, the squadrons carried the following tail codes: 561 TFS "MD"; 562 TFS "ME"; 563 TFS "MF", and later the 4519th and 419th TFTS "MG".
Flying the Republic Aviation F-105D/G "Thunderchief"
F-105 Thunderchief
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the United States Air Force. The Mach 2 capable F-105 conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War; it has the dubious distinction of being the only US aircraft to have been...
aircraft, the mission of the 23 TFW at McConnell was to provide training for Thud pilots prior to their deployment to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. The 560th acted as a combat training squadron, while the other three squadrons began rotational TDY deployments to Southeast Asia beginning in November 1964.
In February 1965, when the 23 TFW deployed three squadrons (the 561st, 562d and 563d) to Southeast Asia for combat, these units were initially under the control of the 2d Air Division. Later, the 6441 TFW (P) was activated at Takhli RTAFB in July 1965, taking control of the 23d's squadrons deployed there. It was during this five month tour that the 563d TFS lost 10 of its 18 F-105's deployed and was awarded two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" for Valor. In addition to the deployments to Thailand, detachments of the 561 TFS also deployed to Da Nang Air Base
Da Nang Air Base
Da Nang Air Base was a Republic of Vietnam Air Force facility. The United States used it as a major base during the Vietnam War , stationing Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine units there...
RVN for operations within the borders of the Republic of Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
.
On 1 August 1967, the 4519th Combat Crew Training squadron was added to the 23 TFW, and the 560 TFS was deactivated on 25 September 1968.
The wing maintained proficiency in tactical fighter operations, and later also functioned as an F-105 replacement training unit and assisted 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...
units in their conversion to the F-105 when the Thunderchief left first-line service. For the dual role it played from June 1970 to June 1971 as both an operational and a training unit, the wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in March 1971. Two of its squadrons, the 562d and 563d, also received the same award for their duty in Vietnam during 1965. For its participation in Linebacker I and Linebacker II during 1972 the 561st (Wild Weasels) received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V".
During combat operations in Southeast Asia, the 562 TFS lost three aircraft, while the 563 TFS lost eleven aircraft.
On 1 July 1972 the 23 TFW was transferred to England AFB Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
and the 561, 562 and 563 TFS were assigned to the 35 TFW at George AFB California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
England Air Force Base
England Air Force Base
England Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base in Louisiana, located Northwest of Alexandria and about Northwest of New Orleans....
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, 1 July 1972 and took over the assets and personnel of the 4403d Tactical Fighter Wing. Assigned to the Ninth Air Force
Ninth Air Force
The Ninth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina....
, the wing activated all three of its original World War II fighter units — the 74th, 75th and 76th Tactical Fighter Squadrons for the first time since 1949, and began operations with the Ling-Temco-Vought
Ling-Temco-Vought
Ling-Temco-Vought was a large U.S. conglomerate which existed from 1969 to 2000. At its peak, its component parts were involved in the aerospace industry, electronics, steel manufacturing, sporting goods, the airline industry, meat packing, car rentals and pharmaceuticals, among other...
A-7D Corsair II aircraft.
Squadron markings were a blue tail stripe, later adding white stars and a "74" in 1979 for the 74 TFS; s white outlined black tail stripe, later changed to black and white checkered for the 75 TFS, and a red tail stripe with white stars and a "76" for the 76 TFS. All 23 TFW aircraft carried the "EL" tail code at England AFB.
On 5 July 1973, the 74 TFS deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base
Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. It is located in northeast Thailand, located approximately 157 miles northeast of Bangkok and about 5 miles south of Nakhon Ratchasima , the second largest city in Thailand.During the Vietnam War, Korat RTAFB was the...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, on temporary duty with the 354 TFW (Deployed) from Myrtle Beach AFB
Myrtle Beach Air Force Base
Myrtle Beach Air Force Base is a closed United States Air Force facility, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was established in 1940 as a World War II training base and was also used for coastal patrols during the war...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. The 74th replaced the 354 TFS from Davis-Monthan AFB, 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...
that had completed its temporary duty. For just over a month, until the cessation of all U.S. bombing on 15 August 1973, the 74 TFS supported the air war activities in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
, accounting for the destruction of 311 enemy structures, 25 ground artillery and missile sites, three bridges and 9,500 cubic meters of supplies. The 74 TFS returned to England AFB on 28 December 1973.
The 23 TFW took part in a variety of operational exercises both in the United States and overseas, including tactical bombing competitions against the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
at RAF Lossiemouth
RAF Lossiemouth
RAF Lossiemouth is a Royal Air Force station to the west of the town of Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland. It is one of the RAF's biggest bases and is currently Britain's main base for Tornado GR4s. From 2013 the Northern QRA force of Typhoon F2 will relocate to Lossiemouth following the closure of...
, Scotland, during October 1977 and July 1978. In both events, A-7D teams captured the Sir John Mogg Team Trophy.
On 23 September 1980, the 74 TFS received the 23 TFW's first operational Fairchild Republic 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,...
aircraft. The 75 and 76 TFS received A-10s within the next few months, and the 23 TFW took top honors in Ninth Air Force’s tactical bombing competition (Gunpowder 1981) in July, and advanced to TAC’s worldwide Gunsmoke 1981 competition at Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, in September. The Flying Tigers won six of nine events, including top maintenance and munitions awards, and was the top A-10 unit in the competition. The wing’s maintenance complex was also awarded the 1981 Daedalian runner-up trophy, and earned the 1984 Daedalian Aircraft Maintenance Trophy.
Eight of the 23d's A-7Ds were transferred to the 4450th Tactical Group, based at Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
in June 1981, during the transition to the A-10. The 4451st Tactical Squadron at Tonopah Test Range Airport
Tonopah Test Range Airport
Tonopah Test Range Airport , also Senior Trend project site PS-66, is located near the center of the Tonopah Test Range, southeast of Tonopah, Nevada and northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a major airfield with a runway, instrument approach facilities, and nighttime illumination...
used these aircraft to train F-117
F-117 Nighthawk
The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was a single-seat, twin-engine stealth ground-attack aircraft formerly operated by the United States Air Force . The F-117A's first flight was in 1981, and it achieved initial operating capability status in October 1983...
pilots and to provide a cover story for F-117A development.
Availability
In telecommunications and reliability theory, the term availability has the following meanings:* The degree to which a system, subsystem, or equipment is in a specified operable and committable state at the start of a mission, when the mission is called for at an unknown, i.e., a random, time...
" and "fully mission capable" (meaning an aircraft can meet any mission tasking) rates during fiscal year 1985. The marks, 93.1 percent in MC and 92.8 percent in FMC, topped records set by the wing in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984.
The wing won its fourth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 1 April 1989, to 31 March 1991.
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
In response to the buildup of forces following the Iraqi invasion of KuwaitInvasion of Kuwait
The Invasion of Kuwait, also known as the Iraq-Kuwait War, was a major conflict between the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait, which resulted in the seven-month long Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, which subsequently led to direct military intervention by United States-led forces in the Gulf...
in August 1990, the 74th and 76th Tactical Fighter Squadrons deployed with numerous support personnel to King Fahd International Airport
King Fahd International Airport
King Fahd International Airport is located 20 kilometers northwest of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest airport in the world in terms of land area . The airport's basic infrastructure was complete by the end of 1990, which allowed the Allied forces engaged in the first Gulf War in early...
, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, attached to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional) as part of Operation Desert Shield. The A-10 deployment was the largest ever fielded and consisted of:
| Tail Code | Squadron | Wing | Home AFB |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR | 511 TFS | 10 TFW | RAF Alconbury, UK |
| EL | 74 TFS | 23 TFW | England AFB, LA |
| EL | 76 TFS | 23 TFW | England AFB, LA |
| MB | 353 TFS | 354 TFW | Myrtle Beach AFB, SC |
| MB | 355 TFS | 354 TFW | Myrtle Beach AFB, SC |
| NO | 706 TFS | 926 TFG | NAS New Orleans, LA |
| NF | 23 TASS | 602 TACW | Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ |
A total of 144 A/OA-10 aircraft were deployed.
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
i border as well as King Fahd AB, A-10s made their combat debut in Operation Desert Storm on 15 January 1991. The 23 TFW flew more than 2,700 combat sorties over Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
and Kuwait while maintaining a mission-capable rate of 95 percent. In addition to providing close air support for ground units, the A-10s performed Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
and SCUD
Scud
Scud is a series of tactical ballistic missiles developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and exported widely to other countries. The term comes from the NATO reporting name SS-1 Scud which was attached to the missile by Western intelligence agencies...
-hunting missions. The combined efforts of the A-10 units resulted in the confirmed destruction of 987 tanks, 926 artillery pieces, 500 armored personnel carriers, 1,106 trucks, 112 military structures, 96 radars, 72 bunkers, 57 SCUD missile launchers, 50 anti-aircraft artillery batteries, 28 command posts, 11 FROG missiles
FROG-7
The 9K52 Luna-M is a Soviet short-range ballistic missile complex. The 9M21 missiles are unguided and spin-stabilized. "9K52" is its GRAU designation. Its NATO reporting name is FROG-7....
, nine surface-to-air missile sites, eight fuel tanks and 12 aircraft.
Both squadrons returned to England Air Force Base
England Air Force Base
England Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base in Louisiana, located Northwest of Alexandria and about Northwest of New Orleans....
at the end of March 1991. Support personnel continued to arrive for months after the aircraft redeployment. In October 1990, the Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure is a process of the United States federal government directed at the administration and operation of the Armed Forces, used by the United States Department of Defense and Congress to close excess military installations and realign the total asset inventory to reduce...
Commission decided that England Air Force Base would be closed by September 1992. A draw down of equipment and personnel began almost immediately.
On 1 October 1991, as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the wing designation became 23d Fighter Wing, and on 1 November 1991, the squadrons also dropped "tactical" from their designations.
On 2 December 1991, the 75th Fighter Squadron was inactivated. The 74 FS was inactivated on 13 February 1992, and the 76 FS on 29 May. The 23d Fighter Wing's A-10 aircraft were sent to 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...
units, and the wing was inactivated on 1 June 1992. England AFB was closed the same day.
Pope Air Force Base
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
in 1991 and the end of Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
tensions led senior defense planners to conclude that the structure of the military establishment which had evolved during the Cold War years was not suited to the new world situation. Senior planners reviewed numerous options before agreeing on the final conclusion—a merger of most strategic and tactical air resources and a reorganization of the Military Airlift Command (MAC). In addition, the number of Air Force wings was to be reduced by about one-third to reflect the financial constraints of the post Cold War environment.
These changes led to Pope Air Force Base being transferred to the new Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command
Air 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 ....
upon its activation on 1 June 1992. Also, the existing 317th Airlift Wing at Pope was blended with the transferred 23d Fighter Group from the deactivated England AFB into the new 23d Wing on 1 June 1992.
In April 1992, A/OA-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,...
aircraft were transferred to the 75th Fighter Squadron from the 353d FS / 354th FW at Myrtle Beach AFB prior to the wing's deactivation and the Myrtle Beach AFB's closure in January 1993. In June 1993, Block 40 F-16C/Ds
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...
were transferred to the 74th Fighter Squadron from the 347th FW at Moody and 388th FW at Hill.
Operational squadrons of the 23d Wing at Pope were:
- 317th Group
- 2d Airlift Squadron2d Airlift SquadronThe 2nd Airlift Squadron of the United States Air Force is an airlift squadron operating from Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. They operate C-130 Hercules aircraft...
(C-130E) (1 June 1992 - 1 April 1997) - 41st Airlift Squadron41st Airlift SquadronThe 41st Airlift Squadron is part of the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. It operates C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.-History:...
(C-130E) (16 July 1993 - 1 April 1997)
- 2d Airlift Squadron
- 23d Group
- 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron74th Fighter SquadronThe 74th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
(15 June 1993 - 1 April 1997)
(F-16C/D 15 June 1993 - 30 June 1996), (A/OA-10A 1 July 1996 - 1 April 1997) - 75th Tactical Fighter75th Fighter SquadronThe 75th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
(1 April 1992 - 1 April 1997) (A/OA-10A)
- 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron
All aircraft of the 23d Wing at Pope carried the tail code "FT" (Flying Tigers).
In December 1992, C-130s from the 2d Airlift Squadron
2d Airlift Squadron
The 2nd Airlift Squadron of the United States Air Force is an airlift squadron operating from Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. They operate C-130 Hercules aircraft...
deployed to Mombasa
Mombasa
Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya. Lying next to the Indian Ocean, it has a major port and an international airport. The city also serves as the centre of the coastal tourism industry....
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, to participate in Operation Provide Relief
Operation Provide Relief
Operation Provide Relief was part of United Nations endorsed effort called The Unified Task Force to secure and facilitate humanitarian relief for the people of Somalia, an effort that was assisted by the UN UNOSOM I mission beginning in 1991 in light of a severe famine, initiated and exacerbated...
. The aircraft and crews delivered tons of food and other relief supplies to small airstrips throughout Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
. 23d Wing C-130s have also been tasked to assist in other humanitarian relief efforts, to include Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew was the third Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States, after the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and Hurricane Camille in 1969. Andrew was the first named storm and only major hurricane of the otherwise inactive 1992 Atlantic hurricane season...
in Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. They also airdropped relief supplies into Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
and flew relief missions into Sarajevo
Sarajevo
Sarajevo |Bosnia]], surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated along the Miljacka River in the heart of Southeastern Europe and the Balkans....
for more than 28 months.
In September 1994, its C-130s participated in what was to be the largest combat personnel drop since World War II, Operation Uphold Democracy
Operation Uphold Democracy
Operation Uphold Democracy was an intervention designed to remove the military regime installed by the 1991 Haitian coup d'état that overthrew the elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide...
. They were to assist in dropping more than 3,000 paratroopers from the 82d Airborne Division onto Port au Prince Airport, Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
. The invasion force was recalled at the last minute after word that the Haitian president had resigned upon hearing that the aircraft were on their way. The 75th Fighter Squadron's A-10s were deployed their aircraft to Shaw AFB, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, where they were scheduled to launch close air support operations for the invasion force before recovering in Puerto Rico.
The first operational deployment of a composite wing happened in October 1994, when Iraqi troops began massing near the Kuwaiti Border. Within 72 hours, 56 aircraft and 1,500 personnel deployed to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Vigilant Warrior
Operation Vigilant Warrior
Operation Vigilant Warrior was a military operation from 8 October 1994 to 15 December 1994 by the United States in response to two divisions of Iraqi Republican Guard troops moving toward the Kuwaiti border...
. Eventually, the 75th Fighter Squadron redeployed to Al Jaber AB, Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
, becoming the first U.S. fixed-wing aircraft to be stationed in that country since the end of the Gulf War.
On 1 July 1996, the 74th Fighter Squadron's F-16C/D Fighting Falcons were transferred to the 27FW / 524th FS at Cannon AFB, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, and the squadron transitioned to A/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs
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,...
received from the 20FW / 55th FS at Shaw AFB, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. This gave the 23d Group a 2d A-10 squadron.
On 1 April 1997, the 23d Wing was redesignated as the 23d Fighter Group. The 23 FG remained at Pope AFB as an operations group assigned to the Air Combat Command 347th Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
but physically remaining at Pope as a Geographically Separated Unit (GSU).
Moody Air Force Base
On 29 September 2006, the 347th Rescue Wing at Moody AFB redesignated as the 347th Rescue Group, while the 23 FG was redesignated the 23d Wing. Along with the 347th Rescue Group, the original 23d Fighter Group was reactivated, this time at Moody Air Force Base, for only the second time in over fifty years. Both the 23 WG and 23 FG are charged with carrying on the historic Flying Tiger's heritage.The 23d Fighter Group was re-assigned to the 23d Wing as a second operations group in a ceremony held on 18 August 2006. The 23d Fighter Group transferred its personnel and equipment from Pope AFB in December 2007. There are currently two operational A/OA-10 squadrons to Moody. In addition, twelve additional A-10 aircraft from the 355th Fighter Squadron
355th Fighter Squadron
The 355th Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was that of a subordinate unit of the 354th Fighter Wing based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, flying the Republic A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft...
/ 354th Fighter Wing
354th Fighter Wing
The 354th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force wing that is part of Pacific Air Forces . It is the host wing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and is assigned to the Eleventh Air Force .-Overview:...
at Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska and just southeast of Moose Creek, Alaska....
, Alaska were transferred to the 23d Fighter Group as a result of BRAC 2005.
Lineage
- Established as 23d Fighter Wing on 10 August 1948
- Activated on 16 August 1948
- Inactivated on 24 September 1949
- Redesignated 23d Fighter-Interceptor Wing on 19 December 1950
- Activated on 12 January 1951
- Inactivated on 6 February 1952
- Wing components and personnel redesignated as 4711th Defense Wing and activated 7 February 1952
- Redesignated 4711th Air Defense Wing on 16 February 1953
- Inactivated on 1 March 1956
- Redesignated 23d Tactical Fighter Wing, and activated, on 28 January 1964
- Organized on 8 February 1964
- Redesignated 23d Fighter Wing on 1 October 1991
- Inactivated on 1 June 1992
- Re-designated 23d Wing, and reactivated, on 1 June 1992
- Inactivated on 1 April 1997
- Re-designated 23d Wing and reactivated on 1 October 2006.
Assignments
- Twentieth Air ForceTwentieth Air ForceThe Twentieth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command . It is headquartered at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.20 AF's primary mission is Intercontinental Ballistic Missile operations...
, 16 August 1948 - Caribbean Air Command, 25 April – 24 September 1949
- Eastern Air Defense ForceEastern Air Defense ForceThe Eastern Air Defense Force is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Air Defense Command being stationed at Stewart Air Force Base, New York. It was inactivated on July 1, 1960.-History:...
, 12 January 1951 – 6 February 1952 - Air Defense Command, 7 February 1952
- 32d Air Division, 16 February 1953 – 1 March 1956
- 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...
, 28 January 1964 - Twelfth Air Force, 8 February 1964
- 835th Air Division835th Air DivisionThe 835th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Tactical Air Command, assigned to Twelfth Air Force, being stationed at McConnell AFB, Kansas...
, 1 July 1964 - Twelfth Air Force, 30 June 1971
- Ninth Air ForceNinth Air ForceThe Ninth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina....
, 1 July 1972-1 Apr 1997; 29 September 2006-Present
Components
Groups- 23d Fighter (later, 23 Fighter – Interceptor; 23 Operations; 23 Fighter) Group23d Fighter GroupThe 23d Fighter Group is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Wing and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
: 16 August 1948 – 24 September 1949; 12 January 1951 – 6 February 1952; 1 June 1992 – 1 April 1997; 1 October 2006 – Present - 347th Rescue Group347th Rescue GroupThe United States Air Force's 347th Rescue Group is an active combat search and rescue unit assigned to the 23d Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia.-Mission:...
: 1 October 2006 – Present - 563d Rescue Group: 1 October 2006 – Present
- 528th Air Defense Group528th Air Defense GroupThe 528th Air Defense Group is a disbanded United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the 4711th Air Defense Wing, being stationed at Presque Isle Air Force Base, Maine...
, 16 February 1953 – 18 August 1955
Squadrons
- 132d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron: attached 21 July 1951 – 6 February 1952
- 134th Fighter Interception Squadron: attached 1 April 1951 – 6 February 1952
- 465th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 8 October 1955 – 1 March 1956
- 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron: 8 December 1957 – 16 April 1959
- 560th Tactical Fighter Squadron: 8 February 1964 – 25 September 1968
- 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron: 8 February 1964 – 1 July 1972 (detached 6 March – 10 July 1965 and 9 April – 30 June 1972)
- 562d Tactical Fighter Squadron: 8 February 1964 – 1 July 1972 (detached 13 August – 6 December 1965)
- 563d Tactical Fighter Squadron: 8 February 1964 – 1 July 1972 (detached 8 April – 15 August 1965)
- 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached c. 8 November 1965 – 28 January 1966; assigned 15 – 22 March 1971
- 4519th Combat Crew Training Squadron: 1 August 1967 – 15 October 1969.
- Re-designed: 419th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron419th Tactical Fighter Training SquadronThe 419th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 23d Tactical Fighter Wing and stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.-History:...
: 15 October 1969 – 1 October 1971
- 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron333d Fighter SquadronThe 333d Fighter Squadron is part of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. It operates F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft conducting advanced fighter training.-History:...
: 15 October 1970 – 22 March 1971
- 74 Tactical Fighter (later, 74 Fighter) Squadron74th Fighter SquadronThe 74th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
: 1 July 1972 – 15 February 1992 (detached 2 July – 28 December 1973; 29 August 1990 – 20 April 1991); 1 April 1997 – 1 October 2006 - 75 Tactical Fighter (later, 75 Fighter) Squadron75th Fighter SquadronThe 75th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
: 1 July 1972 – 2 December 1991; 1 April – 1 June 1992; 1 April 1997 – 1 October 2006. - 76 Tactical Fighter (later, 76 Fighter) Squadron76th Fighter SquadronThe 76th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force Reserve unit. It is assigned to the 476th Fighter Group and stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia....
: 1 October 1972 – 29 May 1992 (detached 27 August 1990 – c. April 1991)
- 6th Special Operations Training Squadron: 1 January – 15 September 1974
Detachments and Operating Locations
- Detachment 1, Deployed Unit Complex (DUC), MacDill AFB
- Detachment 1, Avon Park Air Force RangeAvon Park Air Force RangeThe Avon Park Air Force Range is a United States Air Force bombing range and air-ground training complex in the U.S. state of Florida located east of the city of Avon Park.-History:...
- 563d Rescue Group, Operating Location Alpha (OL-A), Davis-Monthan AFB
Stations
- Northwest Guam AFB, GuamGuamGuam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
, 16 August 1948 – 3 April 1949 - Howard AFB, Canal ZonePanama Canal ZoneThe Panama Canal Zone was a unorganized U.S. territory located within the Republic of Panama, consisting of the Panama Canal and an area generally extending 5 miles on each side of the centerline, but excluding Panama City and Colón, which otherwise would have been partly within the limits of...
, 25 April – 24 September 1949 - Presque Isle AFB, MaineMaineMaine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
, 12 January 1951 – 6 February 1952; 7 February 1952 – 1 March 1956 - McConnell AFB, KansasKansasKansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
, 8 February 1964 - England AFB, LouisianaLouisianaLouisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, 1 July 1972 – 1 June 1992 - Pope AFB, North CarolinaNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, 1 June 1992-1 April 1997 - Moody AFB, GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, 1 October 2006 – Present