79th Fighter Squadron

• Origins in World War I: The 79th Fighter Squadron was originally constituted as the 79th Aero Squadron on 22 February 1918, serving as a training unit during World War I. • World War II Combat: Redesignated as a pursuit squadron, the 79th actively fought in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II, flying the P-40 Warhawk and later the P-47 Thunderbolt. • "Tigers" Nickname: The squadron is affectionately known as the "Tigers," and their distinctive tiger-striped aircraft have become a part of their storied heritage. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The 79th earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during operations in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. • Cold War Service: The squadron flew F-86 Sabres and F-100 Super Sabres during the early Cold War, and later transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II. • First USAF Squadron in Desert Storm: The 79th was one of the first U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying the F-111E Aardvark. • F-16 Fighting Falcon: The squadron currently flies the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, having transitioned to the aircraft in the 1990s. • Home Station: The 79th Fighter Squadron is based at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and is part of the 20th Fighter Wing. • Global Deployments: The 79th has participated in multiple operations including NATO missions, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Squadron Emblem: The unit’s emblem features a tiger’s head, symbolizing aggressiveness and fighting spirit—a legacy recognized across generations of airmen.