ABOUT 37th TFW
- Origins: The 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was first activated in 1953 at Clovis Air Force Base (now Cannon AFB), New Mexico, flying the F-86 Sabre.
- Vietnam War Service: The wing was reactivated in 1966 at Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, participating in combat missions with F-100 Super Sabres during the Vietnam War.
- Notable Aircraft: The 37th TFW operated several significant aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II, F-100 Super Sabre, and later the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter.
- F-117A Stealth Fighter: In 1989, the 37th TFW became the first operational wing to fly the F-117A Nighthawk, the world's first operational stealth aircraft.
- Operations Desert Shield/Storm: The 37th TFW (Provisional) deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and played a pivotal role in Operation Desert Storm, flying F-117A stealth missions against strategic targets in Iraq.
- Historic Bombing Raid: On January 17, 1991, the wing's F-117s led the opening airstrike of Operation Desert Storm, targeting high-value command and control centers in Baghdad.
- Low Loss Rate: Despite flying some of the most dangerous missions over heavily defended territory, the 37th TFW's F-117s completed all Desert Storm sorties without a single aircraft lost to enemy action.
- Base Locations: The wing was based at several locations during its history, including Phu Cat AB (Vietnam), George AFB (California), and Tonopah Test Range (Nevada).
- Heritage and Emblems: The 37th TFW's emblem features a red bull, symbolizing strength and courage, and its motto is "Qui Audet Vincit" ("Who Dares Wins").
- Transition and Legacy: After the Gulf War, the 37th TFW was inactivated in 1992, with its assets and mission transferred to the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, preserving its legacy in stealth and tactical fighter operations.