79th Fighter Squadron

The 79th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Tigers,” was activated in 1942 and served with distinction in World War II, flying combat missions in the Mediterranean Theater with the P-40 Warhawk and later the P-47 Thunderbolt. The squadron participated in key campaigns, including operations in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, earning several commendations for its effectiveness in ground-attack and air superiority roles. After the war, the unit underwent several inactivations and reactivations, adapting to new aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and ultimately the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today, the 79th Fighter Squadron is based at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and remains an integral part of the U.S. Air Force’s combat airpower.