The squadron was first activated in 1942 in the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and was tasked with conducting night fighter training to produce trained crews for other squadrons. In 1944, the squadron deployed to England and flew hundreds of combat mission until 1945, including during the invasion of Normandy. In the aftermath of World War II, the squadron was inactivated.
From 1947 to 1951, the squadron briefly served as a reserve unit.
In 1953, the squadron was reactivated and was sent to Hahn Air Base, Germany. The squadron remained stationed in Europe throughout the Cold War and beyond, taking part in the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and the War in Afghanistan. In 2013, the squadron was inactivated at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
In 2014, the squadron was reactivated at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia as a training unit for counter-insurgency aircraft, training allied nations in close air support operations, a mission it conducted until its most recent inactivation in 2022.
Night fighter combat over the skies of England made the Army Air Forces aware of the need for night air defense training and tactics development. The Air Defense Operational Training Unit had been established on 26 March. Later it was renamed the Fighter Command School.[5] The 81st Fighter Squadron became responsible for night fighter training, using Douglas P-70 Havocs.[6] The 81st was assigned the "daunting task" of training sufficient crews to man seventeen night fighter squadrons within twelve months, initially " [w]ith no trained instructor pilots or [radar operator]s, no aircraft, no radar, and no communications equipment"[7] The original night fighter crews were recruited from 27 pilots from the 50th Group who were qualified to fly twin-engine aircraft. They attended transition training school at Williams Field, Arizona before returning to Florida.[8]
In October 1942 the 81st moved to Orlando Army Air Field Florida. By the end of September, the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics Night Fighter Department had been activated and the 81st Fighter Squadron was detached from the 50th Group and placed under the Department for training and operations.[7] In October 1942, the personnel and equipment of the 81st squadron provided the manpower and equipment for the newly formed 348th and 349th Night Fighter Squadrons, and the squadron was remanned.[9]
The 81st helped test procedures and equipment, seeking better ways to manage the huge efforts required to supply troops and maintain aircraft fighting overseas. In 1943 the 81st moved to Cross City Army Air Field, Florida, while the 50th Fighter Group remained headquartered at Orlando. Each of the 50th Fighter Group's detached squadrons (including the 81st) returned to Orlando AAF in January 1944. The squadron continued to train and teach at Orlando AAF while preparing to ship out to England.[10]
In March 1944, the 81st was re-equipped the P-47 Thunderbolt and shipped to England with the 9th Air Force. Between April 1944 and the V-E Day in May 1945, the unit flew hundreds of fighter escort, close air support, and interdiction missions, taking part in the D-Dayinvasion and operating from numerous advanced landing bases in Europe while covering the US Army's advance. The squadron received two Distinguished Unit Citations for combat, was credited with 30 aerial victories, and produced the 50th Fighter Group's only ace, Major Robert D. Johnston.[10]
It was reactivated at McChord Field, Washington in July 1947, where the 81st tested a number of different aircraft.
European Service
An 81st FBS F-86F Sabre over Germany in the 1950s
On 1 January 1953 the 81st was established at Clovis Air Force Base, New Mexico where it briefly flew the F-51 Mustang before transitioning to the F-86 Sabre in the spring of 1953. In August 1953, the squadron relocated to Hahn Air Base, Germany.[10]
In 1973, the 81st moved to the 52d Tactical Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, where it took on the Wild Weasel mission of defense suppression. As NATO's only defense suppression squadron, the 81st received the first 24 F-4G advanced Wild Weasels equipped with the APR-38 Radar Attack and Warning System. In 1984, the 81st FS transitioned to a mixed F-4G and F-4E hunter/killer team, using the AGM-88 HARM and AGM-45 Shrike, as the 52d TFW became the only defense suppression wing in NATO.[10]
An 81st TFS F-4E Phantom II releases bombs over Bardenas Reales Gunnery Range, Spain in 1986
The 81st converted its F-4E aircraft to the F-16 Fighting Falcon in January 1988, becoming a member of the only wing in the U.S. Air Force to fly two different aircraft in the same combat element. In June 1988 the squadron upgraded its F-4G with the APR-47. The 81st FS crews flew the F-4G and F-16C in the hunter/killer role until December 1993, when the unit again became an all F-16C/D Block 50 squadron. It served until 31 December 1993, where they racked up 113 radar kills, flew more than 12,000 combat sorties and 25,000 hours over Iraq.[10]
An 81st FS A-10 Thunderbolt II at Spangdahlem AB in 2012
The last F-4G left Spangdahlem Air Base 18 February 1994. The 81st then became an A/OA-10 squadron and replaced the 510th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base. During this period, the squadron continuously deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy in support of Operation Deny Flight, enforcing a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. In September 1997, it became the first U.S. Air Forces Europe squadron to participate in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the United Nations imposed no-fly zone in southern Iraq.[10]
Members of the 81st again deployed to Aviano Air Base in October 1998, supporting NATO air presence during the crisis in Kosovo, Yugoslavia. The 81st FS returned to Aviano Air Base in January 1999 for a regular contingency rotation, but then stayed to support Operation Allied Force. The squadron supported air operations from Aviano Air Base until 11 April 1999, when it moved to Gioia del Colle, Italy. From there, the unit flew more than 1,400 combat missions throughout Operation Allied Force and led the first large force packages in A-10 history. The 81st also led the first two successful combat search and rescue task force missions, which involved coordinating all rescue assets resulting in the rescue of downed F-117 and F-16 pilots.[10]
In September 2000, the 81st deployed 12 aircraft to Southwest Asia for Operation Southern Watch, accumulating more than 700 combat and training sorties. Immediately following the deployment, the 81st FS was additionally tasked to participate in Croatian Phiblex 2000. The squadron generated and deployed their remaining 6 A/OA-10s and 183 people to Split, Croatia, to aid U.S. Marine and U.S. Navy forces in a joint amphibious landingexercise with Croatian military forces and support another real-world contingency.[10]
The squadron deployed several times to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan to provide close air support to coalition ground forces during Operation Enduring Freedom in June 2003, September 2004, and most recently May 2006. During the 2006 deployment the squadron performed an intensive regimen of combat patrols to find, fix and destroy elusive, guerrilla-type enemy combatants in support of ground forces, flying in excess of 2,000 combat sorties and 7,600 combat hours. The 81st employed over 109,000 rounds of 30mm, dropped 350 guided and conventional bombs, and fired over 325 rockets in support of 260 Coalition force operations. As a direct result of the combat action in the 2006 deployment two pilots in the 81st won the prestigious Mackay Trophy and the Daedalian Exceptional Pilot Awards.[10]
The first A-10C arrived in May 2009, after receiving the Precision Engagement upgrade, which significantly increased the Warthog's already impressive precision and lethality with a digital stores system, integration of advanced targeting pods, hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) functionality and Situational Awareness Data-Link (SADL). The Panthers returned to Afghanistan with the A-10C in May 2010, this time to Kandahar AB in the south. Despite the heat, wind and dust, the 81 FS flew over 9,500 hours on over 2,100 sorties and employed over 70,000 rounds of 30mm, 159 precision weapons and 141 rockets while again providing precision close air support to OEF and ISAF operations.[10]
The 81st has earned the 1991, 1996, and 2006 USAFE Commander's Trophy.[10]
On 18 June 2013, the squadron was inactivated at Spangdahlem Air Base as the last A-10 squadron permanently stationed in Europe.[1]
Light attack training
An 81st FS A-29 Super Tucano over Moody AFB in 2015An AT-6E Wolverine operated by 81st FS pilots on loan to the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB in 2022
The squadron was reactivated at Moody Air Force Base on 1 October 2014 as part of the 14th Flying Training Wing flying the A-29 Super Tucano.[2] By December 2014 the initial cadre of pilot and maintenance trainers and three A-29s were in place.[11]
The A-29s, designed for light air support, were used to support the Afghan training mission at Moody.[12] The final Afghan Air Force class graduated at Moody AFB on 13 November 2020, with the program having produced more than 30 pilots and 70 maintenance technicians across a span of five years.[13] The entire effort was lost with the collapse of the Afghan state the next year in the 2021 Taliban offensive.[citation needed]
From September 2020 to September 2021, the 81st Fighter Squadron hosted training classes for pilots and ground personnel of the Nigerian Air Force's 407th Air Combat Training Group. The training familiarized the Nigerian airmen with the operation of the A-29 Super Tucano, after the Nigerian government procured 12 A-29s.[14]
From January to June 2022, pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron were loaned out to Air Combat Command's 23rd Wing and operated two AT-6E Wolverine aircraft, also on loan to the wing. They took part in a collaboration between the USAF and partner forces from Colombia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Tunisia in order to develop procedures for countering "violent extremist organizations".[15][16]
On 6 December 2022, the squadron was inactivated during a ceremony at Moody Air Force Base.[17] The 81st FS was AETC's only combat mission ready fighter squadron.[18]
Lineage
Constituted as the 81st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 6 January 1942
Activated on 15 January 1942
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron (Special) on 28 May 1942
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron (Single Engine) on 21 January 1944
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron, Single Engine on 28 February 1944
Inactivated on 7 November 1945
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron (All Weather) on 13 May 1947
Activated in the Reserve on 12 July 1947
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron, Jet on 20 June 1949
Redesignated 81st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 1 March 1950
Ordered to active service on 1 June 1951
Inactivated on 2 June 1951
Redesignated 81st Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 15 November 1952
Activated on 1 January 1953
Redesignated 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 July 1958
Redesignated 81st Fighter Squadron on 1 October 1991.
Spangdahlem Air Base is a NATO air base with the United States Air Force as a tenant constructed between 1951 and 1953 and located near the small German town of Spangdahlem, approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) north-northeast of the city of Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.
The 527th Space Aggressor Squadron is a United States Space Force unit assigned to the Space Training and Readiness Command. The unit traces its lineage to the 312th Bombardment Squadron (Light) constituted in 1942. It presents realistic adversary threats to US and allied military forces to improve their training for space-associated operations. It is stationed at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Its present form dates from its activation as part of the United States Air Force in 2000. That year it was activated as part of the Space Warfare Centre, but it was then transferred to the 57th Adversary Tactics Group in 2006. With the formation of the Space Force in 2019, the squadron was part of the second wave of transfers and reorganizations which took place in mid-2020.
The 23rd Wing is a front-line United States Air Force Air Combat Command wing currently assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.
The 52nd Fighter Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It flies the F-16CJ fighter aircraft. It was activated in 1948, but derives significant elements of its history from the predecessor Second World War 52nd Fighter Group, which is now the 52nd Operations Group, subordinate to the wing.
The 347th Rescue Wing is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command, stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It was inactivated on 1 October 2006.
The 8th Fighter Squadron is an active United States Air Force squadron, assigned to the 54th Fighter Group Air Education and Training Command, stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. It currently operates the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, conducting initial training, transition and instructor upgrades training. The squadron have a proud lineage of aircraft and assignments. The origin of the 8th Fighter Squadron can be traced back to 1940, and since then, the squadron has served in several war and peace time assignments across the globe.
The 22nd Fighter Squadron, sometimes written as 22d Fighter Squadron, is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 52nd Operations Group and stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The 23d Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 52d Operations Group and stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It was inactivated on 13 August 2010.
The 53rd Fighter Squadron is an active unit of the United States Air Force, stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Assigned to the 495th Fighter Group, the squadron was last activated on 10 December 2021, as an associate unit to the 113th Wing's 121st Fighter Squadron. It was previously assigned to the 52nd Operations Group and stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, from where it operated the McDonnell Douglas F-15C/D Eagle until its inactivation on 31 March 1999.
The 69th Fighter Squadron is a United States Air Force Reserve fighter squadron. It is assigned to the 944th Operations Group, stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
The 307th Fighter Squadron is a McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle unit and is part of Air Force Reserve Command's 414th Fighter Group stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
The 308th Fighter Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit. It is part of the 56th Operations Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where it trains pilots on the Lockheed Martin F-35A.
The 309th Fighter Squadron is part of the 56th Operations Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. It operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting advanced fighter training.
The 493rd Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the Grim Reapers, is part of the United States Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing located at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, United Kingdom. The 493rd FS operates the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. The squadron has earned multiple commendations and awards, including the Air Force Association's Hughes Trophy in 1997 and 1999 and the 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2019 Raytheon Trophies, for being recognized as the top fighter squadron in the United States Air Force.
The 510th Fighter Squadron is part of the 31st Operations Group at Aviano Air Base, Italy. It is a combat-ready F-16CM fighter squadron prepared to deploy and fly combat sorties as tasked by NATO and US combatant commanders.
The 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit, last assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe, 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, being stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany. The squadron was inactivated on 15 May 1991.
The 52d Operations Group is the flying component of the 52d Fighter Wing, assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA). The group is stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The 81st Fighter-Bomber Group is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 81st Fighter-Bomber Wing at RAF Bentwaters, England. It was inactivated on 8 February 1955.
The 50th Operations Group was a subordinate unit of the 50th Space Wing, and assigned to Air Force Space Command from 1991-2019. The group, redesignated as Space Delta 8 on 24 Jul 2020 is stationed at Schriever Space Force Base, previously Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.
The 480th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. The 480 FS assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany is the only United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa flying unit performing the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission.
Goss, William A (1948). "Tactical Demands, Chapter 8 Air Defense of the Western Hemisphere". In Craven, Wesley F; Cate, James L (eds.). The Army Air Forces in World War II. Vol.I, Plans and Early Operations. Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press. LCCN48003657. OCLC704158.
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