EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As of Aug. 20, 2021, the 60th Fighter Squadron has officially reactivated at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., under the 33rd Fighter Wing, reporting to the 19th Air Force, Air Education and Training Command.
The squadron will plan and execute a training curriculum in support of U.S. Air Force training requirements for the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
“Standing up a second F-35 squadron marks a pivotal moment in our Wing’s history as a premier producer of combat readiness,” said Col. Jack Arthaud, 33rd FW commander. “The F-35 is foundational to the Air Force’s future fighter force, and expanding our training capacity helps to ensure our Combat Air Forces are provided with the Airmen and pilots needed to maintain our Nation’s asymmetric competitive advantage…Airpower anytime, anywhere.”
Air Force history will be honored as the reactivation will take place on the 75th anniversary of its previous activation, which was reactivated for the first time after the end of World War II on Aug. 20, 1946. Original activation of the 60th FS dates back to 1941.
60th FS heritage includes a Distinguished Unit Citation in 1943, the 1996 Hughes Trophy as the best air defense/air superiority squadron in the U.S. Air Force, and five U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the “Fighting Crows” provided near constant support for Operation NOBLE EAGLE.
Incremental arrival of additional F-35A aircraft is expected to begin this fall.
For questions, please reach out to the 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at 850-883-4485 or 33fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil.