43d Fighter Squadron

43d Fighter Squadron
43d Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor
Active	1917–1919; 1922–1936; 1940–1946; 1964–1994; 2002–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter Training
Part of	Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQ	Tyndall Air Force Base
Nickname(s)	Hornets
Motto(s)	Vespa Maculata
Engagements	World War I Vietnam War
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
43d Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 22 May 1924)

The 43d Fighter Squadron is part of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. It conducts advanced fighter training for F-22 Raptor pilots.

The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 13 June 1917, when it was organized at Kelly Field, Texas as the 43d Aero Squadron. The squadron deployed to England as part of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, served in the Vietnam War and later became part of the Alaskan Air Command (AAC) during the Cold War.

The 43d Fighter Squadron is responsible for providing air dominance training for the F-22 Raptor.

The 43d Fighter Squadron traces its lineage to the 43d Aero Squadron, first activated 13 June 1917, at Camp Kelly, Texas. In March 1918, the squadron moved to England, where it trained until reassigned to France on 1 November 1918 - just 10 days before the Armistice that ended World War I was signed. Having never seen combat, the squadron was demobilized in April 1919.

The 43d was reactivated on 22 July 1922, at Kelly Field, Texas, and was redesignated the 43d School Squadron in January 1923. The squadron flew various aircraft, including the DH-4, Spad XIII, SE-5, MB-7, AT-4, AT-5, PW-9, P-1, and P-12. The 43d became known as the "Hornets" as depicted by their emblem, a poised Vespa Maculata, or American "Yellow Jacket," the most formidable of the wasp family, surrounded by an ovate cloud. The emblem was approved in 1924 and the Hornet signifies the speed, agility and hard-hitting capabilities of the squadron while the cloud represents their domain - the skies. In March 1935, the 43d was redesignated the 43d Pursuit Squadron, flying as part of the 3d Wing Advanced Flying School until it was inactivated in September 1936.