388th Fighter Wing

• In World War II, the 388th Fighter Wing was established as a combat fighter unit on December 23, 1942. • The 388th Fighter Wing was initially stationed at Kirtland Field, New Mexico before moving to the European Theater of Operations in 1943. • During World War II, the 388th Fighter Wing flew P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft in support of Allied operations. • After World War II, the 388th Fighter Wing was inactivated and then reactivated in 1962 as the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. • The 388th Tactical Fighter Wing was stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. • In 1983, the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing was redesignated as the 388th Fighter Wing and stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. • The 388th Fighter Wing played a key role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. • In 2003, the 388th Fighter Wing deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. • The 388th Fighter Wing became the first operational F-35A Lightning II unit in 2015, marking a new era of stealth fighter aircraft for the wing. • The 388th Fighter Wing continues to train and deploy in support of global operations, showcasing its legacy of excellence in combat aviation.