About this Unit
The 366th Tactical Fighter Wing (366 TFW), known as the "Gunfighters," was activated in 1953 and played a significant role in U.S. Air Force operations throughout the Cold War and Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, the wing was stationed at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, where it became renowned for its combat missions and pioneering the use of the M61 Vulcan gun on F-4 Phantoms. The 366 TFW flew thousands of sorties, providing close air support, interdiction, and air superiority missions. After Vietnam, the wing relocated to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, where it continued to maintain combat readiness and adapt to new aircraft and missions.
Historical Facts
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The 366th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated during the Cold War era and is best known for its service in the Vietnam War, where it earned the nickname “Gunfighters.”
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The “Gunfighters” moniker originated in Vietnam when 366th aircrews fitted their F-4 Phantoms with external gun pods, giving them an edge in close air combat.
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The unit traces its lineage to World War II, originally formed as the 366th Fighter Group in 1943, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater.
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Stationed at Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam, the 366th TFW became one of the most decorated units, flying thousands of combat missions and earning the Presidential Unit Citation.
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The 366th TFW was the first Air Force unit to modify F-4 Phantom II aircraft to carry an M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon, addressing the need for an internal gun during aerial engagements.
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After the Vietnam War, the Wing was relocated to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, where it continues to operate, now known as the 366th Fighter Wing (FW).
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During the Gulf War (Desert Storm), the 366th deployed personnel and aircraft, supporting coalition operations with precision strikes and air superiority missions.
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The unit has flown a variety of aircraft over its history, including the P-47 Thunderbolt, F-84F Thunderstreak, F-4 Phantom II, F-111 Aardvark, F-15E Strike Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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The 366th TFW played a key role in integrating the Wild Weasel mission (suppression of enemy air defenses) into U.S. Air Force operations, using specially equipped F-4G aircraft.
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The “Gunfighter” heritage is celebrated annually at Mountain Home AFB, with reunions and air shows honoring the unit’s storied history and its contributions to U.S. airpower.
