493rd TFS

• Origins in World War II: The 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) traces its roots back to its activation in 1942 as the 493rd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), flying B-26 Marauders during WWII. • European Theater of Operations: During WWII, the unit was part of the 344th Bombardment Group and flew combat missions over France, Belgium, and Germany, notably supporting the Normandy invasion. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for a daring raid on a heavily defended German target in Belgium in 1944. • Cold War Re-activation: Reactivated during the Cold War, the 493rd TFS became part of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. • Aircraft Evolution: Over the decades, the squadron has flown a variety of aircraft, including the B-26 Marauder, F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, F-111 Aardvark, F-15C/D Eagle, and currently the F-35A Lightning II. • Liberty Wing: The 493rd TFS is known as the "Grim Reapers" and is part of the 48th Fighter Wing, famously nicknamed the "Liberty Wing." • First to Fly F-15C/D Eagles in Europe: The 493rd was the first unit in USAFE to receive the F-15C/D Eagle, establishing air superiority for NATO during the late Cold War. • Operation Allied Force: The squadron played a significant combat role in Operation Allied Force in 1999 over Kosovo, achieving several air-to-air victories and earning the Raytheon Trophy for outstanding fighter performance. • Multiple Raytheon Trophies: The 493rd has won the prestigious Raytheon Trophy several times, awarded to the best air-superiority squadron in the U.S. Air Force. • Transition to F-35A: In 2024, the Grim Reapers began transitioning to the advanced F-35A Lightning II, marking a new era for the squadron and ensuring its continued role at the forefront of U.S. and NATO airpower in Europe.