17th Weapons Squadron

17th Weapons Squadron
17th Weapons Squadron - McDonnell Douglas F-15E-50-MC Strike Eagle 90-0257
Active	1917–Present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Squadron
Role	Advanced F-15E Strike Eagle Training
Part of	USAF Weapons School
Garrison/HQ	Nellis AFB, Nevada
Tail Code	"WA"
Engagements	World War I (See: 17th and 147th Aero Squadrons) World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) Vietnam War 1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait)
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation (3x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3x) Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Insignia
17th Weapons Squadron emblem

The 17th Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

The squadron traces its lineage to the United States Army Air Service's 17th and 147th Aero Squadrons during World War I. The 147th A.S. was re-designated the 17th Pursuit Squadron in the post-war Air Service and consolidated with the 17th A.S. in 1936 to preserve the history of both pursuit units. The 17th Aero Squadron was activated in August 1917 and earned 13 campaign streamers in France flying the Sopwith Camel. The 147th Aero Squadron was organized in November 1917 and flew the Nieuport 28 and SPAD S.XIII fighters, earning eight streamers.

During World War II, the 17th Pursuit Squadron participated in the defense of the Philippines flying the P-40 Warhawk and garnering the first American Ace of World War II. Wiped out during the Battle of the Philippines, some of its squadron members endured the Bataan Death March. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the squadron went on to fly F-105F Wild Weasles, and in Operation Desert Storm flying the F-16C.

Flying the F-15E Strike Eagle, the squadron accomplishes its mission by providing graduate-level instructor academic and flying courses to USAF Combat Air Forces (CAF). The squadron conducts extensive technical off-station training and liaises with CAF units.