4th Fighter Wing

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 4th Fighter Wing


caption= 4th Figher Wing emblem
dates= August 1942
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Air Force
type=
role= Fighter
size=
command_structure= Air Combat Command
current_commander=
garrison= Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname=
patron=
motto= Fourth But First
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles=
notable_commanders= Chuck Yeager
Hal M. Hornburg
John C. Meyer
anniversaries=
decorations= The 4th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle wing based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The 4th Fighter Wing is one of two on-call rapid response aerospace expeditionary wings in the U.S. Air Force.

The wing also provides logistics support for an Air Force Reserve Command KC-135R wing and a federal prison. The wing is also responsible for managing the storage and beddown of the Southwest Asia prepositioned vehicle package. The general manages and controls assets in excess of $4.8 billion and executes an annual operations and maintenance budget of $193 million.

Units

The wing consists of four groups -- 4th Maintenance Group, 4th Mission Support Group, 4th Operations Group and 4th Medical Group -- and is assigned over 6,400 military members, about 600 civilians and 96 F-15E Strike Eagles.

* 4th Operations Group
(Tail Code: SJ). The 4th Operations Group is the largest organization in the 4th Fighter Wing. The group consists of two operational fighter squadrons, the 335th and 336th; two fighter training squadrons, the 333d and 334th; and two support squadrons, which include the 4th Training Squadron (Strike Eagle Academics) and the 4th Operations Support Squadron. The group provides worldwide command and control for two operational F-15E squadrons and is responsible for conducting the Air Force's only F-15E training operation, qualifying crews to serve in worldwide combat-ready positions.

* 4th Maintenance Group
The 4th Maintenance Group consists of four squadrons and more than 2,300 military and civilian personnel. The group is responsible for the maintenance support used to maintain, mobilize and deploy 96 F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft for worldwide expeditionary aerospace operations. The group also oversees all on- and off-aircraft equipment maintenance, while providing standardized weapons loading and academics training to support the execution of the wing’s flying hour program consisting of more than 16,000 sorties and 25,000 hours

* 4th Mission Support Group
The 4th Mission Support Group is responsible for the leadership and management of civil engineering, communications-computer systems support, security and law enforcement, personnel, information management, education, food services, housing, and recreation for a community of more than 13,000 people. The group is also responsible for maintaining the capability to deploy readiness teams worldwide to build, secure and operate bases to support combat forces

* 4th Medical Group
The healthcare professionals of the 4th Medical Group are dedicated to providing the best health care possible to the 4th Fighter Wing and its associate units. The group's total quality health care includes a responsive appointment system, a prompt and accurate pharmacy service, and health prevention, health education and promotion programs that reach out to the Seymour Johnson community.

History

Lineage

* 4th Fighter Wing (August 1948 - January 1950)
* 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (January 1950) - March 1955)
* 4th Fighter-Bomber Wing on (March 1955 - April 1956)
* 4th Fighter-Day Wing (April 1956 - July 1958)
* 4th Tactical Fighter Wing (July 1958 - April 1991)
* 4th Wing (April 1991 - December 1995)
* 4th Fighter Wing (December 1995 - Present)

Bases assigned

United States Army Air Forces (4th Fighter Group)
* RAF Bushey Hall, England, (September 1942)
* RAF Debden, England (September 1942 - July 1945)
* RAF Steeple Morden, England (July - November 1945)
* Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, (November 1945)
* Selfridge Afld., Michigan (September 1946 - March 1947)
* Andrews Afld. (later, AFB), Maryland (March 1947 - April 1949)
United States Air Force (4th Fighter Wing)
* Andrews Afld. (later, AFB), Maryland (August 1948 - April 1949)
* Langley AFB, Virginia (April 1949 - August 1950)
* New Castle County Aprt, Delaware, (August - November 1950)
* Johnson AB, Japan, (December 1950 - March 1951)
* Suwon AB, (K-13) South Korea, (March - August 1951)
* Kimpo AB, (K-14) South Korea (August 1951 - November 1954)
* Chitose AB, Japan (November 1954 - December 1957)
* Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, (December 1957 - Present)

Operational history

Before the United States' entry into World War II, American volunteers were already serving as combat veterans in Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons (Nos. 71, 121 and 133). When the United States entered the war, these units, and the American pilots in them, were transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces, Eighth Air Force, forming the 4th Fighter Group on 12 September 1942.

World War II

Initially organized at Eighth Air Force Headquarters (RAF Bushey Hall), the Americans in Eagle Squadrons were transferred into the American ranks, with the Royal Air Force's 71, 121 and 133 (Eagle) Squadrons becoming operational squadrons of the 4th FG. The group was under the command of the 65th Fighter Wing of the VIII Fighter Command. Aircraft of the group were identified by red around their cowlings and tails.

The group consisted of the following squadrons:

* 334th Fighter Squadron (QP) (Former No. 71 Squadron)
* 335th Fighter Squadron (WD) (Former No. 121 Squadron)
* 336th Fighter Squadron (VF) (Former No. 133 Squadron)

The 4th was transferred to RAF Debden and the unit destroyed more enemy planes in the air and on the ground than any other fighter group of Eighth Air Force. The group operated first with Spitfires but changed to P-47's in March 1943 and to P-51's in April 1944.

On numerous occasions the 4th FG escorted B-17/B-24 bombers that attacked factories, submarine pens, V-weapon sites, and other targets in France, the Low Countries, or Germany. The group went out sometimes with a small force of bombers to draw up the enemy's fighters so they could be destroyed in aerial combat. At other times the 4th attacked the enemy's air power by strafing and dive-bombing airfields. Also hit troops, supply depots, roads, bridges, rail lines, and trains.

The unit participated in the intensive campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received a Distinguished Unit Citation for aggressiveness in seeking out and destroying enemy aircraft and in attacking enemy air bases during the period 5 March 1944 – 24 April 1944.

The 4th FG flew interdictory and counter-air missions during the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Supported the airborne invasion of Holland in September. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Covered the airborne assault across the Rhine in March 1945.

In October 1944, No. 616 Squadron RAF, the first RAF jet unit had a detachment of Gloster Meteors at Debden to practise affiliation tactics with the 4th Fighter Group. With the cessastion of hostilities, the group was briefly moved to RAF Steeple Morden in early July, then on 10 November the group was inactivated at Camp Kilmer New Jersey.

The unit was reactivated at Selfridge Field, Mich., Sept. 9, 1946, as the United States began to rearm due to Cold War pressures.

Following a period of training with F-80 Shooting Star aircraft, the 4th Fighter Group transitioned to F-86 Sabre jets in March 1949, just in time for advanced training and entry into the Korean War. The honors and history of its subordinate 4th Operations Group earned before July 28, 1947, were bestowed on the 4th Fighter Wing.

Korean War

As the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing it flew F-86 Sabre during the Korean War and was the top MiG-killing organization during the conflict. Operational Units:
* 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group (November 1950 - July 1953)
** 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
** 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
** 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
** RAAF No. 77 Squadron (attached August 1951 - July 1953)

The 4th FIW, moving from the United States, arrived in Japan in late November with its F-86 Sabres aboard aircraft carriers. The primary mission of the wing was air superiority, and the Sabre was capable of battling the Soviet-built MiG-15 on equal terms. From Johnson AB, Japan, detachments deployed in mid-December to bases in South Korea, rotating between South Korea and Japan through February 1951. Then, the 4th FIW moved in stages to Korea, with all elements rejoined by May 1951. The 4th FIW was the deadliest interceptor wing of the Korean War. Wing, group, and squadron personnel accounted for 516 air-to-air victories, representing more than half of the enemy aircraft for which USAF credits were awarded. The wing boasted twenty-five aces by the end of the war.

The 4th FIW moved to Japan following the Korean armistice in 1953, then was inactivated in place on 8 December 1957.

Cold War

On 8 December 1957, the 83d Fighter-Day Wing was deactivated in place at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, being replaced by the 4th Fighter-Day Wing being activated in place and absorbing its assets. Squadrons of the 4th FDW were:

* 333d Fighter-Day Squadron (Formerly 448th FDS) (Red markings)
* 334th Fighter-Day Squadron (Formerly 532d FDS) (Blue markings)
* 335th Fighter-Day Squadron (Formerly 533d FDS) (Green markings)
* 336th Fighter-Day Squadron (Formerly 534th FDS) (Yellow markings)

The 4th Fighter Wing with these operational squadrons have, under various designations, remained at Seymour Johnson AFB for nearly 50 years. On 1 July 1958 the unit was redesignated the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Initially the wing simply redesignated the flying squadrons of the 83d FDS and continued to fly the F-100. However, a mission change On 1 May 1958 led to an equipment change with the arrival of the Republic F-105B Thunderchief. The F-100s remained with the 333d TFS until being transferred in 1960 when the 334th, 335th and 336th Tactical Fighter Squadrons were declared to be fully operational with the F-105. In the spring of 1964, the 4th TFW began the transition from F-105Bs to F-105D/Fs, a process that was completed on 23 June.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed to McCoy Air Force Base, Florida, ready to react at a moments notice for possible combat over Cuba.

Vietnam War

As the war in Southeast Asia heated up in the late summer of 1964, the 4th TFW was alerted for deployment to the Far East. On 3 July 1965, as part of Operation Two Buck 13, the 335th TFS deployed to Yokota Air Base, Japan to take the place of units assigned there that were deployed to Thailand, standing the normal VICTOR nuclear alert rotations at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

On 8 November 1965, the 335th TFS deployed to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, for combat operations against North Vietnam. At Takhli, the squadron was under the control of the newly-activated 355th TFW. The 335th TFS returned to Seymour Johnson AFB on 15 December 1965.

On 28 August 1965, also under Operation Two Buck 13, the 334th TFS deployed to Takhli RTAFB for combat operations against North Vietnamese targets, coming under the control of the 6235th TFW(P) at Takhli. The 334th TFS returned to Seymour Johnson AFE on 10 October 1966, leaving its F-105 aircraft at Takhli.

On 4 December 1965, the 333d TFS deployed to Korat RTAFB for combat operations. However, the 333d then transferred to Takhli to relieve the 335th TFS. On 3 December 1965, the 333d TFS deployment was changed from TDY to PCS (Permanent Change of Station), and the squadron was permanently assigned to the 355th TFW at Takhli. The F-105 aircraft and pilots of the 336th TFS rotated between Seymour Johnson and Takhli in 1965/66 but the squadron did not deploy to the war zone in Southeast Asia.

In 1967 the 4th transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II and began a rotational commitment of tactical squadrons to Ubon RTAFB, Thailand as augmentees of the 8th TFW for combat operations from April 1972 until the withdrawal of American air units in Thailand in 1974.

Post-Vietnam Operations

In 1974, the wing mission reverted back to training, with increased emphasis on short-term European contingency support. Elements of the wing deployed to Norway in June 1974. Two short-term deployments to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany, were conducted in July and September 1975. The highlight of 1976 came in November when the wing took first place in the William Tell world-wide weapons competition at Tyndall AFB, Florida, becoming the first F-4 unit to win the Air Defense Command-sponsored event. The wing executed short-term deployments to South Korea and Japan during 1977 and assumed a dual-based mission with Ramstein AB in October of that year. The overall mission commitment was restructured to reflect worldwide contingency emphasis in October 1986.

In 1988 the 4th TFW began transitioning to the F-15E Strike Eagle. The first F-15E arrived on 29 December 1988, and the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron became the first operational F-15E squadron in the Air Force on 1 October 1989. The transition from the F-4E to the F-15E was completed on 1 July 1991, making the 4th TFW the first operational F-15E wing in the Air Force.

Desert Storm

At the height of conversion training, the 4th TFW was one of the first units tasked to react to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The 335th and 336th Tactical Fighter Squadrons and support personnel deployed to Saudi Arabia, beginning in August 1990. The combat record of the 4th TFW in Saudi Arabia was exceptional.

After the cease fire, the 4th TFW continued rotating squadron elements to Southwest Asia during the 1990s, taking part in enforcement of the no-fly zones in Iraq.

Post Cold War

On 22 April 1991, the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing was resesignated as the 4th Wing, the Air Force's first composite wing. The 4th Wing incorporated under it all the people, KC-10 aircraft, and assets of the 68th Air Refueling Wing, a former Strategic Air Command unit.

The 4th began a force structure change in 1994. The KC-10s were reassigned to Air Mobility Command bases in 1994 and 1995 and the F-15E formal training unit moved to Seymour Johnson in 1994 and 1995.

On 1 October 1994, the 333d Fighter Squadron was transferred back to the 4th Fighter Wing, after a 29-year absence, from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona to accommodate the training mission. The 333d was transferred to the 355th TFW while at Takhli RTAFB during the Vietnam War. This meant that all four original 4th Fighter Wing squadrons were reunited at Seymour Johnson AFB for the first time since July 1965.

Following the departure of KC-10s, the 4th Wing was redesignated the 4th Fighter Wing on 1 December 1995. To accommodate the need to train more F-15E aircrews, the 334th Fighter Squadron became a training squadron on 1 January 1996.

In January 2001, the 4th Fighter Wing became the proud recipient of the Commander-In-Chief's Installation Excellence Award -- receiving a one million dollar prize for quality of life and job enhancement. The honor proves the hard work and dedication of all members of the Fourth as the "best base in the Air Force."

Global War On Terrorism

In October 2001, in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, the 4th Fighter Wing began flying Operation NOBLE EAGLE sorties, the first of its kind for the wing, providing coastal protection for Homeland Defense.

In January 2002, the 4th Fighter Wing arrived in Kuwait in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and ENDURING FREEDOM, flying missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. On March 1, 2002, Operation ANACONDA was launched, and the wing's mission was to provide close air support into Afghanistan. Operation ANACONDA ended March 21, 2002 with the 4th Fighter Wing's greatest highlight being their performance at Roberts Ridge. Members of the 335th Fighter Squadron successfully suppressed enemy fire from al-Qaida troops, as Army and Air Force personnel retrieved stranded and fallen comrades.

On September 1, 2002, the Fourth transitioned into its final on-call AEW. Though the 4th Fighter Wing will continue as a lead wing when deployed, it will now assimilate into the more predictable 90-day 10 AEF schedule, as opposed to waiting for the call from higher headquarter.

In January and February 2003, in response to the threat of Iraq's ability to produce weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their elusiveness with United Nation weapon inspectors, the 4th Fighter Wing joined other operational units in Southeast Asia. Two F-15E fighter squadrons deployed to Southwest Asia in support of OSW, which would later transition into support for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On April 18, 2003, members of the 4th Fighter Wing returned heroically to Seymour Johnson AFB after contributing to the resounding U.S.-led collation victory over Iraq.

See also

* Air Combat Command
* Eagle squadron
* Eighth Air Force
* USAF Organizations in the Korean War
* Far East Air Forces
* Tactical Air Command

References

* Much of this text in an early version of this article was taken from pages on the [http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil Seymour Johnson AFB] website, which as a work of the U.S. Government is presumed to be a public domain resource. That information was supplemented by:

* Endicott, Judy G. (1999) Active Air Force wings as of 1 October 1995; USAF active flying, space, and missile squadrons as of 1 October 1995. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. CD-ROM.
* Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714
* Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.
* Mueller, Robert (1989). Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982. USAF Reference Series, Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-53-6
* Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.
* Rogers, Brian (2005). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. Hinkley, England: Midland Publications. ISBN 1-85780-197-0.
* [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/rso/rso_index.html] Air Force Historical Research Agency

External links