About this Unit
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.
Historical Facts
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Korean War Deployments: The 27th Fighter-Escort Wing deployed to Korea in 1950, providing bomber escort and ground attack missions with its F-84s.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 27th TFW was placed on high alert and prepared for possible combat operations.
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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.
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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.
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Desert Storm Participation: Elements of the 27th TFW deployed F-111s to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting precision bombing missions.
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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.
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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.
