8th Fighter Squadron

8th Fighter Squadron
F-22A block 20 04-407, 8th FS taxiing at Holloman AFB on the afternoon of December 21st, 2009
Active	15 January 1941 - 16 May 2008 25 September 2009 – 19 May 2011.
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Squadron
Role	Air Supremecy
Nickname(s)	The Black Sheep
Engagements	World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) Korean War Kosovo Campaign Operation Iraqi Freedom 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
8th Fighter Squadron emblem

The 8th Fighter Squadron (8 FS) is an inactive United States Air Force squadron, last assigned to the 49th Operations Group, stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The squadron was inactivated on 19 May 2011.

The 8th Fighter Squadron traces its origins to the formation of the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) at Selfridge Field, Michigan on 20 November 1940. The 8th Pursuit Squadron was equipped with Seversky P-35s that were transferred from the 1st Pursuit Group that departed to Rockwell Field, California. In May 1941, the squadron proceeded to Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida, to train in the Curtiss P-40 fighter.

With the advent of World War II, the squadron moved to Australia and became part of Fifth Air Force in January 1942. It was re-designated as the 8th Fighter Squadron 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.

The squadron moved to New Guinea in October 1942 to help stall the Japanese drive southward from Buna to Port Moresby. Engaged primarily in air defense of Port Moresby; also escorted bombers and transports, and attacked enemy installations, supply lines, and troop concentrations in support of Allied ground forces.

The 8th participated in the Allied offensive that pushed the Japanese back along the Kokoda Track, took part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in March 1943, fought for control of the approaches to Huon Gulf, and supported ground forces during the campaign in which the Allies eventually recovered New Guinea. It covered the landings on Noemfoor and had a part in. the conquest of Biak.

It was during this time that the 8th acquired their colorful name "The Black Sheep" Squadron. While the 7th and 9th squadrons received new aircraft, the 8th received the older aircraft being replaced by the other squadrons. Unhappy with being last on the supply line and not liking the unlucky "Eightballs" name caused the pilots to begin calling the 8th “The Black Sheep" Squadron. The name stuck and a Disney artist designed the distinctive logo. After having used Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, Curtiss P-40 Warhawks and Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, the 8th was equipped completely in September 1944 with P-38's, which were used to fly long-range escort and attack missions to Mindanao, Halmahera, Seram, and Borneo. The unit arrived in the Philippines in October 1944, shortly after the assault landings on Leyte and engaged enemy fighters, attacked shipping in Ormoc Bay, supported ground forces, and covered the Allied invasion of Luzon.