About this Unit
The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated in 1952 as part of the United States Air Force, initially stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, during the early Cold War. The wing was later based at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it flew a variety of aircraft, including the F-111 Aardvark. During the Vietnam War, the 474th TFW deployed to Southeast Asia, providing crucial tactical air support and conducting interdiction missions. The unit was inactivated in 1989, having played a significant role in advancing tactical fighter operations and contributing to U.S. airpower throughout its history.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing traces its lineage back to the 474th Fighter Group, which was activated in 1943 and flew P-38 Lightnings in the European Theater during World War II.
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Postwar Inactivation: After the end of World War II, the 474th Fighter Group was inactivated in 1945 as part of the general demobilization of the US military.
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Cold War Reactivation: The 474th was reactivated as the 474th Fighter-Bomber Wing in 1952 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, serving as a deterrent force during the early years of the Cold War.
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First USAF F-111 Wing: In 1968, the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, became the first USAF unit to be equipped operationally with the F-111A Aardvark.
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Combat in Vietnam: In 1972, the 474th TFW deployed F-111As to Southeast Asia as part of Operation Constant Guard, marking the first combat use of the F-111 in the Vietnam War.
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Operation Linebacker II: The 474th’s F-111s played a significant role in Operation Linebacker II, conducting night bombing missions over heavily defended targets in North Vietnam with a very high survival rate.
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Unique Aircraft Loss Record: Despite flying over 4,000 combat sorties in Vietnam, the 474th TFW lost only six F-111s, a testament to the aircraft's capabilities and the wing’s training.
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Wild Weasels Training: The wing was instrumental in training crews for "Wild Weasel" missions, which involved the suppression of enemy air defenses using advanced electronic warfare tactics.
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Participation in Red Flag: The 474th TFW was a frequent participant in the famed Red Flag exercises at Nellis AFB, helping to pioneer realistic air combat training for USAF pilots.
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Inactivation and Legacy: The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing was inactivated on 30 September 1989, but its heritage and traditions continue to be honored within the United States Air Force’s history.
