188th Rescue Squadron: Difference between revisions
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Typically testing for the army and various navies around the world. With the USAF, the 150th DSE was selected to do all the flight tests for the F/A-22 before they leave the Marietta factory in Georgia. Tests usually involve avionics, radar systems and more. The would deployed two jets to Georgia for a six week period for each test. But for the most part any other tests were done over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The 150th DSE was disbanded in 2007 with many jets departing during the year prior. |
Typically testing for the army and various navies around the world. With the USAF, the 150th DSE was selected to do all the flight tests for the F/A-22 before they leave the Marietta factory in Georgia. Tests usually involve avionics, radar systems and more. The would deployed two jets to Georgia for a six week period for each test. But for the most part any other tests were done over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The 150th DSE was disbanded in 2007 with many jets departing during the year prior. |
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====Modern era==== |
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In 1995, the unit deployed to Aviano AB, Italy and flew combat missions in support of Operation Deliberate Force. In 1998, the unit deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Southern Watch and then to Turkey in 2001 in support of Operation Northern Watch. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the 150 FW supported several deployments in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE to Atlantic City, NJ and March AFB, CA. Within hours of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, 150 FW pilots flew combat air patrol sorties over key resources in the western United States, and continued to do so for many months. To protect the local homeland, 150th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) personnel provided several months of security protection to the Albuquerque International Airport. The 150 FW has also made several deployments worldwide in the F-16 to Singapore, Australia, Chile, and South Korea. In May 2004, the 150 FW deploy its F-16s to Balad AB, Iraq, becoming the first U. S. Fighter squadron to be stationed at the base. In October 2007, the unit returned to Balad providing vital air support to ground troops in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. |
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In May 1992, the unit converted to the F16CG Block 40 Fighting Falcon, becoming the first and only ANG unit to fly the type. In 2002, the wing converted to the F16C Block 30 aircraft and maintained that aircraft until September 2010 with the primary mission of air interdiction. |
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====Inactivation==== |
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Although rated a number 1 facility in the 2005 BRAC plan, the USAF decided to close down the flying unit and convert Kirtland AFB to a special ops base. This meant the 188th FS lost its airframes in the course of 2010, with the final F-16 departing in September of the same year. |
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===Lineage=== |
===Lineage=== |
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Revision as of 18:26, 25 October 2012
| 188th Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
 188th Fighter Squadron emblem | |
| Active | 1943 – 2010 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Air National Guard |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Fighter |
| Part of | New Mexico Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Nickname(s) | "Enchilada Air Force" "The Tacos" |
| Engagements | Operation Iraqi Freedom |
The 188th Fighter Squadron (188 FS) is an inactive unit of the New Mexico Air National Guard. It was last assigned to the 150th Fighter Wing located at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was inactivated on 30 September 2010
History
World War II
Established as the 621st Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 25 Jan 1943, converted from A-24 Banshee (Dauntless) dive bombers to P-39 Aircobra fighters in August and was redesignated the 507th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. After training was completed at Myrtle Beach AAF, South Carolina, deployed to the European Theater of Operations (ETO), assigned to IX Fighter Command in England where it was assigned P-47 Thunderbolts and was again redesignated as the 508th Fighter Squadron.
Began operations by bombing and strafing targets in France. The squadrons provided top cover for landings in Normandy on 6 and 7 June 1944. On 6 July the squadron moved across the Channel to its Advanced Landing Ground at Chippelle (ALG A-5), France. Operated in close support of ground troops until the end of the war, supporting the Allied breakthrough at Saint-Lô in July 1944, the drive through Holland in September 1944, Allied operations during the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944-January 1945), and the establishment of the Remagen bridgehead and the subsequent crossing of the Rhine in March 1945.
After the German Capitulation, became part of the occupying United States Air Forces in Europe though the summer of 1945. Returned to the United States and was demoblized during the fall, inactivated in early November.
New Mexico Air National Guard
The wartime 507th Fighter Squadron was re-designated and re-activated on 24 May 1946 as the 188th Fighter Squadron, and was allotted to the New Mexico Air National Guard. It was organized at Kirtland Field, New Mexico and was extended federal recognition on 7 July 1947 by the National Guard Bureau. The 188th Fighter Squadron was bestiwed the lineage, history, honors, and colors of the 507th Fighter Squadron and its predecessor units. The squadron was equipped with F-51D Mustangs and a few B-26 Invaders, being assigned to Fourth Air Force, Continental Air Command. The 188th's post-war mission of the New Mexico Air National Guard was the air defense of the state.
Korean War federalization
On 1 February 1951, the 188th was federalized and brought to active duty for the Korean War. A total of 54 officers and 400 airmen were assigned to Long Beach Municipal Airport, California, as part of Air Defense Command. It's mission became the air defense of Southern California.
Most unit members were then transferred to active-duty Air Force units and deployed to Japan and South Korea. First Lieutenants Robert Lucas and Joseph Murray were killed while flying close air support missions in Korea. Captain Francis Williams and First Lieutenant Robert Sands were each credited with three MiG-15 kills. The unit was released from federal active duty in November 1952.
Cold War
After the Korean War ended, the 188th was re-equipped with F-80C Shooting Star jet aircraft, and became part of Air Defense Command, being assigned to the Western Air Defense Force.
On 1 July 1957, the 188th was authorized to expand to a group level, and the 150th Fighter-Interceptor Group was established by the National Guard Bureau. The 188th FIS becoming the group's flying squadron. Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 150th Headquarters, 150th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 150th Combat Support Squadron, and the 150th USAF Dispensary.
In April 1958, the first Air National Guard unit to receive the North American F-100A Super Sabre was the 188th TFS of the New Mexico ANG, which received these planes in April of 1958. In April 1960, the 150th became a Tactical Fighter Group and was transferred from ADC to Tactical Air Command. In 1964, the F-100As were retired and the 188th received newer F-100C and twin-seat F-100F Super Sabre trainers.
In January 1968, the group was activated as a result of the Pueblo Crisis, and in June of that year the 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron and approximately 250 maintenance and support personnel were deployed to Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. Remaining group members were assigned to various bases in South Korea. The unit flew over 6000 combat sorties in the F-100 Super Sabre and amassed over 630 medals and decorations before release from federal active duty in June 1969. Captain Michael Adams was killed in action and Major Bobby Neeld and First Lieutenant Mitchell Lane are listed as missing in action. The unit received the AF Outstanding Unit Award with a bronze "V' for valor. After its Vienam War deployment, the 188th was relieved from active duty and returned to New Mexico State Control on 4 June 1969.
In 1973, after the United States withdrew its forces from South Vietnam, the 188th TFS became the first Air National Guard squadron to relieve A-7D Corsair II subsonic tactical close air support aircraft from Tactical Air Command units that were preparing to receive the new A-10 Thunderbolt II. Receiving its aircraft from the 354th TFW at Myrtle Beach AFB and the 355th TFW at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The aircraft had excellent accuracy with the aid of an automatic electronic navigation and weapons delivery system. Although designed primarily as a ground attack aircraft, it also had limited air-to-air combat capability. In 1980, the 188th received the new twin-seat A-7K trainer.
In 1980, the 150th Tactical Fighter Group was first ANG to be assigned to the prestigious Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF); the first ANG unit to participate in Bright Star joint service exercises in Southwest Asia; the first ANG unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Attack modification to the A-7D; the first ANG unit to participate in a deployed bare base operational readiness inspection, and the first ANG unit to have a crew chief as a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds.
Additionally, the 150th TFG set an A-7D and first endurance record of 11 1/2 hours non-stop from Pease AFB, New Hampshire to Cairo West Air Base, Egypt. Over the years, the 150th received the following awards: (1) Spaatz Trophy in 1956, (2) Winston P. Wilson Trophy in 1980, (3) Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in 1989 and February 1996, (4) Top A-7 Team at Gunsmoke in 1989 and 1991, (5) Distinguished Flying Unit Award in 1991, and (6) Outstanding ANG Unit in 1991.
The 150th Fighter Group was partially activated in support of Operation Desert Storm. On 11 December 1990, 44 members of the 150th Security Police Flight and other unit members were deployed to Saudi Arabia. All members returned home by May 1991.
The 188th TFS flew A-7D's for twenty years before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. On 11 May 1992 the 188th FS received their first Block 40 F-16C and their last A-7D left on 28 September 1992, being retired to Davis-Monthan AFB AMARC storage. With this event the A-7D was almost phased out completely as the 188th FS was one of the last Air National Guard units to fly the venerable aircraft.
However, instead of converting to older F-16A/B models, the squadron received relatively new block 40 aircraft. This type had the Low Altitude Night Targeting Infra Red Navigational system (LANTIRN) on board for advanced navigation and targeting by day and night. Again, the 188th was the first within the Air National Guard to have this capacity.
150th Defense System Evaluation Flight
An out of the ordinary organizational setup was also at hand in the 188th FS. Within the squadron was another flight – being the 150th DSE (Defense System Evaluation) – which flew F-16C block 30 aircraft. It typically had about five on hand. Even during the time frame when the 188th FS was flying block 40's the DSE had F-16 block 30's. The 150th DSE provided fighter aircraft support to the US Army Air Defense Center and White Sands Missile Range.
Typically testing for the army and various navies around the world. With the USAF, the 150th DSE was selected to do all the flight tests for the F/A-22 before they leave the Marietta factory in Georgia. Tests usually involve avionics, radar systems and more. The would deployed two jets to Georgia for a six week period for each test. But for the most part any other tests were done over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The 150th DSE was disbanded in 2007 with many jets departing during the year prior.
Modern era
In 1995, the unit deployed to Aviano AB, Italy and flew combat missions in support of Operation Deliberate Force. In 1998, the unit deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Southern Watch and then to Turkey in 2001 in support of Operation Northern Watch. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the 150 FW supported several deployments in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE to Atlantic City, NJ and March AFB, CA. Within hours of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, 150 FW pilots flew combat air patrol sorties over key resources in the western United States, and continued to do so for many months. To protect the local homeland, 150th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) personnel provided several months of security protection to the Albuquerque International Airport. The 150 FW has also made several deployments worldwide in the F-16 to Singapore, Australia, Chile, and South Korea. In May 2004, the 150 FW deploy its F-16s to Balad AB, Iraq, becoming the first U. S. Fighter squadron to be stationed at the base. In October 2007, the unit returned to Balad providing vital air support to ground troops in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In May 1992, the unit converted to the F16CG Block 40 Fighting Falcon, becoming the first and only ANG unit to fly the type. In 2002, the wing converted to the F16C Block 30 aircraft and maintained that aircraft until September 2010 with the primary mission of air interdiction.
Inactivation
Although rated a number 1 facility in the 2005 BRAC plan, the USAF decided to close down the flying unit and convert Kirtland AFB to a special ops base. This meant the 188th FS lost its airframes in the course of 2010, with the final F-16 departing in September of the same year.
Lineage
- Constituted 621st Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 25 Jan 1943.
- Activated on 4 Feb 1943
- Re-designated: 507th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 10 Aug 1943
- Re-designated: 507th Fighter Squadron on 30 May 1944
- Inactivated on 9 Nov 1945
- Re-designated 188th Fighter Squadron, and allotted to New Mexico ANG, on 24 May 1946
- Received federal recognition and activated on 7 July 1947
- Federalized and ordered to active service on: 1 February 1951
- Re-designated: 188th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 1 February 1951
- Relieved from active duty and returned to New Mexico State Control: 11 September 1952
- Re-designated: 188th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 1 August 1953
- Re-designated: 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 1 April 1960
- Federalized and ordered to active service on: 26 January 1968
- Relieved from active duty and returned to New Mexico State Control: 4 June 1969
- Re-designated: 188th Fighter Squadron, 16 March 1992
- Components designated as: 188th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron when deployed as part of an Air and Space Expeditionary unit after June 1996.
- Inactivated 30 June 2010
Assignments
- 404th Bombardment (later Fighter-Bomber; Fighter) Group, 4 February 1943 – 9 November 1945
- New Mexico Air National Guard, 7 July 1947
- Gained by: Fourth Air Force, Continental Air Command
- 1st Fighter-Interceptor Group, 1 February 1951
- 4705th Defense Wing, 6 February 1952
- 27th Air Division, 1 March 1952
- New Mexico Air National Guard, 11 September 1952
- Gained by: Western Air Defense Force, Air Defense Command
- 150th Fighter-Interceptor Group, 1 July 1957
- 150th Tactical Fighter Group, 1 April 1964
- 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, 26 January 1968
- 150th Tactical Fighter Group, 4 June 1969
- 150th Fighter Group, 16 March 1992
- 150th Operations Group, 1 October 1995-30 June 2010
Stations
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New Mexico Air National Guard deployments
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Aircraft
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References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 1946 - 1980, by Lloyd H. Cornett and Mildred W. Johnson, Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
- Maurer, Maurer. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force: World War II. Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1982.
- Kirtland AFB Fact Sheet
- GlobalSecurity.org
- Desert Storm.com
- Rogers, B. (2006). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. ISBN 1-85780-197-0
External links
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