474th TFW

• World War II Origins: The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing traces its lineage back to the 474th Fighter Group, which was activated in 1943 and flew P-38 Lightnings in the European Theater during World War II. • Postwar Inactivation: After the end of World War II, the 474th Fighter Group was inactivated in 1945 as part of the general demobilization of the US military. • Cold War Reactivation: The 474th was reactivated as the 474th Fighter-Bomber Wing in 1952 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, serving as a deterrent force during the early years of the Cold War. • First USAF F-111 Wing: In 1968, the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, became the first USAF unit to be equipped operationally with the F-111A Aardvark. • Combat in Vietnam: In 1972, the 474th TFW deployed F-111As to Southeast Asia as part of Operation Constant Guard, marking the first combat use of the F-111 in the Vietnam War. • Operation Linebacker II: The 474th’s F-111s played a significant role in Operation Linebacker II, conducting night bombing missions over heavily defended targets in North Vietnam with a very high survival rate. • Unique Aircraft Loss Record: Despite flying over 4,000 combat sorties in Vietnam, the 474th TFW lost only six F-111s, a testament to the aircraft's capabilities and the wing’s training. • Wild Weasels Training: The wing was instrumental in training crews for "Wild Weasel" missions, which involved the suppression of enemy air defenses using advanced electronic warfare tactics. • Participation in Red Flag: The 474th TFW was a frequent participant in the famed Red Flag exercises at Nellis AFB, helping to pioneer realistic air combat training for USAF pilots. • Inactivation and Legacy: The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing was inactivated on 30 September 1989, but its heritage and traditions continue to be honored within the United States Air Force’s history.