ABOUT 57th FIS, Keflavik NAS; Keflavik, Iceland
- Origins and Early History: The 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) traces its lineage back to World War II, originally activated as the 57th Pursuit Squadron in 1941.
- Guardians of the North Atlantic: Stationed at Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, the 57th FIS was tasked with the critical role of defending the North Atlantic airspace during the Cold War.
- “The Black Knights of Keflavik”: The unit adopted the nickname “Black Knights,” symbolized by its distinctive black knight chess piece emblem.
- Soviet Interceptions: Throughout the Cold War, the 57th FIS regularly intercepted Soviet Tu-95 “Bear” bombers probing NATO airspace, often escorting them out of the area.
- Aircraft Evolution: Over its history, the squadron operated various aircraft, including the P-38 Lightning, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-4 Phantom II, and the F-15 Eagle while in Iceland.
- Strategic Location: Keflavik’s location made the 57th FIS one of the first lines of defense for North America against potential Soviet incursions via the GIUK (Greenland-Iceland-UK) gap.
- International Cooperation: The squadron often worked closely with Icelandic authorities and NATO allies, enhancing interoperability and shared defense efforts in the region.
- Round-the-Clock Readiness: The 57th FIS maintained a constant Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), with pilots and aircraft ready to scramble at a moment’s notice, 24/7, regardless of Iceland’s harsh weather.
- Closing Chapter: The 57th FIS was inactivated in 1995 after the end of the Cold War and changes to the NATO mission in Iceland, marking the end of an era for American fighter presence at Keflavik.
- Legacy and Recognition: The squadron’s legacy continues to be celebrated by veterans and aviation enthusiasts, with reunions, commemorative patches, and historical exhibits highlighting its service.