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23rd FW

U.S. Air Force•13 members

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About this Unit

23rd FW

U.S. Air Force

The 23rd Fighter Wing (23rd FW) is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II as the 23rd Fighter Group, famously inheriting the legacy of the "Flying Tigers" in China. Throughout its history, the wing has operated a variety of aircraft, including the P-40 Warhawk, F-105 Thunderchief, and currently the A-10C Thunderbolt II. The 23rd FW has seen action in numerous conflicts, from the China-Burma-India Theater in WWII to modern-day operations in the Middle East. Today, the wing is based at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, where it continues its mission of close air support, search and rescue, and combat airpower projection.

About 23rd FW

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Flying Tigers Heritage: The 23rd Fighter Wing (FW) traces its lineage back to the legendary "Flying Tigers" of World War II, officially inheriting their emblem and traditions in 1942.
Distinctive Shark Teeth: The unit is famous for the iconic shark mouth nose art on its aircraft, a tradition started by the original Flying Tigers' P-40 Warhawks in China.
A-10 Warthog Operators: The 23rd FW operates the A-10C Thunderbolt II, also known as the "Warthog," renowned for its close air support capabilities.
Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, the 23rd FW played a crucial role, flying hundreds of sorties and providing vital ground support.
Moody Air Force Base: The wing is based at Moody AFB, Georgia, which has been its home since 1992 after moving from England Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Search and Rescue: In addition to fighter missions, the 23rd FW encompasses rescue units like the 347th Rescue Group, operating HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130J aircraft.
Humanitarian Missions: The wing has provided disaster relief and humanitarian aid, including hurricane response and rescue operations both domestically and abroad.
Vietnam War Deployments: The 23rd TFW (Tactical Fighter Wing) deployed to Southeast Asia, flying F-105 Thunderchief and A-7 Corsair II missions during the Vietnam War.
Multiple Redesignations: The unit has undergone numerous redesignations and reorganizations since WWII, reflecting changes in aircraft, mission, and structure.
Air Force Heritage Flight: The 23rd FW participates in airshows and heritage flights, often flying alongside vintage WWII warbirds to honor its rich history.

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23rd FW

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About this Unit

23rd FW

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Chad Lingerfelt

U.S. Air Force · 1984 - 2005

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Daniel Nadalet

U.S. Air Force · 1992 - 2001

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Kurt Cherry

U.S. Air Force Military Retiree · 1993 - 1997

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Dan Beard

U.S. Air Force · 1970 - 1996

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Air Force photos

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About 23rd FW

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Flying Tigers Heritage: The 23rd Fighter Wing (FW) traces its lineage back to the legendary "Flying Tigers" of World War II, officially inheriting their emblem and traditions in 1942.
Distinctive Shark Teeth: The unit is famous for the iconic shark mouth nose art on its aircraft, a tradition started by the original Flying Tigers' P-40 Warhawks in China.
A-10 Warthog Operators: The 23rd FW operates the A-10C Thunderbolt II, also known as the "Warthog," renowned for its close air support capabilities.
Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, the 23rd FW played a crucial role, flying hundreds of sorties and providing vital ground support.
Moody Air Force Base: The wing is based at Moody AFB, Georgia, which has been its home since 1992 after moving from England Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Search and Rescue: In addition to fighter missions, the 23rd FW encompasses rescue units like the 347th Rescue Group, operating HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130J aircraft.
Humanitarian Missions: The wing has provided disaster relief and humanitarian aid, including hurricane response and rescue operations both domestically and abroad.
Vietnam War Deployments: The 23rd TFW (Tactical Fighter Wing) deployed to Southeast Asia, flying F-105 Thunderchief and A-7 Corsair II missions during the Vietnam War.
Multiple Redesignations: The unit has undergone numerous redesignations and reorganizations since WWII, reflecting changes in aircraft, mission, and structure.
Air Force Heritage Flight: The 23rd FW participates in airshows and heritage flights, often flying alongside vintage WWII warbirds to honor its rich history.