About this Unit
The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (35th TFW) traces its origins to World War II, initially activated as the 35th Fighter Group in 1940. It saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, supporting Allied operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. Reactivated and redesignated as the 35th TFW during the Cold War, the unit played a significant role in the Vietnam War, flying F-100 Super Sabres and later F-4 Phantoms from bases in Southeast Asia. Throughout its history, the 35th TFW has demonstrated adaptability and valor, contributing to U.S. airpower across multiple conflicts and regions.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 35th Fighter Wing traces its roots back to World War II, originally established as the 35th Fighter Group in 1940, flying P-39 Airacobras and later P-47 Thunderbolts in the Pacific Theater.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, the 35th Fighter-Interceptor Wing flew F-51 Mustangs and later F-80 Shooting Stars, providing ground support and air superiority missions.
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Vietnam War Deployment: The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was deployed to Southeast Asia, operating out of Phan Rang Air Base from 1966 to 1971, flying the F-100 Super Sabre and supporting close air support and interdiction missions.
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"Black Panthers" Heritage: The 35th TFW included the famous 8th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, known as the "Black Panthers," who flew iconic night missions during the Vietnam War.
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Operation Ranch Hand: The 35th TFW supported defoliation missions, including Operation Ranch Hand, using modified C-123 Provider aircraft to spray Agent Orange over enemy territory.
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Record-Setting Sorties: In Vietnam, the 35th TFW became one of the most active fighter wings, flying over 100,000 combat sorties and delivering more than 85,000 tons of ordnance.
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Notable Aircraft: Over its history, the 35th TFW has operated a diverse range of aircraft, including the P-38 Lightning, F-51 Mustang, F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, F-111 Aardvark, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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Cold War Reassignments: After Vietnam, the 35th TFW was reassigned to George Air Force Base in California, where it trained pilots and maintained readiness during the height of the Cold War.
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Modern Role in the Pacific: Today, the 35th Fighter Wing is based at Misawa Air Base, Japan, flying F-16C/D Fighting Falcons as the only USAF fighter unit in the Pacific with a dedicated Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission.
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Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: The 35th has also participated in humanitarian missions, such as providing disaster relief after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, showcasing its versatility beyond combat operations.
