19th Fighter Squadron
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The 19th Fighter Squadron is a United States Air Force fighter squadron and is a part of the Pacific Air Forces' (PACAF) 15th Wing based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii.
19th Fighter Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1917–1919; 1921–1922; 1923–1946; 1982–1993; 1994–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Fighter |
Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam |
Nickname(s) | Gamecocks [citation needed] |
Equipment | Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor |
Engagements | Pearl Harbor Battle of Saipan Battle of Tinian Battle of Guam Operation Southern Watch |
Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1] |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lt Col Paul "Loco" Lopez |
Insignia | |
19th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 12 November 1993)[1] | |
19th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 10 December 1981)[2] | |
19th Pursuit Squadron emblem (approved 20 April 1928)[3] |
The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 14 June 1917, being organized at Kelly Field, Texas. It served overseas in France as part of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the Tactical Air Command during the Cold War.
Today the 19th FS operates the F-22 Raptor aircraft conducting offensive and defensive counterair (air-to-air) missions, as well as strategic attack, interdiction, and suppression of enemy air defenses. The 19th FS is an active associate total force integration (TFI) unit augmenting the 199th FS in support of Operation Noble Eagle and taskings in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.