About this Unit
The 183rd Fighter Wing is a unit of the Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois. Established in 1962, the wing has flown various fighter aircraft, including the F-84F Thunderstreak, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon, supporting both state and federal missions. The 183rd has participated in numerous operations, such as Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch, providing air defense and combat capabilities. In recent years, the wing’s mission has transitioned to focus on air operations support and cyber operations following the retirement of its fighter jets in 2008.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 183rd Fighter Wing traces its lineage to the 370th Fighter Group, activated in 1943 and serving in the European Theater during WWII, flying P-47 Thunderbolts and P-38 Lightnings.
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Illinois Air National Guard: The wing is part of the Illinois Air National Guard and is based at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois.
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Redesignations: Over the years, the unit has been redesignated several times, reflecting changes in mission and aircraft, including as the 170th Fighter Squadron and the 183rd Tactical Fighter Group.
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F-16 Fighting Falcon Era: The 183rd flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon for many years, providing both air defense and tactical missions until 2008.
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BRAC 2005 Impact: As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), the 183rd lost its flying mission in 2008 but continued to serve in other vital roles.
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Current Mission: The wing now performs a variety of missions, including the Centralized Intermediate Repair Facility (CIRF) for F-16 engines, providing maintenance support for units across the nation.
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State and Federal Service: Members of the 183rd have been activated for state emergencies (including disaster relief) and federal missions, such as Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
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Decorations and Honors: The wing and its predecessor units have received numerous awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, for exemplary performance.
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Community Involvement: The 183rd has strong ties to the Springfield community, participating in parades, educational outreach, and supporting local events.
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Legacy of Service: With a history spanning more than 70 years, the 183rd Fighter Wing represents a legacy of dedication, evolving from a World War II combat unit to a modern support and maintenance force.
