8th Fighter Wing: Difference between revisions
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The '''8th Fighter Wing''' ('''8 FW''') is a [[wing (air force unit)|wing]] of the [[United States Air Force]] |
The '''8th Fighter Wing''' ('''8 FW''') is a [[wing (air force unit)|wing]] of the [[United States Air Force]] currently stationed at [[Kunsan Air Base]] in the [[Republic of Korea]]. |
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==Mission== |
==Mission== |
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DEFEND THE BASE |
* DEFEND THE BASE |
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* ACCEPT FOLLOW-ON FORCES |
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* TAKE THE FIGHT NORTH |
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== Units == |
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ACCEPT FOLLOW-ON FORCES |
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The 8th Fighter Wing is composed of four groups each with specific functions. The Operations Group controls all flying and airfield operations. The Maintenance Group performs Aircraft and Aircraft support equipment maintenance. The Mission Support Group has a wide range of responsibilities but a few of its functions are Security, Civil Engineering, Communications, Personnel Management, Logistics, Services and Contracting support. While the Medical Group provides medical and dental care. |
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TAKE THE FIGHT NORTH |
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==History== |
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The 8 FW was originally established as the 8th Pursuit [[Group (air force)|Group]] on [[24 March]] [[1923]]. The 8th trained, took part in maneuvers and reviews, and tested planes and equipment. In December 1941, the group became part of the defense force for the [[New York City|New York]] [[metropolitan area]]. The group established a headquarters in [[Australia]] in March 1942 and sent detachments to [[New Guinea]] for operations. In September 1942 the group moved to New Guinea and served in [[combat]] in February 1943. Resuming operations in April 1943, the 8th served in the [[Theater (warfare)|theater]] through the rest of the Second World War, providing cover for Allied [[Landing operation|landings]], escorting [[bombers]], and attacking [[enemy]] [[airfields]]. The group supported operations of the [[Marines]] at [[Cape Gloucester]], February and March 1944; flew long-range escort and attack missions to [[Borneo]], [[Ceram]], [[Halmahera]], and the southern [[Philippines]]; provided [[Cover (military)|cover]] for [[convoys]]; and attacked enemy [[shipping]]. The unit won a Distinguished Unit Citation for strafing a [[Japan]]ese [[naval]] force off [[Mindoro]] on [[26 December]] [[1944]]. The group went on to cover landings at [[Lingayen]]; support ground forces on [[Luzon]]; escort bombers to targets on the [[Asia]]n mainland and on [[Formosa]]; and, in the last days of the war, attack enemy airfields and [[railways]] in Japan. After [[V-J Day]], the group remained as part of the [[Military occupation|occupation]] force. |
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The 8th FW began operations in the Korean War by provided air cover for the [[evacuation]] of [[civilians]] from [[Seoul]], 26 - [[28 June]] [[1950]], then conducted [[interdiction]] and [[close air support]] missions. The [[Military tactics|tactical]] group and its [[squadrons]] moved to South Korea on [[11 August]] 1950, while the wing remained in Japan and assumed [[Military operation|operational]] control of other combat units. Wing and group reunited on [[1 December]] 1950, performed a variety of missions, including some [[Strategic bombing|strategic bombardment]], air cover for bombers, armed [[reconnaissance]], and low-level bombing and [[strafing]] for interdiction and ground support. |
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The 8 FW conducted air defense in South Korea, July 1953-October 1954. |
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The wing returned to Japan in October 1954 and preformed air defense in Japan, and maintenance of a quick-reaction strike force until May 1964. |
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On [[18 Jun]] 1964, the wing moved without personnel or equipment to [[California]], absorbing resources of the [[32d Tactical Fighter Wing]]. The personnel trained with F-4 aircraft until the wing moved to [[Thailand]] in December 1965 to commence combat operations in the Vietnam War, including bombardment, ground support, air defense, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. In May 1968, the wing was the first to use [[laser-guided bomb]]s (LGBs) in combat. During its final years of combat, the wing used B-57s for night attacks, AC-130 gunships for ground support and armed reconnaissance, and F-4s for fast-forward air control, interdiction, escort, armed reconnaissance, and other special missions. After [[North Vietnam]] invaded the [[Republic of Vietnam]] in March 1972, the 8 FW was augmented by additional F-4 units. To make room for these forces, the B-57 squadron moved to the Philippines. The wing continued combat in Vietnam until mid-January 1973, in [[Laos]] until [[22 February]] [[1973]], and in [[Cambodia]] until [[15 August]] [[1973]]. The last scheduled F-4 training flight occurred on [[16 July]] [[1974]], and on 16 Sep the wing moved without personnel or equipment to Kunsan AB, South Korea, where it absorbed resources of the [[3rd Wing|3d Tactical Fighter Wing]]. The 8th then became responsible for air defense of South Korea. |
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===Operations=== |
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*[[World War II]] |
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*[[Korean War]] |
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*[[Vietnam War]] |
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===Previous designations=== |
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*8th Pursuit Group (1923-1942) |
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*8th Fighter Group (1942-1948) |
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*8th Fighter Wing (1948-1950) |
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*8th Fighter-Bomber Wing (1950-1958) |
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*8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1958-1992) |
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*8th Fighter Wing (1992-Present) |
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==Assignments== |
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===Major Command=== |
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*[[Pacific Air Forces]] |
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===Numbered Air Force=== |
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*[[5th Air Force]] (1950-1965) |
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*[[13th Air Force]] (1965-1966) |
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*[[7th Air Force]] (1966-Present) |
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==Subordinate Organizations== |
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{{col-begin}} |
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{{col-break}} |
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'''8th Operations Group (8 OG)''' |
'''8th Operations Group (8 OG)''' |
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*35th Fighter Squadron (35 FS) |
*35th Fighter Squadron (35 FS) |
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*8th Maintenance Operations Squadron (8 MOS) |
*8th Maintenance Operations Squadron (8 MOS) |
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'''Wing Staff Agencies''' |
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* 8th Comptroller Squadron (8 CPTS) |
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{{col-break}} |
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'''8th Mission Support Group (8 MSG)''' |
'''8th Mission Support Group (8 MSG)''' |
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*8th Civil Engineer Squadron (8 CES) |
*8th Civil Engineer Squadron (8 CES) |
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*8th Mission Support Squadron (8 MSS) |
*8th Mission Support Squadron (8 MSS) |
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*8th Communications Squadron (8 CS) |
*8th Communications Squadron (8 CS) |
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'''8th Medical Group (8 MDG)''' |
'''8th Medical Group (8 MDG)''' |
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*8th Medical Operations Squadron (8 MDOS) |
*8th Medical Operations Squadron (8 MDOS) |
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*8th Medical Support Squadron (8 MDSS) |
*8th Medical Support Squadron (8 MDSS) |
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{{col-end}} |
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<center> |
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<gallery> |
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Image:8th Fighter Wing.png|8 FW |
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Image:8_CPTS.jpg|8 CPTS |
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Image:35_FS.jpg|35 FS |
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Image:80_FS_Shield.jpg|80 FS |
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Image:8_OSS.jpg|8 OSS |
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Image:8_MXG.jpg|8 MXG |
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Image:8_MOS.jpg|8 MOS |
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Image:8_MSG.jpg|8 MSG |
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Image:8_CES.jpg|8 CES |
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Image:8_CS.jpg|8 CS |
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Image:8_LRS.jpg|8 LRS |
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Image:8_SFS.jpg|8 SFS |
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Image:8_SVS.jpg|8 SVS |
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Image:8_MDG.jpg|8 MDG |
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Image:8_MDOS.jpg|8 MDOS |
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Image:8_MDSS.jpg|8 MDSS |
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</gallery> |
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</center> |
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==History== |
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=== Lineage === |
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*8th Pursuit Group (1923-1942) |
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*8th Fighter Group (1942-1948) |
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*8th Fighter Wing (1948-1950) |
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*8th Fighter-Bomber Wing (1950-1958) |
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*8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1958-1992) |
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*8th Fighter Wing (1992-Present) |
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=== Bases Assigned === |
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Additionally, the 8th Comptroller Squadron (8 CPTS)''' reports directly to the wing staff. |
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==Bases stationed== |
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*[[Langley Field]], [[Virginia]] |
*[[Langley Field]], [[Virginia]] |
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*[[Mitchel Field]], [[New York]] |
*[[Mitchel Field]], [[New York]] |
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*[[Kunsan Air Base]], [[Republic of Korea]] |
*[[Kunsan Air Base]], [[Republic of Korea]] |
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==Aircraft |
=== Aircraft Flown === |
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{{col-begin}} |
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{{col-break}} |
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*[[Curtiss P-6|P-6 Hawk]] (1923-1940) |
*[[Curtiss P-6|P-6 Hawk]] (1923-1940) |
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*[[P-12]] (1923-1940) |
*[[P-12]] (1923-1940) |
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*[[P-51 Mustang]] (1946-1950) |
*[[P-51 Mustang]] (1946-1950) |
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*[[P-80 Shooting Star]] (1948-1953) |
*[[P-80 Shooting Star]] (1948-1953) |
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{{col-break}} |
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*[[F-86 Sabre]] (1953-1957) |
*[[F-86 Sabre]] (1953-1957) |
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*[[F-100 Super Sabre]] (1956-1963) |
*[[F-100 Super Sabre]] (1956-1963) |
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*[[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130 Spector]] (1968-1974) |
*[[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130 Spector]] (1968-1974) |
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*[[B-57 Canberra]] (1970-1972) |
*[[B-57 Canberra]] (1970-1972) |
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{{col-end}} |
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== |
=== Origns === |
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The 8 FW was originally established as the 8th Pursuit [[Group (air force)|Group]] on [[24 March]] [[1923]]. The 8th trained, took part in maneuvers and reviews, and tested planes and equipment. In December 1941, the group became part of the defense force for the [[New York City|New York]] [[metropolitan area]]. |
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<gallery> |
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Image:8th Fighter Wing.png|8 FW |
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=== World War II === |
|||
Image:8_CPTS.jpg|8 CPTS |
|||
Image:35_FS.jpg|35 FS |
|||
The group established a headquarters in [[Australia]] in March 1942 and sent detachments to [[New Guinea]] for operations. In September 1942 the group moved to New Guinea and served in [[combat]] in February 1943. Resuming operations in April 1943, the 8th served in the [[Theater (warfare)|theater]] through the rest of the Second World War, providing cover for Allied [[Landing operation|landings]], escorting [[bombers]], and attacking [[enemy]] [[airfields]]. The group supported operations of the [[Marines]] at [[Cape Gloucester]], February and March 1944; flew long-range escort and attack missions to [[Borneo]], [[Ceram]], [[Halmahera]], and the southern [[Philippines]]; provided [[Cover (military)|cover]] for [[convoys]]; and attacked enemy [[shipping]]. The unit won a Distinguished Unit Citation for strafing a [[Japan]]ese [[naval]] force off [[Mindoro]] on [[26 December]] [[1944]]. The group went on to cover landings at [[Lingayen]]; support ground forces on [[Luzon]]; escort bombers to targets on the [[Asia]]n mainland and on [[Formosa]]; and, in the last days of the war, attack enemy airfields and [[railways]] in Japan. After [[V-J Day]], the group remained as part of the [[Military occupation|occupation]] force. |
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Image:80_FS_Shield.jpg|80 FS |
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Image:8_OSS.jpg|8 OSS |
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=== Korean War === |
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Image:8_MXG.jpg|8 MXG |
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Image:8_AMXS.jpg|8 AMXS |
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The 8th FW began operations in the Korean War by provided air cover for the [[evacuation]] of [[civilians]] from [[Seoul]], 26 - [[28 June]] [[1950]], then conducted [[interdiction]] and [[close air support]] missions. The [[Military tactics|tactical]] group and its [[squadrons]] moved to South Korea on [[11 August]] 1950, while the wing remained in Japan and assumed [[Military operation|operational]] control of other combat units. Wing and group reunited on [[1 December]] 1950, performed a variety of missions, including some [[Strategic bombing|strategic bombardment]], air cover for bombers, armed [[reconnaissance]], and low-level bombing and [[strafing]] for interdiction and ground support. |
|||
Image:8_MXS.jpg|8 MXS |
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Image:8_MOS.jpg|8 MOS |
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The 8 FW conducted air defense in South Korea, July 1953-October 1954. |
|||
Image:8_MSG.jpg|8 MSG |
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Image:8_CES.jpg|8 CES |
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=== Cold War === |
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Image:8_CS.jpg|8 CS |
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Image:8_LRS.jpg|8 LRS |
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The wing returned to Japan in October 1954 and preformed air defense in Japan, and maintenance of a quick-reaction strike force until May 1964. |
|||
Image:8_SFS.jpg|8 SFS |
|||
Image:8_SVS.jpg|8 SVS |
|||
On [[18 Jun]] 1964, the wing moved without personnel or equipment to [[California]], absorbing resources of the [[32d Tactical Fighter Wing]]. |
|||
Image:8_MDG.jpg|8 MDG |
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Image:8_MDOS.jpg|8 MDOS |
|||
The personnel trained with F-4 aircraft until the wing moved to [[Thailand]] in December 1965 to commence combat operations in the Vietnam War, including bombardment, ground support, air defense, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. In May 1968, the wing was the first to use [[laser-guided bomb]]s (LGBs) in combat. During its final years of combat, the wing used B-57s for night attacks, AC-130 gunships for ground support and armed reconnaissance, and F-4s for fast-forward air control, interdiction, escort, armed reconnaissance, and other special missions. After [[North Vietnam]] invaded the [[Republic of Vietnam]] in March 1972, the 8 FW was augmented by additional F-4 units. To make room for these forces, the B-57 squadron moved to the Philippines. The wing continued combat in Vietnam until mid-January 1973, in [[Laos]] until [[22 February]] [[1973]], and in [[Cambodia]] until [[15 August]] [[1973]]. The last scheduled F-4 training flight occurred on [[16 July]] [[1974]], and on 16 Sep the wing moved without personnel or equipment to Kunsan AB, South Korea, where it absorbed resources of the [[3rd Wing|3d Tactical Fighter Wing]]. The 8th then became responsible for air defense of South Korea. |
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Image:8_MDSS.jpg|8 MDSS |
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</gallery> |
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=== Post Cold War === |
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== See Also == |
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== References == |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 01:59, 5 July 2007
| 8th Fighter Wing | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1 April 1931 - Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Air Force |
| Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Kunsan Air Base |
| Nickname(s) | Wolf Pack |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Jeffrey Lofgren |
| Notable commanders | William W. Momyer Robin Olds |
The 8th Fighter Wing (8 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force currently stationed at Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of Korea.
Mission
- DEFEND THE BASE
- ACCEPT FOLLOW-ON FORCES
- TAKE THE FIGHT NORTH
Units
The 8th Fighter Wing is composed of four groups each with specific functions. The Operations Group controls all flying and airfield operations. The Maintenance Group performs Aircraft and Aircraft support equipment maintenance. The Mission Support Group has a wide range of responsibilities but a few of its functions are Security, Civil Engineering, Communications, Personnel Management, Logistics, Services and Contracting support. While the Medical Group provides medical and dental care.
|
8th Operations Group (8 OG)
8th Maintenance Group (8 MXG)
Wing Staff Agencies
|
8th Mission Support Group (8 MSG)
8th Medical Group (8 MDG)
|
-
8 FW -
8 CPTS -
35 FS -
80 FS
-
8 OSS -
8 MXG -
8 MOS -
8 MSG -
8 CES -
8 CS -
8 LRS -
8 SFS -
8 SVS -
8 MDG -
8 MDOS -
8 MDSS
History
Lineage
- 8th Pursuit Group (1923-1942)
- 8th Fighter Group (1942-1948)
- 8th Fighter Wing (1948-1950)
- 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing (1950-1958)
- 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1958-1992)
- 8th Fighter Wing (1992-Present)
Bases Assigned
- Langley Field, Virginia
- Mitchel Field, New York
- Various, Australia
- Various, New Guinea
- Various, Japan
- Various, Korea
- George Air Force Base, California
- Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand
- Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Aircraft Flown
|
|
Origns
The 8 FW was originally established as the 8th Pursuit Group on 24 March 1923. The 8th trained, took part in maneuvers and reviews, and tested planes and equipment. In December 1941, the group became part of the defense force for the New York metropolitan area.
World War II
The group established a headquarters in Australia in March 1942 and sent detachments to New Guinea for operations. In September 1942 the group moved to New Guinea and served in combat in February 1943. Resuming operations in April 1943, the 8th served in the theater through the rest of the Second World War, providing cover for Allied landings, escorting bombers, and attacking enemy airfields. The group supported operations of the Marines at Cape Gloucester, February and March 1944; flew long-range escort and attack missions to Borneo, Ceram, Halmahera, and the southern Philippines; provided cover for convoys; and attacked enemy shipping. The unit won a Distinguished Unit Citation for strafing a Japanese naval force off Mindoro on 26 December 1944. The group went on to cover landings at Lingayen; support ground forces on Luzon; escort bombers to targets on the Asian mainland and on Formosa; and, in the last days of the war, attack enemy airfields and railways in Japan. After V-J Day, the group remained as part of the occupation force.
Korean War
The 8th FW began operations in the Korean War by provided air cover for the evacuation of civilians from Seoul, 26 - 28 June 1950, then conducted interdiction and close air support missions. The tactical group and its squadrons moved to South Korea on 11 August 1950, while the wing remained in Japan and assumed operational control of other combat units. Wing and group reunited on 1 December 1950, performed a variety of missions, including some strategic bombardment, air cover for bombers, armed reconnaissance, and low-level bombing and strafing for interdiction and ground support.
The 8 FW conducted air defense in South Korea, July 1953-October 1954.
Cold War
The wing returned to Japan in October 1954 and preformed air defense in Japan, and maintenance of a quick-reaction strike force until May 1964.
On 18 Jun 1964, the wing moved without personnel or equipment to California, absorbing resources of the 32d Tactical Fighter Wing.
The personnel trained with F-4 aircraft until the wing moved to Thailand in December 1965 to commence combat operations in the Vietnam War, including bombardment, ground support, air defense, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. In May 1968, the wing was the first to use laser-guided bombs (LGBs) in combat. During its final years of combat, the wing used B-57s for night attacks, AC-130 gunships for ground support and armed reconnaissance, and F-4s for fast-forward air control, interdiction, escort, armed reconnaissance, and other special missions. After North Vietnam invaded the Republic of Vietnam in March 1972, the 8 FW was augmented by additional F-4 units. To make room for these forces, the B-57 squadron moved to the Philippines. The wing continued combat in Vietnam until mid-January 1973, in Laos until 22 February 1973, and in Cambodia until 15 August 1973. The last scheduled F-4 training flight occurred on 16 July 1974, and on 16 Sep the wing moved without personnel or equipment to Kunsan AB, South Korea, where it absorbed resources of the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing. The 8th then became responsible for air defense of South Korea.