522 Tactical Fighter Squadron

The 522nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, originally constituted as the 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light) in 1940, has a distinguished history in the United States Air Force. The unit saw extensive combat in World War II, operating in the Mediterranean and European theaters, and later participated in the Korean War, flying attack missions. Redesignated several times, the squadron transitioned to jet aircraft and played a vital role during the Cold War, serving as a frontline tactical fighter unit. The 522nd continued its legacy into the modern era before its inactivation in 2007 at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.