The15th Wingis awingof theUnited States Air ForceatHickam AFB,Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam,Hawaii. The wing reports to11th Air Force,Headquartered atJoint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,Alaska.
15th Wing | |
---|---|
Active | 1940–1946, 1955–1960, 1962–1970, 1971–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Type | Composite |
Role | FighterandAirlift |
Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Hickam Air Force Base,Hawaii |
Motto(s) | Prosequor Alis (I Pursue with Wings) (1942–1992)[1] |
Engagements | Pacific Ocean theater of World War II |
Decorations | |
Commanders | |
Current commander | ColonelGarrett C. Fisher |
Vice Commander | Colonel Ryan M. Graf |
Command Chief | Chief Master SergeantAnthony Thompson Jr. |
Insignia | |
15th Wing emblem(approved 15 March 1963 based on emblem approved 5 October 1942)[2] | |
Tail Code | HH |
Tail Flash |
Its history goes back to just beforeWorld War II,when the15th Pursuit Groupwas organized atWheeler Field,Hawaii from elements of the18th Pursuit Group.Thegroup's combat effectiveness was largely destroyed during the Japaneseattack on Pearl Harboron 7 December 1941. Remanned and re-equipped as the15th Fighter Group,it remained in the Hawaiian islands to provide for theair defenseof the islands, although it deployedsquadronsand detachments to the Central and Western Pacific areas. It later became aTwentieth Air Forcevery long rangefightergroup onIwo Jima,escortingBoeing B-29 Superfortressbombers that attacked the Japanese home Islands. In April 1945 the group earned aDistinguished Unit Citationfor combat action over Japan. Following the end of the war, the group returned to Hawaii, where it was inactivated in 1946.
The group was again activated in 1955 to replace the518th Air Defense Groupas part ofAir Defense Command's Project Arrow, which replaced units formed during theCold Warwith those that had a distinguished history in the two world wars. It performed theair defensemission atNiagara Falls Municipal Airport,New York until it was discontinued in 1960 and its mission assumed by theNew York Air National Guard.
In July 1962,Tactical Air Commandorganized the15th Tactical Fighter Wingas the secondMcDonnell F-4 Phantom IIwing atMacDill Air Force Base,Florida. Although its companion12th Tactical Fighter Wingwas one of the first wings deployed during theVietnam War,the 15th acted as an F-4 combat crew training unit during this era, although it assumed a tactical role during theCuban Missile Crisisand thePueblo crisis.In 1970 the wing was inactivated and its mission, personnel and equipment were transferred to the1st Tactical Fighter Wing,which moved on paper to MacDill fromHamilton Air Force Base,California.
Little more than a year later, the wing returned to Hawaii as the15th Air Base Wing,when it replaced the 6486th Air Base Wing as the host organization atHickam Air Force Base.The wing has been stationed at Hickam AFB (now part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam) since then. In 1984, the 15th group and 15th wing were consolidated into a single unit.
Mission
editThe mission of the 15th Wing is to develop and sustain combat-readyairmen,in partnership with the total force, to provide global mobility, global reach, precision engagement, and agile combat support anytime, anywhere.[3]The 15th Wing partners with the154th Wingof theHawaii Air National Guardto provide strategic and tactical airlift capability toPacific Air ForcesandAir Mobility Commandand to support local and worldwide missions of combat support and humanitarian or disaster relief.[4]
To execute its mission, the wing has established priorities: First, execute the mission; second ensure readiness; third develop the wing's airmen; fourth, grow resilient airmen and families; and fifth, strengthen partnerships.[3]
Units
editThe 15 Wing is composed of fourgroupsand one direct reporting squadron each with specific functions. The operations group controls all flying and airfield operations. The maintenance group performs aircraft and aircraft support equipment maintenance. The medical group provides medical and dental care. The 647th Air Base Group provides direct mission support and all Air Force communications. The 15th Comptroller Squadron performs financial management for the wing. The remaining functions of the wing are staff agencies.
- 15th Operations Group[5]
- 15th Operations Support Squadron
- 19th Fighter Squadron(F-22)
- 65th Airlift Squadron(C-37, C-40)
- 535th Airlift Squadron(C-17) (tail code: HH)
- 15th Maintenance Group[5]
- 15th Medical Group[5]
- 647th Air Base Group[5]
- 15th Comptroller Squadron
Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam is also host to numerous tenant organizations. The Air Force side of the installation supports 140 tenant and associate units.[5]
History
editWorld War II
editThe unit was originally constituted as the15th Pursuit Group(Fighter) and was activated atWheeler Field,Hawaii, on 1 December 1940 as part of the defense force for the Hawaiian Islands.[6]The originalsquadronsof the group were the45th,[7] 46th,[8]and47th Pursuit Squadrons.[9]The group drew itscadrefrom the18th Pursuit Group,which had been stationed at Wheeler since 1927.[10]In addition to its primary combat aircraft the group flew theCurtiss A-12 Shrike,Grumman OA-9 Goose,Martin B-12andBoeing P-26 Peashooterduring the prewar period.[2]
A little more than a year later, on 7 December 1941, thegroupfought the Japanese after they began theirAttack on Pearl Harbor.Bombing andstrafingattacks that morning bycarrier-based planes of theJapanese strike forcedestroyed many assigned aircraft and caused heavy casualties.[6]However, twelve of the group'spilotssucceeded in launching theirCurtiss P-36 HawkandCurtiss P-40 Warhawkaircraft from Wheeler andHaleiwa Fighter Strip,and flew 16 sorties, destroying 10 Japanese planes. Second LieutenantsGeorge S. WelchandKenneth M. Taylor,P-40 pilots assigned to the 47th Pursuit Squadron, shot down four and two Japanese aircraft, respectively,[6]and were later cited for extraordinary heroism during the attack. Both received theDistinguished Service Cross.[11]Because of the heavy casualties suffered by the group in the attack, it was remanned and reorganized.[6]
On 12 February 1942, the unit was redesignated the15th Pursuit Group(Interceptor).[6]Several months later, the unit was redesignated the15th Fighter Group.[6]That summer, the group's mission changed. Although defense of the islands continued to be an important responsibility, continuing to provide combat training for fighter pilots with theBell P-39 Airacobra,Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and theRepublic P-47D Thunderboltbecame the primary mission of the elements of the group remaining in Hawaii for the next two years.[citation needed]In August 1942, the12th Fighter Squadron,which had deployed to theSouthwest Pacific Theaterand been attached toVII Fighter Command,was assigned to the group,[12]although the squadron remained atChristmas Islandduring its assignment.[13]The group also deployed othersquadronsto the Central and South Pacific for operations against Japanese forces.[6]
The following March, the6th Night Fighter Squadronwas assigned to the group. During this assignment, which lasted a little more than a year, the 6th kept detachments of itsDouglas P-70 HavocsandNorthrop P-61 Black WidowsonGuadalcanalandNew Guinea.[14]In March 1943, the78th Fighter Squadronwas assigned to the group.[15]The 78th in effect replaced the 46th Fighter Squadron, which moved toMakin IslandandCanton Islandfor operations against the Japanese, although the 46th remained assigned to the group until June 1944.[8]In September, the 45th squadron also deployed to the western Pacific for combat operations,[7]leaving the 47th and 78th with group headquarters in Hawaii.[9][15]
Then, in April 1944, the deployed elements of the 15th Fighter Group returned to Hawaii and began training for very long range bomber escort missions, obtainingNorth American P-51 Mustangslater in the year.[6]In January 1945, ordered into combat, the group left Hawaii forSaipanin theMarianas Islands,remaining there until alanding stripcould be secured by theMarinesonIwo Jima.The first fighter aircraft to arrive at Iwo Jima were P-51s of the 15th's 47th Fighter Squadron the morning of 6 March, with the 45th and 78th Squadrons following the next day. They supportedMarineground units by bombing and strafing cave entrances, trenches, troop concentrations, and storage areas.[6]By the middle of March, the group also began strikes against enemy airfields, shipping, and military installations in theBonin Islands.[6]
On 7 April 1945, the 15th flew its first Very Long Range (VLR) mission to Japan, providing fighter escort for theBoeing B-29 Superfortressbombers that attacked theNakajimaaircraft plant near Tokyo, and was awarded theDistinguished Unit Citation.[6]In late April and early May that year, the 15th struck Japanese airfields onKyūshūto curtail the enemy'ssuicide attacksagainst the invasion force onOkinawaand also hit enemy troop trains, small factories, gun positions, and hangars in the Bonins and Japan.[6]
During the summer of 1945, the 15th Fighter Group (along with the21st Fighter Groupand the VII Fighter Command) were reassigned toTwentieth Air Force.[6]The group continued its fighter sweeps against Japanese airfields and other targets, in addition to flying long-range B-29 Superfortress escort missions to Japanese cities, until the end of the war.[6]After the war, the group remained on lwo Jima until 25 November 1945, when it transferred (without personnel and equipment) toBellows Field,Hawaii.[6]There it absorbed the personnel and equipment of the508th Fighter Group.[16]On 8 February 1946, the unit moved toWheeler Field,where it remained until inactivated on 15 October 1946.[6]Its personnel and equipment were transferred to the81st Fighter Group,which assumed its mission.[17]
Aerial Victories | Number | Note |
---|---|---|
Group Hq | 3 | [18][note 2] |
6th Night Fighter Squadron | 20 | [19] |
12th Fighter Squadron | 5 | [20] |
45th Fighter Squadron | 33.5 | [21] |
46th Fighter Squadron | 7 | [21] |
47th Fighter Squadron | 43 | [22] |
78th Fighter Squadron | 39 | [23] |
Group Total | 150.5 |
Air Defense Command
editThe 15th was again activated on 18 August 1955 as the15th Fighter Group(Air Defense) atNiagara Falls Municipal Airport,New York, where it replaced the518th Air Defense Groupas a result ofAir Defense Command(ADC)'s Project Arrow, which was designed to bring back on the active list fighter units which had compiled memorable records during the two World Wars.[24]There it was responsible for the air defense of an area that included Western and Northern New York and parts of Ontario, Canada. It was reunited with one of its former units, now designated the 47th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS),[6][25]which was already at Niagara Falls, where it had been assigned to the 518th.[25]The group was also assigned several support squadrons to perform its mission as USAF host unit for the active duty portions of Niagara Falls Airport.[26](later 15th USAF Dispensary)[27][28][29]
The 47th FIS was equipped withradarequipped androcketarmedNorth American F-86D Sabres.[30]In the fall of 1957, the squadron upgraded todata linkequipped F-86Ls[30]and later, by the summer of 1958 toConvair F-102 Delta Daggeraircraft[30]The group performed air defense operations for the4707th Air Defense WingandSyracuse Air Defense Sectoruntil July 1960, when it was discontinued. Its mission was assumed by units of ADC'sAir National Guardaugmentation program.[31]
Vietnam War Era
editOn 1 July 1962, the15th Tactical Fighter Wing(TFW) was organized byTactical Air CommandatMacDill Air Force Base,Florida[32]and assigned to the836th Air Division.Operational squadrons of the wing and squadron tail codes were:
- 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron[7](FC)
- 46th Tactical Fighter Squadron[8](FD)
- 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron[9](FE)
- 43d Tactical Fighter Squadron[33](FB)(Activated on 8 January 1964 as part of a wing transition from three squadrons of 25 aircraft each to four squadrons of 18 aircraft each.)
- 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron(briefly assigned in 1967 on redeployment fromSoutheast Asia(SEA), then moved toHomestead AFB,Florida
The wing was initially equipped with the obsolescentRepublic F-84F Thunderstreakwhich were obtained fromAir National Guardunits. In 1964 the wing upgraded to theMcDonnell-Douglas F-4C Phantom II.The 15 TFW was the second wing to be equipped with the F-4.
The mission of the 15 TFW was to conduct tactical fighter combat crew training. The wing participated in a variety ofexercises,operationsandreadinesstests of Tactical Air Command.[32]The wing traine pilots and provided logistical support for the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing.[32]It was reorganized as a mission-capable unit at the time of theCuban Missile Crisisof 1962, returning afterwards to a training mission.[32]
With the departure of the 12 TFW in 1965, the 15 TFW's mission became acting as a replacement training unit for F-4 aircrews prior to their deployment to Southeast Asia.[32]The wing deployed 16 F-4s atSeymour Johnson Air Force Base,North Carolina, during thePueblo crisisin 1968.[32]
In 1965, the wing deployed its 43d, 45th, 46th and 47th Tactical Fighter Squadrons to SEA,[32]where they participated in the air defense commitment for the Philippines fromClark ABand flew combat missions fromCam Rahn BayAir Base inSouth VietnamandUbon Royal Thai Air Force BaseinThailand.Members of the 45 TFS achieved the first U.S. Air Force aerial victories of theVietnam Warwhen they destroyed two MIGs on 10 July 1965. Captains Thomas S. Roberts, Ronald C. Anderson, Kenneth E. Holcombe, and Arthur C. Clark received credit for these kills. The 43d TFS was reassigned toElmendorf AFB,Alaska on 4 January 1970.
Beginning in October 1968, when the 4424th Combat Crew Training Squadron (CCTS) was organized, the wing beganMartin B-57G Canberranight intruder tactical bomber aircrew training.[32]On 8 February 1969, the13th Bombardment Squadron,was organized as a tactical B-57 squadron (Tail Code: FK) Night Intruder tactical bomber aircrew training.[34]The squadron and eleven aircraft deployed toUbon RTAFB,Thailand on 1 October 1970. Three B-57Gs were left behind at MacDill with the 4424th CCTS as trainers.
In 1969, the wing assumed host USAF responsibility for MacDill from the 836th AD and was assigned the15th Combat Support Groupto carry out this mission.[35]The 15th was inactivated on 1 October 1970,[32]and was replaced by the1st Tactical Fighter Wingwhen the 1st TFW was reassigned from ADC to Tactical Air Command and moved fromHamilton AFB,CA to MacDill.[36]The 4424th CCTS remained at MacDill, coming under the 1st TFW and finally discontinuing on 30 June 1972[36]with the return of the B-57Gs to the United States (to Kansas ANG).
Pacific Air Forces
editOne year later, on 20 October 1971, the 15th Tactical Fighter Wing was redesignated the15th Air Base Wingand activated at Hickam AFB, Hawaii on 1 November 1971. Assigned toPacific Air Forces(PACAF), the 15th assumed the personnel, equipment, mission, and duties previously performed by the 6486th Air Base Wing, which was simultaneously discontinued.[37]This reactivation reestablished the organization in Hawaii, where the 15th Pursuit Group was formed in 1940, and the lineage, history and honors of the15th Fighter Groupwere bestowed on the Wing.[note 4]
The 15th Air Base Wing managed Hickam, Wheeler,Dillingham,andJohnston Island Air Force Bases,Bellows Air Force Station,and several smaller subsidiary bases.[32]It provided base level support for headquarters PACAF and more than 100 tenant organizations.[32]Its 15th Operations Squadron provided specialairliftfor the Commander in Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC), and the USAF andUS Armycomponents ofPacific Command,initially withVC-118aircraft[32]until inactivating in 1975, when the wing absorbed its assets.[38]Its 9th Airborne Command and Control Squadron providedairborne command and controlsupport for CINCPAC.[32]Responsibility for Johnston Island subsequently transferred to the Defense Nuclear Agency on 1 July 1973; but on that same date, the 15th ABW assumed operational responsibility forWake Island.Dillingham later transferred to Army control on 27 February 1975, as didWheeler AFBon 1 November 1991. In 1999, the 15th ABW once again assumed responsibility for Johnston Island. Operational control of Wake Island transferred to the36th Air Base Wing(13th Air Force),Andersen Air Force Base,Guam,on 1 October 2000.[citation needed]
From April to September 1975, the wing sheltered over 93,000 orphans, evacuees, and refugees from Southeast Asia as part ofOperation BabyliftandOperation New Life.[2]In 1980 the wing participated in Project Lagoon, a program to remove radioactive waste fromEnewetakAtoll.[2]
On 13 April 1992 the15th Operations Groupwas activated as the wing implemented the USAF objective wing organization. Upon activation, the group assumed was reassigned the wing's operational squadrons and the newly activated 15th Operations Support Squadron. It also managed operational matters at Hickam and Bellows in Hawaii andWake Island Airfield.Its two flying squadrons provided airborne command and control andairliftfor high-ranking officials. The group also providedcommand and controlfor the defense of the Hawaiian Islands, including tactical control of Hawaii Air National Guard alert F-15 aircraft.[39]
On 28 April 2003, the wing was redesignated the15th Airlift Wingand begun preparation to stand up a first-of-its-kind active duty/associateAir National GuardC-17 Globemaster IIIorganization. Almost three years later, on 8 February 2006 the wing welcomed in the first of eight C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets changing Hickam's identity and mission from strictly en route support to include performing local and worldwide airlift operations in support of combat and humanitarian missions.
On 18 May 2010, the wing was redesignated the15th Wingin anticipation of the addition of air refueling and fighters to its airlift mission,[40]which occurred on 23 July, when the 96th Air Refueling Squadron was assigned to the wing's operations group.[40]Four days earlier, its 15th Mission Support Group was inactivated as Hickam Air Force Base became part ofJoint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickamand theUS Navyassumed most support responsibility for the installation. In October, the wing addedLockheed Martin F-22 Raptorsto the aircraft it flies when the19th Fighter Squadronmoved fromJoint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,Alaska to become an active duty associate unit of the Hawaiian Air National Guard's199th Fighter Squadron.[41][42]
Lineage
edit- Constituted as the15th Pursuit Group(Fighter) on 22 November 1940
- Activated on 1 December 1940
- Redesignated:15th Pursuit Group(Interceptor) on 12 February 1942
- Redesignated:15th Fighter Group(Single Engine) on 15 May 1942
- Inactivated on 15 October 1946.
- Redesignated15th Fighter Group(Air Defense) on 20 June 1955
- Activated on 18 August 1955
- Discontinued and inactivated on 1 July 1960
- Consolidated with the15th Air Base Wingas the 15th Air Base Wing on 31 January 1984
- Constituted as the15th Tactical Fighter Wingand activated on 17 April 1962 (not organized)
- Organized on 1 July 1962
- Inactivated on 1 October 1970
- Redesignated15th Air Base Wingon 20 October 1971
- Activated on 1 November 1971
- Consolidated with the15th Fighter Group(Air Defense) on 31 January 1984
- Redesignated15th Airlift Wingon 28 April 2003
- Redesignated15th Wingon 18 May 2010[43]
Assignments
edit
|
|
Components
editGroups
- 15th Operations Group:13 April 1992 – present[43]
- 15th Combat Support Group (later 15th Support Group, 15th Mission Support Group): 8 June 1969 – 1 October 1970,[35]13 April 1992 – 14 May 2010
- 15th Logistics Group (later 15th Maintenance Group: 13 April 1992 – 11 July 2003, 22 July 2005 – present
- 15th Medical Group (formerly USAF Dispensary, Hickam; USAF Clinic, Hickam), 1 November 1971 – present
Operational Squadrons
- 6th Night Fighter Squadron: attached 6 March 1943 – 25 March 1943, assigned 26 March 1943 – 5 June 1944; attached 1 September 1944 – 30 September 1944
- 9th Airborne Command and Control Squadron: 1 November 1971 – 31 March 1992
- 12th Fighter Squadron: 23 August 1942 – 1 December 1942
- 13th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical: 8 February 1969 – 1 October 1970 (detached 15 September – 1 October 1970)
- 15th Operations Squadron: 1 November 1971 – 30 June 1975
- 22d Tactical Air Support Squadron: 1 November 1971 – 4 April 1980
- 43d Tactical Fighter Squadron: 8 January 1964 – 15 July 1970 (detached 17 August 1965 – c. 4 January 1966)
- 45th Pursuit Squadron (later 45th Fighter Squadron, 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron): 1 December 1940 – 15 October 1946, 1 July 1962 – 1 October 1970 (detached 4 April 1965 – 10 August 1965)
- 46th Pursuit Squadron (later 46th Fighter Squadron, 46th Tactical Fighter Squadron): 1 December 1940 – 24 April 1944, 1 July 1962 – 1 October 1970 (detached 11 May 1965 – 22 August 1965 and 1 November 1965 – 10 November 1965)
- 47th Pursuit Squadron (later 47th Fighter Squadron, 47th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron): 1 December 1940 – 15 October 1946; 18 August 1955 – 1 July 1960, 1 July 1962 – 1 October 1970 (detached 22 July – 27 November 1965)
- 65th Airlift Squadron: 10 March – 13 April 1992
- 78th Fighter Squadron: attached 6 March 1943 – 17 March 1943; assigned 26 March 1943 – 15 October 1946 (detached 26 March 1943 – 10 April 1943)
- 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron: 25 April – 1 July 1967
- 4424th Combat Crew Training Squadron: 15 October 1968 – 1 October 1970[43]
- Support and Maintenance Squadrons
- 15th Air Base Squadron: 18 August 1955 – 1 July 1960, 1 November 1971 – 1 November 1991
- 15th Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron (later 15th Avionics Maintenance Squadron): 1 July 1962 – 10 February 1968, 1 November 1971 – 1 July 1986[44]
- 15th Comptroller Squadron (previously 15th Comptroller Flight): 13 November 1995 – present
- 15th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (later 15th Field Maintenance Squadron, 15th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron): 8 July 1957 – 1 July 1960, 1 July 1962 – 1 July 1971, 1 November 1971 – 13 April 1992[28][44]
- 15th Materiel Squadron: 18 August 1955 – 1 July 1960[29]
- 15th Organizational Maintenance Squadron: 1 July 1962 – 1 November 1966, 1 November 1981 – 1 July 1986[44]
- 15th Security Police Squadron: 1 November 1971 – 13 April 1992[37]
- 15th Services Squadron: 1 November 1971 – 13 April 1992[37]
- 15th Supply Squadron: 8 June 1969 – 1 October 1970, 1 November 1971 – 13 April 1992[44]
- 15th Transportation Squadron: 8 June 1969 – 1 October 1970, 1 November 1971 – 13 April 1992[44]
- 415th Munitions Maintenance Sq: 15 May 1963 – 20 February 1968[37]
- Other
- 15th USAF Infirmary (later 15th USAF Dispensary, 15th Tactical Hospital): 18 August 1955 – 1 July 1960, 8 July 1969 – 1 October 1970[26][27]
Stations
edit- Wheeler Field,Territory of Hawaii, 1 December 1940<
- Bellows Field,Territory of Hawaii, 3 June 1944 – 5 February 1945
- South Field (Iwo Jima),6 March 1945
- Bellows Field, Territory of Hawaii, 25 November 1945
- Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii, 9 February - 15 October 1946
- Niagara Falls Municipal Airport, New York, 18 August 1955 – 1 July 1960
- MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, 1 July 1962 – 1 October 1970
- Hickam Air Force Base, (part ofJoint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam), Hawaii, 1 November 1971 – present[43]
Aircraft
edit- Curtiss A-12 Shrike, 1940–1942
- Grumman OA-9 Goose, 1940–1942
- Boeing P-26 Peashooter, 1940–1942
- Curtiss P-36 Hawk, 1940–1942
- Martin B-12, 1941–1942
- Bell P-39 Airacobra, 1941–1944
- Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, 1941–1944
- Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, 1943–1945, 1945–1946, 1946
- Douglas P-70 Havoc, 1943–1944
- Douglas A-24 Banshee,1944
- North American P-51 Mustang, 1944–1946
- Northrop P-61 Black Widow,1944
- Douglas A-26 Invader,1946
- North American F-86D Sabre, 1955–1957
- North American F-86L Sabre, 1957–1958
- Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, 1958–1960
- Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, 1962–1964
- Lockheed T-33 T-Bird,1962–1970, 1972–1987
- McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, 1964–1970
- Martin B-57G Canberra, 1968–1970
- Boeing EC-135,1971–1992
- Cessna O-2 Skymaster,1972–1980
- Boeing C-135 Stratolifter,1992–2003
- C-37 Gulfstream V,2002–present
- Boeing C-40 Clipper,2003–present
- McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III, 2006–present[43]
- Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker,2010–2015[40][45]
- Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, 2010–present[41]
Awards and campaigns
editAward streamer | Award | Dates | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Distinguished Unit Citation | 7 April 1945 | Japan, 15th Fighter Group[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 January 1965 – 1 June 1966 | 15th Tactical Fighter Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 January 1969 – 31 December 1969 | 15th Tactical Fighter Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 4 April 1975 – 3 September 1975 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 25 February 1986 – 25 March 1986 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 July 1989 – 30 June 1991 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 July 1991 – 30 June 1993 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 October 1993 – 30 September 1995 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 October 1995 – 1 August 1997 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 2 August 1997 – 1 August 1999 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 29 November 1999 – 30 November 2001 | 15th Air Base Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 November 2002 – 31 October 2004 | 15th Air Base Wing (later 15th Airlift Wing)[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 November 2004 – 31 October 2006 | 15th Airlift Wing[43] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 | 15th Airlift Wing[43] |
Campaign Streamer | Campaign | Dates | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Central Pacific | 7 December 1941 – 6 December 1943 | 15th Fighter Group[6] | |
Air Offensive, Japan | 17 April 1942 – 2 September 1945 | 15th Fighter Group[6] |
See also
editReferences
editNotes
edit- Explanatory notes
- ^North American P-51D-20-NA Mustangs serials 44-63325 44-63314 44-63474 44-63428 are pictured.
- ^Victories for the 6th Night Fighter Squadron, 12th Fighter Squadron and 46th Fighter Squadron include only victories credited while assigned or attached to the 15th Fighter Group.
- ^Convair F-102A-55-CO Delta Dagger serial 56-1021 is pictured in 1959.
- ^This temporary bestowal ended in 1984 when the 15th Air Base Wing was consolidated with the 15th Fighter Group (Air Defense), merging the two into a single unit. Ravenstein, Appendix V, USAF Bestowed History, pp. 315–317.
- Footnotes
- ^"15th Wing Heritage Pamphlet"(PDF).15th Wing History Office. December 2010. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 23 July 2011.Retrieved25 July2012.
- ^abcdRobertson, Patsy (2 December 2010)."Factsheet 15 Wing (PACAF)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 22 April 2014.Retrieved14 May2014.
- ^ab"The Official Web Site of the 15th Wing".15th Wing Public Affairs.Retrieved14 October2014.
- ^"Factsheet 11th Air Force".11th Air Force Public Affairs. 1 June 2015. Archived fromthe originalon 26 September 2015.Retrieved14 October2014.
- ^abcde"15th Wing Units".15th Wing Public Affairs. Archived fromthe originalon 11 September 2014.Retrieved14 October2014.
- ^abcdefghijklmnopqrsMaurer,Combat Units,pp. 59
- ^abcRobertson, Patsy (24 November 2010)."Factsheet 45 Fighter Squadron (AFRC)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 29 October 2013.Retrieved2 April2012.
- ^abcMaurer,Combat Squadrons,p. 204
- ^abcEndicott, Judy (18 December 2007)."Factsheet 47 Fighter Squadron (AFRC)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 13 May 2014.Retrieved2 April2012.
- ^Maurer,Combat Units,pp. 63–65
- ^Sullivan, Patricia (10 December 2006)."Pilot shot down planes in Pearl Harbor attack".The Washington Post(printed inThe San Diego Union Tribune).Archived fromthe originalon 3 June 2011.Retrieved23 March2009.
- ^Maurer,Combat Squadrons,pp. 65–66
- ^Robertson, Patsy (2 January 2008)."Factsheet 12 Fighter Squadron (PACAF)".Air Force Historical Research Agency.Retrieved30 October2014.
- ^Maurer,Combat Squadrons,pp. 39–40
- ^abMaurer,Combat Squadrons,pp. 179–180
- ^Maurer,Combat Units,pp. 59, 371
- ^SeeMaurer,Combat Units,pp. 59, 146
- ^Newton & Senning, p. 534
- ^Newton & Senning, p. 526
- ^Newton & Senning, pp. 533
- ^abNewton & Senning, p. 551
- ^Newton & Senning, pp. 551–552
- ^Newton & Senning, p. 572
- ^Buss, Sturm, Volan, & McMullen, p.6
- ^abMaurer,Combat Squadrons,p. 206
- ^abSee"Abstract, History 15 Infirmary Aug–Dec 1955".Air Force History Index.Retrieved3 April2012.
- ^ab"Abstract, History 15 Dispensary Jan–Jun 1957".Air Force History Index.Retrieved3 April2012.
- ^abCornett & Johnson, p. 135
- ^abCornett & Johnson, p. 145
- ^abcCornett & Johnson, p. 115
- ^See"Abstract, Vol. 1, History 26 Air Division (SAGE) Apr–Dec 1960".Air Force History Index.Retrieved1 November2014.
- ^abcdefghijklmRavenstein, pp. 30–32
- ^Bailey, Carl E. (18 December 2007)."Factsheet 43 Fighter Squadron (AETC)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 13 May 2014.Retrieved2 April2012.
- ^Haulman, Daniel L. (20 August 2011)."Factsheet 13 Bomb Squadron (AFGSC)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 13 October 2014.Retrieved2 April2012.
- ^abMueller, pp. 345–354
- ^abRavenstein, p. 7
- ^abcdSeeMueller, p. 236
- ^Mueller,Air Force Bases,p. 266
- ^"Factsheet, 15th Operations Group".15th Wing Public Affairs. 18 July 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 27 September 2015.Retrieved29 October2014.
- ^abcRobertson, Patsy (3 April 2014)."Factsheet 96 Air Refueling Squadron (PACAF)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 13 May 2014.Retrieved14 October2014.
- ^abRobertson, Patsy (3 April 2014)."Factsheet 19 Fighter Squadron (PACAF)".Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived fromthe originalon 27 September 2015.Retrieved14 October2014.
- ^Allen, SSG Nathan (5 October 2010)."The 19th Fighter Squadron comes home to Hickam".15th Wing Public Affairs. Archived fromthe originalon 13 May 2014.Retrieved25 July2012.
- ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstLineage, assignments, stations, aircraft and awards are in Robertson, Factsheet, 15 Wing, except as noted.
- ^abcdeSeeMueller,Air Force Bases,pp. 236, 354
- ^Paden, SSG Teri (3 September 2015)."96th ARS inactivates after five years at JBPHH".15th Wing Public Affairs.Retrieved21 April2017.
Bibliography
editThis article incorporatespublic domain materialfrom theAir Force Historical Research Agency
- This article contains information from theHickam AFB Factsheet 15th Wing historywhich is an official document of the United States Government and is presumed to be in the public domain.
- Buss, Lydus H.(ed), Sturm, Thomas A., Volan, Denys, and McMullen, Richard F., History of Continental Air Defense Command and Air Defense Command July to December 1955, Directorate of Historical Services, Air Defense Command, Ent AFB, CO, (1956)
- Cornett, Lloyd H; Johnson, Mildred W (1980).A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980(PDF).Peterson AFB, CO: Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 13 February 2016.Retrieved29 June2012.
- Lambert, John W. (1982).The Long Campaign: The History of the 15th Fighter Group in World War II.Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing.ISBN978-0-7643-2428-4.
- Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1983) [1961].Air Force Combat Units of World War II(PDF)(reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN0-912799-02-1.LCCN61060979.
- Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969].Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II(PDF)(reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN0-405-12194-6.LCCN70605402.OCLC72556.
- Mueller, Robert (1989).Air Force Bases, Vol. I, Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982(PDF).Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN978-0-912799-53-7.
- Newton, Wesley P. Jr. and Senning, Calvin F., (1963)USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II, USAF Historical Study No. 85,p. 534
- Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984).Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977.Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN0-912799-12-9.
External links
edit- 15th Wingat GlobalSecurity.org
- Commanders lead Airmen in changing times,15th Airlift Wing Press Release, 5 December 2006 (lists commanders of the unit through 2006)