| 87th Flying Training Squadron | |
|---|---|
|
File:87th Flying Training Squadron - T-38s Laughlin AFB TX.jpg 87th Flying Training Squadron T-38s flying over Laughlin AFB | |
| Active |
18 August 1917 - 1 December 1918 19 February 1935 - 1 September 1936 9 February 1942 - 15 July 1947 1 November 1952 - 8 September 1955 8 April 1956 - 1 October 1985 2 April 1990 - Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Pilot Training |
| Part of |
Air Education and Training Command 19th Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing 47th Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Laughlin Air Force Base |
| Engagements |
World War II *North African Campaign *Operation Husky * Operation Avalanche *Italian Campaign *Operation Dragoon |
| Insignia | |
| 87th Flying Training Squadron emblem | File:87th Flying Training Squadron.jpg |
The 87th Flying Training Squadron (87 FTS) is part of the 47th Flying Training Wing based at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. It operates T-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training. The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 18 August 1917, being organized at Selfridge Field, Mount Clemens, Michigan as a pilot training Squadron during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the Air Defense Command (ADC/ADCOM) during the Cold War.
History[]
First activated as the 87th Aero Squadron, the 87th saw brief service in the 1910s and again in the 1930s.
World War II[]
It was reactivated in 1942 when it was transferred to North Africa to fight against Germany's Afrika Korps. Following the German defeat and withdrawal from North Africa the 87th participated in the Allied Invasion of Sicily and Invasion of Italy and subsequent drive up the Italian Peninsula. During the Allied offensive in Italy the squadron was briefly dispatched to support the invasion of Southern France in 1944. Following the war the 87th was stationed in Austria for a short time before its return to the United States and inactivation.[1]
Air Defense Command[]
87th FIS F-106s on the flightline at K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, 1976. Note the ARBC logo on the nose of 59-0053
F-106 59-0094 in flight in the early 1980s. Note the Tactical Air Command emblem on the tail, replacing the squadron emblem.
87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron North American F-86D-30-NA Sabre 51-6035, Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, 1956
The 87th was again activated at Sioux City Municipal Airport, Iowa in 1952 to provide air defense of the central United States. Equipped with the F-51D Mustang, it was later equipped with the F-86D Sabre Interceptor in 1953 prior to being reassigned to USAFE, stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England in 1954 assisting in the air defense of the United Kingdom.[1]
Returned to CONUS in 1956 at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio with an air defense mission over the Ohio Valley. Was upgraded to the North American F-86L Sabre in 1957, an improved version of the F-86D which incorporated the Semi Automatic Ground Environment, or SAGE computer-controlled direction system for intercepts; upgraded again in 1960 to the supersonic F-102 Delta Dagger interceptor.[1]
The 87th was re-equipped with new McDonnell F-101B Voodoo supersonic interceptor, and the F-101F operational and conversion trainer in 1960. The two-seat trainer version was equipped with dual controls, but carried the same armament as the F-101B and were fully combat-capable. The F-101Bs were transferred to the Air National Guard in 1968 and the squadron moved to Duluth International Airport, Minnesota. At Duluth, was upgraded to the F-106 Delta Darts. During this period the squadron became known for its ability to perform cold weather operations. The squadron was again moved to K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan in 1971. Inactivated in 1985 after budget cuts forced the cancellation of its scheduled conversion to the F-15 Eagle.[1]
Modern era[]
The squadron was reactivated in 1990 and its mission changed to providing flight training. Today the squadron operates T-38 Talon aircraft providing training to pilot students on track to operate fighters or bombers.[1]
Lineage[]
87th FIS (Air Defense Command)
- Designated as 87th Aero Squadron, and organized, on 18 Aug 1917
- Redesignated: Squadron B, Park Field, on 25 Jul 1918
- Demobilized on 1 Dec 1918
- Reconstituted, and consolidated (1 Dec 1936) with unit constituted as 87th Pursuit Squadron on 19 Feb 1935
- Organized on 1 Mar 1935
- Inactivated 1 Sep 1936
- Demobilized on 1 Jan 1938
- Reconstituted, and consolidated (21 Mar 1979) with unit constituted as 87th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 13 Jan 1942
- Redesignated 87th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (Twin Engine) on 31 Jan 1942
- Activated on 9 Feb 1942
- Redesignated: 87th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) on 15 May 1942
- Redesignated: 87th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 21 Aug 1944
- Inactivated on 15 Jul 1947
- Redesignated 87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 11 Sep 1952
- Activated on 1 Nov 1952
- Inactivated on 8 Sep 1955
- Activated on 8 Apr 1956
- Inactivated on 1 Oct 1985
- Redesignated 87th Flying Training Squadron on 9 Feb 1990
- Activated on 2 Apr 1990.[2]
Assignments[]
- III Corps Observation Group (1917–1918)
- 20th Pursuit Group (1935–1936)
- Attached: Air Corps Tactical School (1 March 1935 – 1 September 1936)
- 79th Fighter Group (1942–1947)
- 31st Air Division (1952–1953)
- 521st Air Defense Group (1953–1954)
- Third Air Force (1954–1955)
- 58th Air Division (1956–1958)
- 30th Air Division (1958–1959)
- Detroit Air Defense Sector (1959–1966)
- 34th Air Division (1966–1968)
- 343d Fighter Group (1968–1970)
- 23d Air Division (1970–1981)
- 21st Air Division (1981–1983)
- 24th Air Division (1983–1985)
- 47th Flying Training Wing (1990–Present)[2]
Stations[]
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Aircraft[]
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See also[]
References[]
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.
- A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 1946 - 1980, by Lloyd H. Cornett and Mildred W. Johnson, Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
- Maurer, Maurer. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force: World War II. Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1982.
- USAF Aerospace Defense Command publication, The Interceptor, January 1979 (Volume 21, Number 1).
External links[]
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The original article can be found at 87th Flying Training Squadron and the edit history here.