27th TFW

• Origins in World War II: The 27th Fighter Wing traces its lineage to the 27th Bombardment Group, activated in 1940 and fighting valiantly in the Philippines and North Africa during WWII. • Operation Torch: The unit participated in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942, flying A-20 Havocs and later A-36 Apaches in ground attack roles. • Transition to Jet Age: In the early Cold War, the 27th became one of the first units to fly the F-84 Thunderjet, representing the shift from propeller-driven aircraft to jets. • Korean War Deployments: The 27th Fighter-Escort Wing deployed to Korea in 1950, providing bomber escort and ground attack missions with its F-84s. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 27th TFW was placed on high alert and prepared for possible combat operations. • Vietnam War Service: The wing deployed to Southeast Asia, flying F-100 Super Sabres from bases in Thailand and South Vietnam and participating in numerous combat missions. • First USAF F-111 Wing: The 27th TFW at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, became the first operational Air Force wing to fly the F-111 Aardvark in 1969. • Desert Storm Participation: Elements of the 27th TFW deployed F-111s to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting precision bombing missions. • Recipient of the Hughes Trophy: The 27th TFW has been awarded the prestigious Hughes Trophy for outstanding air-to-air combat performance, a testament to its operational excellence. • Transformation to Special Operations: In 2007, the 27th was redesignated the 27th Special Operations Wing, transitioning from traditional fighter roles to flying special operations aircraft like the CV-22 Osprey and AC-130, showcasing adaptability and continued relevance.