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388th Fighter Wing56th Fighter Wing401st TFW

Jon Sills

U.S. Air Force Military Retiree

Message

About

Branch

U.S. Air Force

Service Years

1972 - 1992

Units

388th Fighter Wing insignia

388th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 388th Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force wing based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. It is an F-35 Lightning II fighter wing, which means it operates the most advanced fighter aircraft in the Air Force inventory. The wing's primary mission is to provide combat-ready airmen and aircraft for worldwide deployment to execute any tasking directed by higher headquarters. It also plays a key role in developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for the F-35 aircraft.

1985 - 1988
56th Fighter Wing insignia

56th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 56th Fighter Wing is a combat unit of the United States Air Force stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It is responsible for training F-16 fighter pilots for the Air Force, as well as for allied nations. The wing also supports the development of tactics and techniques for the F-35 Lightning II, the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. The 56th Fighter Wing has a long and distinguished history of providing air dominance and support for combat operations around the world.

1983 - 1985

401st TFW

U.S. Air Force

The 401st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was first activated in 1957 as part of the United States Air Force, initially stationed at England Air Force Base, Louisiana. It played a significant role during the Cold War, deploying to Europe and providing air defense and tactical fighter support for NATO, notably operating out of Torrejon Air Base, Spain, from 1966. The wing flew various aircraft over its history, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon, adapting to evolving combat requirements. The 401st TFW was inactivated in 1994, marking the end of its distinguished service in both peacetime and crisis operations.

1973 - 1975