45th Fighter Squadron

• World War II Origins: The 45th Fighter Squadron was first activated in 1940 as the 45th Pursuit Squadron, part of the 15th Pursuit Group, and was stationed in Hawaii before the outbreak of WWII. • Pearl Harbor Survivor: The squadron was present at Wheeler Field during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and engaged in the defense, with some pilots scrambling to their P-40 Warhawks to fight back. • Pacific Campaigns: The 45th participated in major Pacific Theater campaigns, including the defense of Midway, Guadalcanal, and later the island-hopping campaign toward Japan. • Aircraft Evolution: Over its history, the squadron has flown a variety of aircraft including the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Airacobra, P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, A-37 Dragonfly, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the unit was reactivated and based in Alaska, providing air defense against potential Soviet incursions over the Arctic region. • Vietnam Deployments: The 45th Fighter Squadron deployed to Southeast Asia, operating A-37 Dragonfly aircraft in close air support and counter-insurgency missions during the Vietnam War. • Guard and Reserve Transition: In the post-Vietnam era, the squadron became part of the Air Force Reserve, currently assigned to the 924th Fighter Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. • Modern A-10 Operations: Today, the 45th FS is one of the Air Force Reserve units flying the A-10C Thunderbolt II, specializing in close air support, forward air control, and combat search and rescue missions. • Distinctive Emblem: The squadron's emblem features a stylized “Flying Skull,” symbolizing its aggressive fighting spirit, a heritage carried since its early days in the Pacific. • Decorations and Honors: The unit has earned multiple campaign streamers, Presidential Unit Citations, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its distinguished service across multiple conflicts and theaters.