76th Fighter Squadron
Encyclopedia
The 76th Fighter Squadron (76 FS) is a United States Air Force Reserve unit. It is assigned to the 476th Fighter Group
and stationed at Moody Air Force Base
, Georgia
.
During World War II
, the 76th Fighter Squadron was one of the three original squadrons (74th, 75th, 76th) of the 23d Fighter Group
.
at Falcon AFB, Colorado
as a component of the 14th Air Force on 1 December 1995.
The mission of the 76th SOPS was to assist air component commanders in understanding and applying space systems in support of air operations. The unit ensured that command and control, communications, weather, navigation, and other space assets were used to most effectively multiply US
and allied combat forces capabilities against an adversary.
The 76th deployed Air Force Space Support Teams to bring space expertise to expeditionary air forces and air operations centers around the world. Over their tenure, the 76th Space Operations Squadron deployed to make significant contributions during JOINT ENDEAVOR, DENY FLIGHT
, DESERT FOX
, DESERT THUNDER
, and ALLIED FORCE
.
On Sept. 24, 2004, the 76th SPSC demonstrated Initial Operational Capability of its first Counter Communications System. This system provides a critical counterspace capability never before available to warfighters around the world.
. During the summer of 1941, Claire Lee Chennault
formed a small group of American pilots into three fighter squadrons, the American Volunteer Group
, of the Chinese Air Force. The unit immediately garnered international attention for their combat successes while defending China
and Burma, and they became known as the "Flying Tigers
." Some members of the AVG joined or rejoined the United States Air Force
after the AVG was disbanded.
The 76th squadron remained in combat in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater from 18 July 1942 to 11 August 1945, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for missions in China in June 1944.
After World War II, the squadron performed air defense intercept operations in Guam, 1946–1949, in Panama, 1949, and at various bases in the eastern United States, 1955-1963. Trained in and conducted close air support operations, 1972-1992. Portion of squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and took part in operations against Iraq in early 1991.
Beginning in December 1995, assisted other units to integrate space product applications into current operations procedures. Deployed personnel to air units worldwide to enhance their links to space assets. Provided counterspace capabilities to warfighters worldwide, 2001-2008.
476th Fighter Group
The 476 Fighter Group is a United States Air Force Reserve unit, stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.-Overview:Assigned to the 442d Fighter Wing, at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, the 476th Fighter Group is an Air Force Reseve associate unit linked to the 23d Fighter Group at Moody...
and stationed at 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...
.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the 76th Fighter Squadron was one of the three original squadrons (74th, 75th, 76th) of 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....
.
Space Operations era
Lessons from Desert Storm on space power convinced Air Force leaders to reactivate 76th Fighter Squadron as the 76th Space Operations Squadron in December 1995. The 76th Space Operations Squadron (76 SOPS) was activated at the National Test FacilityMissile Defense Agency
The Missile Defense Agency is the section of the United States government's Department of Defense responsible for developing a layered defense against ballistic missiles. The agency has its origins in the Strategic Defense Initiative, which was established in 1983 and was headed by Lt...
at Falcon AFB, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
as a component of the 14th Air Force on 1 December 1995.
The mission of the 76th SOPS was to assist air component commanders in understanding and applying space systems in support of air operations. The unit ensured that command and control, communications, weather, navigation, and other space assets were used to most effectively multiply US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and allied combat forces capabilities against an adversary.
The 76th deployed Air Force Space Support Teams to bring space expertise to expeditionary air forces and air operations centers around the world. Over their tenure, the 76th Space Operations Squadron deployed to make significant contributions during JOINT ENDEAVOR, DENY FLIGHT
Operation Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation that began on April 12, 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina...
, DESERT FOX
Operation Desert Fox
The December 1998 bombing of Iraq was a major four-day bombing campaign on Iraqi targets from December 16–19, 1998 by the United States and United Kingdom...
, DESERT THUNDER
Operation Desert Thunder
Operation Desert Thunder was a response to threats by Iraq's president Saddam Hussein to shoot down U-2 spy planes, and violate the no-fly zone set up over his country. The operation was designed to bring stability to the region by bringing in a military presence during the negotiations between...
, and ALLIED FORCE
Operation Allied Force
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
.
On Sept. 24, 2004, the 76th SPSC demonstrated Initial Operational Capability of its first Counter Communications System. This system provides a critical counterspace capability never before available to warfighters around the world.
Lineage
- Constituted as: 76th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 17 December 1941
- Redesignated as: 76th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942
- Activated on 4 July 1942
- Inactivated on 5 January 1946
- Activated on 10 October 1946
- Inactivated on 24 September 1949
- Redesignated 76th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 20 June 1955
- Activated on 18 August 1955
- Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 July 1963
- Redesignated 76th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 18 May 1972
- Activated on 1 October 1972
- Redesignated 76th Fighter Squadron on 1 November 1991
- Inactivated on 29 May 1992
- Redesignated 76th Space Operations Squadron on 21 November 1995
- Activated on 1 December 1995
- Inactivated on 21 January 2001
- Redesignated 76th Space Control Squadron, and activated, on 22 January 2001
- Inactivated on 22 January 2008
- Redesignated 76th Fighter Squadron on 6 January 2009
- Activated on 1 February 2009.
Assignments
- 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....
, 4 July 1942-5 January 1946 - 23d Fighter Group, 10 October 1946-24 September 1949
- 23d Fighter Group, 18 August 1955
- 35th Air Division, 9 November 1957
- 32d Air Division, 15 November 1958
- Boston Air Defense SectorBoston Air Defense SectorThe Boston Air Defense Sector is an inactive United States Air Force Air Defense Command organization. Its last assignment was with the ADC 26th Air Division, being stationed at Stewart Air Force Base, New York.-History:...
, 1 February 1961-1 July 1963 - 23d Tactical Fighter (later, 23 Fighter) Wing23d WingThe 23d Wing is a front-line United States Air Force Air Combat Command wing currently assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.-Mission:The mission of the 23d Wing is to organize, train and employ combat-ready A-10, HC-130 and HH-60, as well as pararescuemen and force protection assets...
, 1 October 1972-29 May 1992 - Fourteenth Air ForceFourteenth Air ForceThe Fourteenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Space Command . It is headquartered at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California....
, 1 December 1995 - 614th Space Operations Group, 28 August 1998
- 21st Operations Group, 31 March 2000-21 January 2001
- 21st Operations Group, 22 January 2001-22 January 2008
- 476th Fighter Group476th Fighter GroupThe 476 Fighter Group is a United States Air Force Reserve unit, stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.-Overview:Assigned to the 442d Fighter Wing, at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, the 476th Fighter Group is an Air Force Reseve associate unit linked to the 23d Fighter Group at Moody...
, 1 February 2009–present
Stations
- Wujiaba Airport, KunmingKunming' is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It was known as Yunnan-Fou until the 1920s. A prefecture-level city, it is the political, economic, communications and cultural centre of Yunnan, and is the seat of the provincial government...
, ChinaChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, 4 July 1941 - Kweilin, China, 25 July 1942
- Kunming, China, 18 August 1942
- Lingling, China, 13 May 1943
- Hengyang, China, 11 August 1943
- Detachment operated from Suichwan, China, 3 October-7 December 1943
- Kweilin, China, 21 November 1943
- Suichwan, China, 26 December 1943
- Lingling, China, 1 June 1944
- Liuchow, China, July 1944
- Luliang, China, c. 12 September 1944
- Liuchow, China, 24 August 1945
- Hangchow, China, 15 October-4 December 1945
- Fort LewisFort LewisJoint Base Lewis-McChord is a United States military facility located south-southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Garrison, Joint Base Lewis-McChord....
, Washington, 3-5 January 1946 - Northwest FieldNorthwest Field (Guam)Northwest Field is a former World War II airfield on Guam in the Mariana Islands. It was closed in 1949 and is unused.-History:Northwest Field was constructed in 1944–45 near Ritidian Point on the northwest end of the island of Guam as a base for Twentieth Air Force B-29 Superfortresses to carry...
, 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...
, 10 October 1946-3 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...
, 18 August 1955 - Pinecastle (later, McCoy) AFB, FloridaFloridaFlorida 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...
, 8 November 1957 - Westover AFB, MassachusettsMassachusettsThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, 1 February 1961-1 July 1963 - 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 October 1972-29 May 1992
- Deployed aircraft and personnel to King Fahd International AirportKing Fahd International AirportKing 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 ArabiaSaudi ArabiaThe 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...
, August 1990-April 1991- Falcon (later, Schriever) AFB, ColoradoColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, 1 December 1995 - Peterson AFB, ColoradoColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, 1 December 1999-21 January 2001; 22 January 2001-22 January 2008 - 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 February 2009–present
- Falcon (later, Schriever) AFB, Colorado
Aircraft
- P-40 Warhawk, 1942–1944
- P-51 MustangP-51 MustangThe 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...
, 1944–1945 - P-47 ThunderboltP-47 ThunderboltRepublic Aviation's P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the "Jug", was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single reciprocating engine. It was heavily armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, four per wing. When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to...
, 1946–1949 - RF-80 Shooting Star, 1949
- F-89D Scorpion, 1955–1957
- F-89H Scorpion, 1957–1959
- F-89J Scorpion, 1959–1961
- F-102 Delta DaggerF-102 Delta DaggerThe 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...
, 1961–1963 - A-7D Corsair II, 1972–1981
- A-10 Thunderbolt IIA-10 Thunderbolt IIThe 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,...
, 1981–present
Operations
The history of the 76th dates to the earliest days of World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. During the summer of 1941, Claire Lee Chennault
Claire Lee Chennault
Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault , was an American military aviator. A contentious officer, he was a fierce advocate of "pursuit" or fight-interceptor aircraft during the 1930s when the U.S. Army Air Corps was focused primarily on high-altitude bombardment...
formed a small group of American pilots into three fighter squadrons, the American Volunteer Group
American Volunteer Group
The American Volunteer Groups were volunteer air units organized by the United States government to aid the Nationalist government of China against Japan in the Second Sino-Japanese War...
, of the Chinese Air Force. The unit immediately garnered international attention for their combat successes while defending China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and Burma, and they became known as the "Flying Tigers
Flying Tigers
The 1st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force in 1941–1942, famously nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was composed of pilots from the United States Army , Navy , and Marine Corps , recruited under presidential sanction and commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. The ground crew and headquarters...
." Some members of the AVG joined or rejoined the United States Air Force
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...
after the AVG was disbanded.
The 76th squadron remained in combat in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater from 18 July 1942 to 11 August 1945, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for missions in China in June 1944.
After World War II, the squadron performed air defense intercept operations in Guam, 1946–1949, in Panama, 1949, and at various bases in the eastern United States, 1955-1963. Trained in and conducted close air support operations, 1972-1992. Portion of squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and took part in operations against Iraq in early 1991.
Beginning in December 1995, assisted other units to integrate space product applications into current operations procedures. Deployed personnel to air units worldwide to enhance their links to space assets. Provided counterspace capabilities to warfighters worldwide, 2001-2008.