27th Fighter Squadron
27th Fighter Squadron | |
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![]() F-22A serial 03-4042, the firstF-22AAssigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, 2005 | |
Active | 1917–1945; 1946–present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Squadron |
Role |
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Part of | Air Combat Command |
Garrison/HQ | Joint Base Langley–Eustis,Virginia |
Nickname(s) | Fighting Eagles[citation needed] |
Tail code | "FF" |
Engagements |
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Decorations |
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Commanders | |
Current commander | ColonelRobert J Elwood |
Insignia | |
27th Fighter Squadron emblem(approved 17 September 1971)[1] | ![]() |
The27th Fighter Squadronis a unit of theUnited States Air Force1st Operations Grouplocated atJoint Base Langley–Eustis,Virginia. The 27th is equipped with theF-22 Raptor.[1]
The 27th Fighter Squadron is the oldest active fighter squadron in the United States Air Force, with over 100 years of service to the nation. It was organized as the21st (later 27th) Aero Squadronon 8 May 1917 atKelly Field,Texas. The squadron deployed to France and fought on theWestern FrontduringWorld War Ias a pursuit squadron. It took part in theChampagne-Marne defensive;Aisne-Marne offensive;St. Mihiel offensive,andMeuse-Argonne offensive.[2]
DuringWorld War IIthe unit served in theMediterranean Theater of Operations(MTO) as part ofTwelfth Air Forceas aP-38 Lightningfighter squadron, participating in theNorth AfricanandItaliancampaigns. During theCold Warit was both anAir Defense Commandfighter-interceptor squadron as later as part ofTactical Air Command.It was the first USAF operational squadron equipped with theF-15A Eaglein January 1976.[3]
Overview
[edit]Known as the "Fightin' Eagles" or "Black Falcons", the squadron is equipped with theF-22 Raptor,having transitioned from theMcDonnell Douglas F-15 Eaglein 2005 to become the world's first operational F-22 squadron.
As one of three fighter squadrons of the1st Fighter Wing,the 27th is tasked to provide air superiority for United States or allied forces by engaging and destroying enemy forces, equipment, defenses or installations for global deployment.
History
[edit]World War I
[edit]- see:27th Aero Squadronfor a complete World War I history
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Frankluke.jpg/220px-Frankluke.jpg)
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![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/P-38F-1-LO_Lightning-41-7582.jpg/220px-P-38F-1-LO_Lightning-41-7582.jpg)
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![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/27th_Fighter-Interceptor_Squadron_F-106_59-0031_Griffiss_AFB.jpg/220px-27th_Fighter-Interceptor_Squadron_F-106_59-0031_Griffiss_AFB.jpg)
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![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/F-15s-27fs-2005-last-flight.jpg/220px-F-15s-27fs-2005-last-flight.jpg)
During World War I, the squadron was based atToul(5 May 1918),Touquin(28 June 1918),Saints(9 July 1918) andRembercourt(1 September 1918).
LieutenantFrank Luke,Jr., known as the "Arizona Balloon Buster," for his daring feats against Germanobservation balloons,was the squadron's most colorful ace. His 18 victories cost him his life, and he was awarded theMedal of Honor.Aircraft flown by the 27th during World War I include theNieuport 28,Spad XIIIandSopwith F-1 Camel.
Between the wars
[edit]In the period between the world wars, the 27th Pursuit Squadron, re-designated 25 January 1923, was stationed primarily atSelfridge Field,Michigan, with the1st Fighter Group.27th Pursuit Squadron pilots participated in air races. In 1922, Lt. Donald Stace of the 27th AS won the first Mitchell Trophy Race.
Under extreme and austere conditions in the 1920s they tested the effects of cold weather on their aircraft. At times it was so cold, the engines of theirP-1 Hawkaircraft would not start until steam was forced into the engines to thaw them.
While they were stationed at Selfridge Field, Mich., pilots from the 27th AS put on aerial demonstrations all over the country throughout the 1920s. One of those was at Langley Field in March 1925. A large silhouette of a battleship on the grass landing strip served as a target, which was successfully strafed and bombed for several duly impressed congressmen.
The 1930s saw more training, additional cold weather tests and more modern aircraft. They participated in several air shows throughout the country, and even though they were in the military, the 27th Pursuit Squadron delivered the mail for a while. One of the pilots in this failed experiment went onto lead Strategic Air Command, then Lt. Curtis E. LeMay.
World War II
[edit]At the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II, the 27th Fighter Squadron, redesignated 15 May 1942, briefly served in anti-submarine duty atSan Diego Naval Air Stationand in air defense duty at Reykjavík, Iceland. From October 1942 until May 1945, the 27th participated in the European and Mediterranean theaters of operation, flyingLockheed P-38 Lightnings.The squadron won three Distinguished Unit Citations in Italy 25 August 1943, and 30 August 1943; and atPloesti,Romania, 18 May 1944. The 27th Fighter Squadron was the top-scoring unit of the 1st Fighter Group in World War II, with 83 of its pilots credited with 176.5 victories.
Cold War
[edit]Following World War II, the 27th was stationed atMarch Field,California, flyingP-80 Shooting Stars,the United States' first operational jet aircraft. Upon the unit's redesignation as the 27th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, it moved toNiagara Falls Air Force Station,New York, flying theF-86,F-89andF-94C aircraftwhile stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome N.Y. until receiving theF-102 Delta Daggerin 1957. In October 1959, the 27th was transferred toLoring Air Force Base,Maine, where it assumed an air defense role flyingF-106Delta Darts in the Bangor Air Defense Sector.
On 22 October 1962, before PresidentJohn F. Kennedytold Americans that missiles were in place in Cuba, the squadron dispersed one third of its force, equipped with nuclear tipped missiles toOlmsted Air Force Baseat the start of theCuban Missile Crisis.[4][5]These planes returned to Loring after the crisis. The squadron continued itsair defensemission until 1 July 1971 when it transferred its mission, personnel and equipment to the83d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron[6]
The squadron moved the same day on paper toMacDill Air Force Base,Florida and was redesignated the27th Tactical Fighter Squadronas part of the reorganized 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, later the1st Fighter Wing.While at MacDill, the 27th trained aircrews in theF-4E Phantom II.In June 1975, the 27th Tactical Fighter Squadron was moved toLangley Air Force Base,Virginia, becoming the first operational squadron to fly theF-15 Eagleair superiority fighter in 1976. The unit was redesignated the 27th Fighter Squadron on 1 September 1991. The 27th TFS deployed in support ofOperation Desert Stormas part of the first U.S. Air Force contingent in Saudi Arabia. The squadron was integral in establishing allied air superiority during the operation.
Modern era
[edit]The 27th FS has deployed worldwide to support the 1st FW. The 27th Fighter Squadron deployed to Turkey in support ofOperation Northern Watch,and to Saudi Arabia in support ofOperation Southern Watch,flying F-15Cs in both operations enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq until 2003.
In 2003, the 27th Fighter Squadron was announced as the first operational squadron to fly the Raptor—a continuation of the squadron's historical legacy. The first F-22A arrived in late 2003 the squadron continues to grow as more Raptors arrive each month. The 27th Fighter Squadron today stands as a cohesive combat experienced team ready for any call to support the United States' security requirements.
2013 sequestration
[edit]Air Combat Command officials announced a stand down and reallocation of flying hours for the rest of the fiscal year 2013 due to mandatory budget cuts. The across-the board spending cuts, called sequestration, took effect 1 March when Congress failed to agree on a deficit-reduction plan.[7]
Squadrons either stood down on a rotating basis or kept combat ready or at a reduced readiness level called "basic mission capable" for part or all of the remaining months in fiscal 2013.[7]This affected the 27th Fighter Squadron with a reduction of its flying hours, placing it into a basic mission capable status from 5 April – 30 September 2013.[7]
Lineage
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/27th_Fighter-Interceptor_Squadron_-_Emblem.png/175px-27th_Fighter-Interceptor_Squadron_-_Emblem.png)
- Organized as the21st Aero Squadronon 15 June 1917
- Redesignated27th Aero Squadronon 23 June 1917
- Redesignated27th Aero Squadron(Pursuit) on 20 March 1918[citation needed]
- Redesignated27th Aero Squadronon 19 March 1919[citation needed]
- Redesignated27th Squadron(Pursuit) on 14 March 1921
- Redesignated27th Pursuit Squadronon 25 January 1923
- Redesignated27th Pursuit Squadron(Interceptor) on 6 December 1939
- Redesignated27th Pursuit Squadron(Fighter) on 12 March 1941
- Redesignated27th Fighter Squadron(Twin Engine) on 15 May 1942
- Redesignated27th Fighter Squadron,Two Engine on 28 February 1944
- Inactivated on 16 October 1945
- Redesignated27th Fighter Squadron,Single Engine on 5 April 1946
- Redesignated27th Fighter Squadron,Jet Propelled on 20 June 1946
- Activated on 3 July 1946
- Redesignated27th Fighter Squadron,Jet on 15 June 1948
- Redesignated27th Fighter-Interceptor Squadronon 16 April 1950
- Redesignated27th Tactical Fighter Squadronon 1 July 1971
- Redesignated27th Fighter Squadronon 1 November 1991[1]
Assignments
[edit]- Post Headquarters, Kelly Field, 8 May 1917[citation needed]
- Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps[citation needed]
- Attached to theRoyal Flying Corpsfor training, 18 August 1917 – 26 January 1918[citation needed]
- Aviation Concentration Center, 26 January – 25 February 1918[citation needed]
- Air Service Headquarters, AEF, 20 March 1918[citation needed]
- Third Aviation Instruction Center,29 March 1918[citation needed]
- Air Service Headquarters, AEF, 24 April 1918[citation needed][note 1]
- 1st Pursuit Group,May 1918
- 1st Air Depot, 12 December 1918[citation needed]
- Advanced Section Services of Supply, 5 February – 8 March 1919[citation needed]
- Eastern Department,19 March 1919[citation needed]
- Central Department, 1 June 1919[citation needed]
- 1st Pursuit Group (later 1 Fighter Group), 22 August 1919 – 16 October 1945
- 1st Fighter Group, 3 July 1946 (attached toEastern Air Defense Force,15 August 1950;103d Fighter Interceptor Group,4 June 1951 – 6 February 1952)
- 4711th Defense Wing(later 4711 Air Defense Wing), 6 February 1952
- 32d Air Division,1 March 1956 (attached to14th Fighter Group)
- 4727 Air Defense Group,8 February 1957 (attached to 14th Fighter Group until 17 February 1957)
- Bangor Air Defense Sector,1 October 1959
- 36th Air Division,1 April 1966
- 35th Air Division,15 September 1969
- 21st Air Division,19 November 1969
- 1st Tactical Fighter Wing,1 July 1971 (attached to 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Provisional 8 August 1990 – 8 March 1991)
- 1st Operations Group, 1 October 1991 – present[1]
Stations
[edit]- World War I and interwar years
- Kelly Field,Texas, 15 June 1917
- Toronto,Ontario, Canada, 18 August 1917
- Detachments at various Canadian stations, 5 Sep – 22 Oct 1917
- Hicks Field(Camp TaliaferroField #1), Texas, 29 October 1917
- Aviation Concentration Center,Garden City, New York, 26 Jan – 25 Feb 1918
- Tours Aerodrome,France, 20 March 1918
- Issoudun Aerodrome,France, 29 March 1918
- Epiez Aerodrome,France, 24 April 1918
- Gengault Aerodrome(Toul), France, 1 June 1918
- Touquin Aerodrome,France, 28 June 1918
- Saints Aerodrome,France, 9 July 1918
- Rembercourt Aerodrome,France, 3 September 1918
- Flight operated from Verdun Aerodrome, 25 Sep 1918 – unknown
- Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome,France, 12 December 1918
- Brest,France, 5 Feb – 8 Mar 1919
- Garden City, New York, 19 March 1919
- Selfridge Field,Michigan, 28 April 1919
- Kelly Field, Texas, 31 August 1919
- Ellington Field,Texas, 1 July 1921
- Selfridge Field, Michigan, 1 July 1922
- World War II
- NAS San Diego,California, c. 11 December 1941
- Los Angeles Airport,California, 29 December 1941 – 20 May 1942
- RAF Goxhill,England, 9 June 1942
- Operated fromReykjavík,Iceland, 3 July – 26 August 1942
- RAF Atcham,England, 9 August 1942
- RAF High Ercall,England, 20 August 1942
- RAF Colerne,England, 12 September – 23 October 1942
- Saint-Leu Airfield,Algeria, 9 November 1942
- Tafaraoui Airfield,Algeria, 13 November 1942
- Nouvion Airfield,Algeria, 20 November 1942
- Detachment operated from:Maison Blanche Airport,Algeria, 7–21 December 1942
- Detachment operated from:Biskra Airfield,Algeria, 21–30 December 1942
- Biskra Airfield, Algeria, 30 December 1942
- Chateau-dun-du-Rhumel Airfield,Algeria, 18 February 1943
- Mateur Airfield,Tunisia, 28 June 1943
- Detachment operated from: Dittaino,Sicily,Italy, 6–18 September 1943
- Detachment operated from: Gambut, Libya, 5–13 October 1943
- Djedeida Airfield,Tunisia, 1 November 1943
- Monserrato,Sardinia,Italy, 29 November 1943
- Gioia del Colle Airfield,Italy, 9 December 1943
- Salsola Airfield,Italy, 8 January 1944
- Detachment operated from: Aghione,Corsica,France, 11–21 August 1944
- Detachment operated from:Vincenzo Airfield,Italy, 10 January – 21 February 1945
- Lesina Airfield,Italy, 16 March 1945
- Marcianise, Italy, 26 September – 16 October 1945
- United States Air Force
- March Field(later March Air Force Base), California, 3 July 1946
- George Air Force Base,California, 14 July 1950
- Griffiss Air Force Base,New York, 15 August 1950
- Loring Air Force Base,Maine, 1 October 1959 – 1 July 1971
- MacDill Air Force Base,Florida, 1 July 1971
- Langley Air Force Base,Virginia, 30 June 1975–present
- Operated fromKing Abdul Aziz Air Base,Saudi Arabia, 8 August 1990 – 8 March 1991
Aircraft
[edit]- JN-4,1917–1918
- Nieuport 28,1918
- Sopwith F-1 Camel,1918
- Spad XIII,1918–1922
- SE-5,1919–1922
- DH-4,1919–1925
- Fokker D.VII,1921
- MB-3,1922–1925
- PW-8,1924–1926
- P-1 Hawk,1925–1931
- P-6 Hawk,1928–1929
- Boeing P-12,1930–1934
- Berliner-Joyce P-16,1932
- P-26 Peashooter,1934–1938
- PB-2,1936–1937
- Seversky P-35,1938–1941
- P-36,1939
- YP-43 Lancer,1939–1941
- C-40 Electra,1939–1941
- P-38,1941–1945
- P-80,1946–1949
- F-86A Sabre,1949–1954
- F-94C Starfire,1954–1957
- F-102 Delta Dagger,1957–1959
- F-106 Delta Dart,1959–1971
- F-4 Phantom II,1971–1975
- F-15 Eagle,1975–2005
- F-22 Raptor,2005–present
See also
[edit]- Donald Hudson
- Frank Luke
- Jerry Cox Vasconcells
- John MacArthur[8]
- Joseph Frank Wehner
- List of American aero squadrons
Explanatory notes
[edit]- ^Robertson and Maurer both indicate the squadron's assignments until 1921 are unknown, except for the period it was assigned to the 1st Pursuit Group in 1918. Robertson; Maurer,Combat Squadrons,p. 138.
References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^abcdefRobertson, Patsy (27 March 2018)."Factsheet 27 Fighter Squadron (ACC)".Air Force Historical Research Agency.Retrieved17 April2018.
- ^Gorrell[page needed]
- ^Maurer,Combat Squadrons,pp. 138–139
- ^McMullen, pp. 10–12
- ^NORAD/CONAD Participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis,p. 16
- ^"Abstract, History 21 Air Division Jul–Sep 1971".Air Force History Index.Retrieved17 April2018.
- ^abcEverstein, Brian; Weisgerber, Marcus (8 April 2013)."Reduced flying hours forces grounding of 17 USAF combat air squadrons".Military Times.Retrieved4 October2016.
- ^Franks & Dempsey, p. 86
Bibliography
[edit]This article incorporatespublic domain materialfrom theAir Force Historical Research Agency
- 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.Retrieved13 March2014.
- Franks, Norman & Dempsey, Harry. (2001)American Aces of World War I.Osprey Publishing, 2001.ISBN1-84176-375-6,ISBN978-1-84176-375-0.
- Gorrell, Col. Edgar S. (1974).History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919.Series E: Squadron Histories. Vol. 6 History of the 25th–27th Aero Squadron. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration.OCLC215070705.
- 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.Retrieved17 December2016.
- 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.
- McMullen, Richard F. (1964) "The Fighter Interceptor Force 1962–1964" ADC Historical Study No. 27, Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, CO (Confidential, declassified 22 March 2000)
- Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984).Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977.Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN0-912799-12-9.Retrieved17 December2016.
- Rogers, Brian. (2005).United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978.Hinkley, UK: Midland Publications.ISBN1-85780-197-0.
- NORAD/CONAD Participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis,Historical Reference Paper No. 8, Directorate of Command History Continental Air Defense Command, Ent AFB, CO, 1 Feb 63 (Top Secret NOFORN declassified 9 March 1996)
- United States War Department (1920), Battle Participation of Organizations of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, Belgium and Italy, 1917–1919, Washington, Government Printing Office, 1920
External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)