493 rd

**493rd Military Unit History** The 493rd, often referred to as the 493rd Fighter Squadron ("Grim Reapers"), was originally activated during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces. The unit saw its early combat action in the European Theater, conducting bomber escort missions and air superiority operations. After the war, the squadron experienced several activations and inactivations, eventually becoming part of the United States Air Force. In the modern era, the 493rd has been based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, flying advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-15C Eagle and maintaining a critical role in NATO air defense and rapid response missions.