Dennis Yuen

388th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 388th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force wing based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. It is an F-35 Lightning II fighter wing, which means it operates the most advanced fighter aircraft in the Air Force inventory. The wing's primary mission is to provide combat-ready airmen and aircraft for worldwide deployment to execute any tasking directed by higher headquarters. It also plays a key role in developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for the F-35 aircraft.

Laughlin Air Force Base, located near Del Rio, Texas, was established in 1942 as Laughlin Army Air Field, serving as a training base for World War II pilots. After a brief closure following the war, the base was reopened in 1952 in response to the Korean War and the increasing need for trained pilots during the Cold War. Throughout the decades, Laughlin AFB has been a premier site for undergraduate pilot training, operating under the Air Education and Training Command. Today, it is home to the 47th Flying Training Wing, which continues to produce highly skilled pilots for the United States Air Force and allied nations.

The 388th Field Maintenance Squadron (388 Fld Maint Sq.), assigned to Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), played a crucial role in providing aircraft and equipment maintenance support for tactical fighter operations during the Cold War era. Activated during the buildup of United States air power in the Pacific, the squadron ensured combat readiness for assigned fighter wings by performing both routine and specialized maintenance tasks. The unit supported various missions, including deployments and joint exercises, enhancing the operational capabilities of the USAF in the region. Throughout its service, the 388th Fld Maint Sq. upheld a reputation for technical expertise and mission reliability before eventual inactivation or reorganization as Air Force maintenance structures evolved.

The 27th Tactical Fighter Wing (27th TFW) was established in 1947 and originally assigned to Kearney Army Airfield, Nebraska, flying P-51 Mustangs. The unit saw combat during the Korean War, flying F-84 Thunderjets on ground attack and escort missions. Over the decades, the 27th TFW transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre and F-111 Aardvark, and was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The wing played a significant role in tactical fighter operations until it was redesignated as the 27th Fighter Wing in 1991, reflecting broader changes within the U.S. Air Force.

The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Originally activated in 1952, the wing participated in both training and operational missions during the Cold War, and later, the Vietnam War. The unit flew various aircraft over its history, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and F-4 Phantom II, playing a significant role in tactical fighter operations. The 474th was inactivated in 1989 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

355th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 355th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. They are responsible for providing combat air power and support capabilities for worldwide deployment. The wing consists of a variety of aircraft, including A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. They play a crucial role in supporting global operations and defending the country's interests.