177th Tactical Fighter Squadron

• Origins in World War II: The 177th Tactical Fighter Squadron traces its heritage to the 392nd Fighter Squadron, activated in 1943 and flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater during World War II. • New Jersey Air National Guard: The 177th is a unit of the New Jersey Air National Guard, based at Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. • Fighter Interceptor Mission: During the Cold War, the unit’s primary mission was air defense, flying aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-106 Delta Dart to intercept Soviet bombers. • Transition to F-16s: In 1988, the squadron transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which it continues to operate today in both air defense and multi-role missions. • Homeland Defense on 9/11: 177th pilots were among the first to take to the skies in defense of the United States during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, flying Combat Air Patrols over major East Coast cities. • Operation Noble Eagle: Following 9/11, the squadron played a significant role in Operation Noble Eagle, maintaining continuous air defense alert over the northeastern United States. • Deployments Overseas: The 177th has deployed personnel and aircraft in support of operations including Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Distinguished Honors: The squadron has received numerous awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its exceptional performance and contributions to national defense. • Community Involvement: The 177th is known for its strong ties to the local community, participating in airshows, educational outreach, and disaster response efforts in New Jersey. • Modernization and Readiness: The unit continues to upgrade its F-16s and support systems, maintaining combat readiness and contributing to both state and federal missions.