549 CTS

• Origins: The 549th Combat Training Squadron (549 CTS) traces its roots back to World War II, originally activated as the 549th Night Fighter Squadron in 1944. • Night Fighting Pioneers: The 549th flew the P-61 Black Widow, the first American aircraft specifically designed as a night fighter, during WWII in the Pacific Theater. • Decorations: The squadron earned several campaign streamers for its service in World War II, including operations in the Western Pacific and the Philippines. • Modern Role: Reactivated as the 549th Combat Training Squadron, it now serves as the lead unit for the Air Force’s Green Flag-West exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. • Green Flag-West: The 549 CTS provides realistic air-land integration training for Air Force, Army, and allied units, focusing on close air support in joint environments. • Joint Partnerships: The squadron regularly works with Army units from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, supporting large-scale, live-fire exercises. • Advanced Technology: 549 CTS incorporates cutting-edge simulation and live training technologies to replicate complex battlefield scenarios for aircrews and ground forces. • International Participants: Green Flag-West frequently hosts allied and coalition partners, fostering interoperability and strengthening multinational military cooperation. • Call Sign “Night Eyes”: Reflecting its heritage, the 549 CTS uses the call sign “Night Eyes,” a nod to its night fighter origins. • Heraldry: The unit’s emblem features a black panther with glowing eyes, symbolizing stealth, vigilance, and the squadron’s historical night fighting mission.