35th Fighter Wing
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Wing F-16CJs
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Active | 1948–1957; 1966–1971; 1971–1992; 1993–1994; 1994–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Fighter |
Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Misawa Air Base |
Motto(s) | Attack to Defend |
Engagements |
Korean War Vietnam War War in Iraq |
Decorations |
Presidental Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Colonel R. Scott Jobe |
Notable commanders |
Paul V. Hester |
Insignia | |
35th Fighter Wing emblem (approved 16 December 1953) |
The 35th Fighter Wing is an air combat unit of the United States Air Force and the host unit at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The wing is part of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)'s Fifth Air Force.
The wing was first activated in August 1948 at Johnson Air Base, Japan when PACAF implemented the wing base organization. It participated in the Korean War and later served in the air defense of Japan until inactivating in 1957.
In 1966, the wing was again activated and served in combat in the Vietnam War until inactivating in 1972 with the withdrawal of US forces from Southeast Asia. It was soon reactivated at George Air Force Base, California, where it served until inactivating in 1992. It was activated the following year in Iceland as an air defense unit. With the drawdown of US forces in Iceland, it was inactivated the following year, but was activated the same year at Misawa.
The mission of the 35th Wing is to project power throughout the Pacific theater and execute worldwide deployments.
The 35th Fighter Wing is a combat-ready F-16 wing composed of 4 groups, 2 fighter squadrons, 27 support squadrons and agencies, and more than 3,850 personnel. Host unit for 13,500-manned base supporting 35 associate units representing all four US military services and the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).
The Operations Group controls all flying and airfield operations. The Maintenance Group performs Aircraft and Aircraft support equipment maintenance. The Mission Support Group has a wide range of responsibilities but a few of its functions are Security, Civil Engineering, Communications, Personnel Management, Logistics, Services and Contracting support. The Maintenance Group provides aircraft and mission support equipment maintenance, while the Medical Group provides medical and dental care.
The 35th Fighter Wing flew air defense missions in Japan, August 1948-November 1950. Redesignated 35th Fighter-Interceptor Wing in January 1950 and two squadrons (39th, 40th Fighter Squadrons) were equipped with Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star jet fighters.