49th Operations Group

49th Operations Group
Lockheed Martin F-22A Block 30 Raptor 05-4084 of the 7th Fighter Squadron
Active	1941–1957; 1991–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Group
Role	Combat Operations
Motto(s)	Tutor et Ultor - "I Protect and Avenge"
Engagements	World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) Korean War Kosovo Campaign GLobal War on Terrorism
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation (5x) Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3x) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (2x)
Insignia
49th Operations Group emblem

The 49th Operations Group (49 OG) is the operational flying component of the United States Air Force 49th Wing. It is stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, and is a part of Air Combat Command (ACC).

During World War II, the unit's predecessor unit, the 49th Fighter Group, operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater as part of the Fifth Air Force. The group earned three Distinguished Unit Citations (DUC) for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat in numerous campaigns between 1942 and 1945. During the Korean War, the unit initially covered the evacuation of civilian personnel from Kimpo and Suwon in 1950, later flying missions in support of UN ground forces, hitting gun positions, troop concentrations, and other objectives until the 1953 Armistice, remaining in South Korea for a time afterward.

During the modern era, 49th Operations group F-117A Stealth fighters were engaged in combat during Operation Allied Force in 1997, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

The 49th Operations Group (Tail Code: "HO") supports national security objectives, as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, by utilizing the Air Force's F-22A Raptor Stealth Fighter aircraft and in training U.S. Air Force and allied aircrews in F-22A and T-38 transition, instructor and fighter weapons instructor. The group also conducts training using the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.

Units of the 49th Operations Group are:

With the advent of World War II, the group moved to Australia and became part of Fifth Air Force in January 1942. It was re-designated as the 49th Fighter Group in May 1942. The unit received Curtiss P-40 Warhawks in Australia and, after training for a short time, provided air defense for the Northern Territory, being awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat while operating with limited materiel and facilities for the period March–August 1942.