29 FIS, 34TFS, 561TFS

• 29th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (29 FIS): • WWII Roots: The 29th was originally activated in 1940 and saw service in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, defending against Japanese attacks. • Cold War Defenders: The squadron was a key part of the Air Defense Command, flying aircraft such as the F-94 Starfire and F-102 Delta Dagger. • Arctic Operations: Stationed in Alaska, the 29 FIS operated in challenging Arctic conditions, intercepting Soviet bombers during the Cold War. • Famous Intercept: In 1960, 29 FIS pilots intercepted a Soviet Tu-95 Bear bomber off Alaska, one of the earliest such encounters in the region. • 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron (34 TFS): • Vietnam Combat: The 34 TFS flew F-4 Phantoms in the Vietnam War, conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, including Operation Linebacker. • First in the Gulf: The 34 TFS was among the first squadrons deployed during Operation Desert Storm, flying F-16 Fighting Falcons in combat sorties over Iraq. • Modern Era: Today, the 34th is part of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, and was the first operational F-35A Lightning II squadron in the U.S. Air Force. • Squadron Nickname: The 34th TFS is known as the "Rams," a name symbolizing their aggressive fighting spirit. • 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron (561 TFS): • F-105 Thunderchiefs: The 561 TFS flew the Republic F-105 Thunderchief ("Thud") during the Vietnam War, specializing in "Wild Weasel" SAM suppression missions. • Decorated Unit: The squadron received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its combat actions in Southeast Asia. • Wild Weasel Legacy: The 561st pioneered the "Wild Weasel" tactics—hunting and destroying enemy surface-to-air missile sites, a dangerous but vital mission. • Transition to F-4G: In the 1980s, the squadron transitioned to the F-4G Phantom II, continuing the Wild Weasel role in Europe during the height of the Cold War.