49th FW

• Origins in WWII: The 49th Fighter Wing traces its lineage to the 49th Pursuit Group, activated in 1941, which played a critical role in the defense of Australia and the Southwest Pacific during World War II. • Distinguished WWII Record: Pilots from the 49th shot down over 600 enemy aircraft in WWII, making them one of the top-scoring American fighter groups in the Pacific Theater. • First USAF Unit in Japan: After WWII, the 49th was the first USAF unit stationed in Japan, helping to establish an American air presence during the occupation. • Korean War Service: The wing fought in the Korean War, flying F-80 Shooting Stars and F-84 Thunderjets in support of United Nations forces. • Desert Storm: The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed F-117 Nighthawks (stealth fighters) during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, leading the air war with precision strikes on critical targets. • Home of the F-117: Holloman Air Force Base, the 49th’s current home, was the primary base for the F-117 stealth fighter from 1992 until its retirement in 2008. • Transition to the F-22: The 49th FW was the first unit outside of Air Combat Command to operate the advanced F-22 Raptor from 2008 to 2014. • MQ-9 Reaper Training: Today, the 49th FW plays a major role in training pilots and sensor operators for the MQ-9 Reaper, the USAF’s premier remotely piloted aircraft. • International Partnerships: The 49th FW regularly hosts and trains allied pilots, especially German Air Force personnel, who operate Tornado and Eurofighter aircraft at Holloman AFB. • Award-Winning Legacy: Throughout its history, the 49th FW and its predecessors have earned numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, for extraordinary heroism and service.