23rd Tactical Fighter Wing

• Nickname - "The Flying Tigers": The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing inherited the legendary "Flying Tigers" name and heritage from the famed American Volunteer Group (AVG) that fought in China during World War II. • Activation Date: The 23rd Fighter Wing was originally activated on 10 August 1948, and its lineage dates back to the 23rd Fighter Group of WWII fame. • Iconic Shark Teeth: The unit is famous for the shark mouth nose art painted on its aircraft, a tradition started by the Flying Tigers in China. • Vietnam War Service: The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing participated in the Vietnam War, flying F-105 Thunderchiefs and later A-7D Corsair II aircraft, conducting combat missions and close air support. • Operation Paul Revere IV: In 1966, the 23rd provided crucial air support during Operation Paul Revere IV, helping repulse North Vietnamese Army attacks near Pleiku. • A-10 Warthog Era: In 1981, the Wing became one of the first units to operate the A-10 Thunderbolt II, known as the "Warthog," specializing in close air support. • Desert Storm Deployment: The 23rd TFW deployed A-10s to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, destroying a significant number of Iraqi tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. • Base Locations: Over the years, the Wing has been stationed at several bases, including McConnell AFB (Kansas), England AFB (Louisiana), and currently Moody AFB (Georgia). • Motto: The unit motto is "Victory in the Air," reflecting its legacy of air combat excellence. • Continuing Legacy: Today, as the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, the unit supports close air support, search and rescue, and forward air control missions with A-10s and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.