87th Flying Training Squadron

87th Flying Training Squadron
87th Flying Training Squadron T-38s flying over Laughlin AFB
Active	1917-1918; 1935-1936; 1942-1947; 1952-1955; 1956-1985; 1990-Present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Pilot Training
Part of	Air Education and Training Command 19th Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing 47th Operations Group
Garrison/HQ	Laughlin Air Force Base
Motto(s)	Vigilantia est Pax Latin Vigilance is Peace
Engagements	World War II *North African Campaign *Operation Husky * Operation Avalanche *Italian Campaign *Operation Dragoon
Insignia
87th Flying Training Squadron emblem (approved 12 February 1969)

The 87th Flying Training Squadron (87 FTS) is part of the United States Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing based at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. It operates T-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.

The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 18 August 1917 when it was organized at Selfridge Field, Mount Clemens, Michigan as a pilot training Squadron during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the Air Defense Command (ADC/ADCOM) during the Cold War.

It was activated as the 87th Aero Squadron; the 87th saw brief service in the 1910s and again in the 1930s.

It was reactivated in 1942 when it was transferred to North Africa to fight against Germany's Afrika Korps. Following the German defeat and withdrawal from North Africa the 87th participated in the Allied Invasion of Sicily and Invasion of Italy and subsequent drive up the Italian Peninsula. During the Allied offensive in Italy the squadron was briefly dispatched to support the invasion of Southern France in 1944. Following the war the 87th was stationed in Austria for a short time before its return to the United States and inactivation.

The 87th was again activated at Sioux City Municipal Airport, Iowa in 1952 to provide air defense of the central United States. Equipped with the F-51D Mustang, it was later equipped with the F-86D Sabre Interceptor in 1953 prior to being reassigned to USAFE, stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England in 1954 assisting in the air defense of the United Kingdom.