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49th Wing
49th Wing converted to MQ-9 Reapers in 2008
Active1948–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
TypeWing
RoleRemotely Piloted Vehicle
Part ofAir Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQHolloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
MottosTUTOR ET ULTOR Latin I Protect and Avenge[1]
Engagements[2]
Korean War

Vietnam War[2]
[citation needed]
1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait)[citation needed]
[citation needed]
Operation Northern/Southern Watch[citation needed]

Operation Allied Force[citation needed]

Global War on Terrorism[citation needed]
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device

Air Force Meritorious Unit Award

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (6x)

Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (2x)[2]
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel John T. Ethridge
Vice CommanderColonel Alfred J. Rosales
Command ChiefChief Master Sergeant William G. Ford
Notable
commanders		Bruce Carlson
William L. Kirk
Lloyd W. Newton
Edwin A. Doss
Insignia
49th Wing emblem (approved 10 October 1995)[2]
49th Tactical Fighter Wing emblem (approved 2 July 1959)[1]

The 49th Wing is a remotely piloted vehicle wing of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to Nineteenth Air Force, Air Education and Training Command. It is stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The wing has fought during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and NATO-led Operation Allied Force over Kosovo.[3]

The wing provides combat-ready Airmen training MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. It deploys combat-ready and mission-support forces supporting Air Expeditionary Force operations, peacetime contingencies; provides host base support to over 4,600 personnel, including hosting the 54th Fighter Group's F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot training mission, the 96th Test Group's high-speed test track mission, and the German Air Force Flying Training Unit.

Units

[edit]
The 49th Operations Group trains MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators.[4]
49th Operations Support Squadron
6th Attack Squadron (MQ-9)
9th Attack Squadron (MQ-9)
16th Training Squadron (MQ-9)
29th Attack Squadron (MQ-9)
491st Attack Squadron (MQ-9)
492d Attack Squadron (MQ-9)
  • 49th Maintenance Group
The 49th Maintenance Group maintains aircraft, propulsion, avionics and accessory systems for the MQ-9 aircraft. The group also directs all maintenance, qualification, on-the-job and ancillary training for over 1,200 people.[4]
  • 49th Mission Support Group
The 49th Mission Support Group provides a wide spectrum of support services for wing and tenant organizations – these include military and civilian personnel support, maintenance of facility and utility systems, security police duties, communication capabilities, and family leisure programs for Holloman AFB.[4]
  • 49th Materiel Maintenance Group
The 49th Materiel Maintenance Group is responsible for the storage, inspection, repair, deployment and accountability of bare base assets belonging to Air Combat Command. The group's 431 authorized personnel encompass 42 Air Force specialties and are responsible for bare base assets worth over $234 million dollars.[4]
  • 49th Medical Group
The 49th Medical Group's mission is to sustain and enhance a culture of safety, maximize combat readiness, enhance access to quality patient care, and develop our Airmen and staff.[4]

History

[edit]
For additional history and lineage, see 49th Operations Group

Origins

[edit]

The history of the 49th Wing begins with its activation at Misawa Air Base, Japan on 10 August 1948. With the end of World War II, the United States Army 32d Engineering Construction Group under the command of Captain Davis K. Stark occupied and began rebuilding the former Imperial Japanese Navy Air Base at Misawa, Japan. In January 1946, the 49th Fighter Group became the first United States Army Air Forces unit assigned to the rebuilt base. In 1948, with the adoption of the Hobson Plan, the United States Air Force 49th Fighter Wing was activated, with the 49th Fighter Group as its combat group.[5]

The initial mission of the 49th Fighter Wing was the air defense of Northern Honshu and Hokkaido. Its 7th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Squadron and 9th Fighter Squadrons were initially equipped with P-51D Mustangs, later being upgraded to the new F-80C Shooting Star jet fighter.[5]

Korean War

[edit]
F-84G-25-RE Thunderjet serial 52-3249 of the 9th Fighter-Bomber Squadron being refueled over Korea, 1953

With the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing was one of the first USAF units dispatched to Korea from Japan, its tactical squadrons began operations with P-51D Mustangs. Initially under its parent wing, the 49th was reassigned to the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing during July through September, and finally the 6149th Tactical Support Wing during October and November 1950. Korean War squadrons of the 49th were the 7th, 8th and 9th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons.[5]

The 49th's first task in South Korea was to cover the evacuation of civilians from Kimpo and Suwon. Next, it flew close air support missions to help slow the advancing North Korean armies. Later, it turned to the interdiction of enemy troops, supplies and communications.[5]

Phasing out its F-51s for Lockheed F-80C Shooting Stars jets, the 49th FBW moved to Taegu AB (K-2) on 1 October 1950, becoming the first jet fighter outfit to operate from bases in South Korea. It received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its combat operations during the first five months of the war.[5]

When the Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) Intervention Campaign gained momentum in 1950–1951, the group again concentrated on ground support missions. It converted to Republic F-84G Thunderjets, June–September 1951, one squadron at a time, while the others continued combat operations. The 49th FBG earned another DUC for its contribution to the success of the 1st UN Counteroffensive Campaign (1951). Afterwards, it engaged primarily in air interdiction operations against the main enemy channel of transportation, the roads and railroads between Pyongyang and Sinuiju. Also, it flew close air support missions for the ground forces and attacked high-value targets, including the Sui-ho hydroelectric plants in June 1952 and the Kumgang Political School in October 1952.[5]

On 27 July 1953, the 49th FBG joined the 58th FBG to bomb Sunan Airfield for the final action of F-84 fighter-bombers during the Korean War. The unit was one of the most decorated Air Force units in the war, having earned two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit citations and another eight battle honors. Such accomplishments earned the wing a niche in United States Air Force history.[5]

The wing remained in Korea for a time after the armistice. It was reassigned to Misawa AB, Japan on 2 November 1953 and provided air defense for Japan through 1957.[5]

United States Air Forces in Europe

[edit]

On 15 April 1957 the detached 49 Fighter-Bomber Group became a paper unit, and the wing assumed the fighter-bomber mission the group had been performing, continuing it to 15 September 1957, when the wing prepared to move to Europe. Worldwide DOD Budget restrictions during FY 1958 affected PACAF as well as USAFE and the 49th FBW based in Japan had to be retired.[6]

North American F-100D-40-NH Super Sabre Serial 55-2760 assigned to the 8th TFS/49th TFW
Republic F-105F-1-RE Thunderchief Serial 63-8311 of the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. During the Vietnam War, this aircraft was modified to the F-105G "Wild Weasel" configuration.

The 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing was reassigned to Etain-Rouvres Air Base, France where it absorbed the assets of the former host unit, the 388th FBW. As the 388th was originally formed in December 1942, and the 49th was formed in November 1940, the older wing's heritage was preserved by transferring its lineage to Etain. The transfer was a strict designation change with no personnel, equipment or aircraft being transferred. All 388th FBW wing units, personnel, equipment and aircraft were redesignated to the 49th FBW and the mission of the 49th FBW was exactly the same as the 388th's. The fighter squadrons were redesignated the 7th, 8th and 9th Fighter-bomber Squadrons.[6]

The stay of the 49th in France was short, as in 1957, the French Government decreed that all nuclear weapons and delivery aircraft had to be removed from French soil by July 1958. As a result, the F-100s of the 49th TFW had to be removed from France.[6]

On 25 August 1959, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing moved to Spangdahlem AB from the Etain-Rouvres Air Base, France, and assumed host unit duties.[7]

On 8 July 1958 the name of the wing was changed to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing as a result of an Air Force wide redesignation. Its squadrons were renamed Tactical Fighter Squadrons. On 25 August 1959, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing relocated to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany and assumed host unit duties, replacing the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing which was moved to RAF Alconbury England. Tactical Fighger Squadrons of the 49th TFW at Spangdahlem were the 7th, 8th and 9th.[7]

The 49 TFW flew F-100s until 1961 when it converted to the Republic F-105D/F Thunderchief, commonly known as the "Thud". The 49th TFW was only the third USAF unit to operate the F-105. The 49th received two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for F-105 operations at Spangdahlem. On 9 March 1967, the Wing began receiving the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II.[7]

In the late 1960s, the Defense Budget began to be squeezed by the costs of the ongoing Vietnam War. Secretary of Defense Robert MacNamara decided to reduce costs in Europe by "Dual Basing" United States military units in Europe by returning them permanently to the United States, and conducting annual deployment exercises in Europe, giving the units a NATO commitment for deployment to bases in Europe if tensions with the Soviet Union warranted an immediate military buildup. The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing was returned to the United States under this policy, being reassigned on 1 July 1968 to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, to serve as the US Air Force’s first dual-based, NATO-committed wing.[7]

Holloman Air Force Base

[edit]
McDonnell F-4D Phantom 66-7640 of the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1975, photo taken at Ramstein Air Base, West Germany during a NATO deployment
F-4D Phantom 66-7745 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron

At Holloman, the wing continued participation in tactical exercises and firepower demonstrations to maintain combat readiness. It had base host responsibility 1 January 1971 – 1 August 1977 and 15 November 1991 to the present. In the autumn of 1971 the wing's four tactical squadrons deployed in Europe.[5]

In 1969, the wing participated in its first dual-basing exercise, Crested Cap I, deploying 2,000 personnel and 72 aircraft to NATO bases in Europe. Also in 1969, the 49th earned the coveted MacKay Trophy for the "most meritorious flight of the year," for the redeployment from Germany to Holloman after Crested Cap II. The MacKay Trophy recognized the 49th for the fastest non-stop deployment of jet aircraft accomplished by a wing's entire fleet.[5]

Operation Constant Guard III

[edit]

On 4 May 1972, after North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam, the entire wing, except for a rear echelon that remained to run Holloman, deployed at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Operation Constant Guard III, ordered in response to the North Vietnamese invasion, was the largest movement that the Tactical Air Command (TAC) had ever performed. In nine days, the 49th TFW deployed 72 F-4D Phantom IIs from Holloman to Takhli. The move included more than 3,000 personnel and 1,600 tons of cargo. Airmen arriving reported that Takhli was a mess, with missing or broken plumbing fixtures, no hot water, and no drinking water – that had to be trucked in from Korat every day. Bed frames had been thrown out of the hootches into the high snake-infested grass, and mattresses or bedding consisted of sleeping bags at best.

The 49th flew combat sorties in South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos from 1 July – 24 September 1972 during Operation Linebacker, the bombardment campaign in North Vietnam. During this deployment, Operation Constant Guard, the 49th flew more than 21,000 combat hours over just about every battle zone from An Lộc to vital installations in the Hanoi vicinity. During five months of combat, the wing did not lose any aircraft or personnel. The unit officially closed out its Southwest Asia duty 6 October 1972, receiving an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device for its participation.[5]

The wing returned to Holloman Air Force Base in early October 1972, and continued rotating tactical components to Europe to support NATO through September 1977. It also provided USAF fighter lead-in training from February 1974 – December 1976.

F-15 Eagle era

[edit]
McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle 77-0116 of the 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1980.
F-15A Eagle 77-0110 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron

In October 1977, the wing ended its "dual-base" commitment to NATO and changed to an air superiority mission with the wing beginning a conversion from the F-4D Phantom II to the F-15A Eagle; the 49th being the second USAF operational wing to receive the F-15A. Capt Thomas Vanderheyden was the initial pilot to start F-15 conversion. The transition was completed 4 June 1978.

Due to the change in equipment, the annual NATO deployments were taken over by the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB, in 1978, however they resumed (although not on an annual basis) in 1981 when the 49th deployed to Ålborg AB, Denmark in August. NATO deployments to various bases in Western Europe ended in 1990. Training was refocused on dissimilar air combat tactics for multi-theater operations.[5]

History was made during February 1980, when two pilots from the 49th each flew their F-15s, 6,200 miles (10,000 km) in just over 14 hours, establishing a record for the longest flight of a single-seat fighter aircraft. Major "Stormy" Summers and Capt "Vmax" Vanderheyden had six aerial refuelings, proving the global power of the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. In July 1980, the wing acquired the commitment of a primary Rapid Deployment Force unit. This tasking, which lasted for a year, required the wing to be ready to deploy its aircraft, crews, and support personnel on short notice. The wing served with the Rapid Deployment Force until July 1981, when the tasking was transferred to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.[5]

The 49th won the 1988 William Tell air-to-air meet. The wing outdistanced the nearest competitor by more than 2,000 points. The 49th won a variety of awards, including the coveted "Top Gun" for best fighter pilot. It deployed aircraft and personnel to Southwest Asia to fly combat air patrol for coalition operations from 20 June – 19 December 1991.[5]

With the introduction of the F-15C Eagle in the mid-1980s, the upgraded Eagle began replacing the F-15A/Bs in service with all of the USAF units that had previously been operating the Eagle with the exception of the 49th TFW. By the time of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the F-15A Eagles at Holloman had been relegated to a training role; combat deployments of the Eagle were the purview of F-15C units.

F-117 Nighthawk era

[edit]
F-117A Nighthawks of the 49th Operations Group at Holloman AFB, taken shortly after their arrival from Tonopah Airport, Nevada in 1992
German Air Force F-4F Phantom II 72-1261, flown by the 20th Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB. The Phantoms were flown until 2004; today the German Air Force operates Panavia Tornado IDS and Eurofighter Typhoon interceptors from Holloman

In 1992, the 49th underwent a number of transitions. As a result of the end of the Cold War, reduced defense budgets were the order of the day. In reviewing its tactical bases and the costs of maintaining them, the Air Force wanted to retire the F-15As at Holloman, most of which were manufactured in the mid 1970s and were costing more and more to operate.[5]

Also as part of the review of all of its bases, the Air Force wanted to move its F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighters of the 37th Fighter Wing out Tonopah Test Range Airport, Nevada, due to the high operating costs of operating the base in its remote location. As a result, Holloman AFB was chosen to be the new home of the F-117A and to retire the F-15A Eagles. Plans were put in place to construct suitable facilities for the F-117A at Holloman.[5]

There was also debate about which unit designation would be adopted at Holloman. The 37th FW was a senior organization to the 49th FW, and initially it was announced that the 49th FW would be inactivated and the 37th would become the new host unit at Holloman. This was changed when General Merrill McPeak, USAF Chief of Staff, determined that the 49th had a more notable history than the 37th, and would remain active while the 37th FW would be inactivated.[5]

As a result, the last F-15A Eagle departed Holloman 5 June 1992, ending 14 years of Eagle operations. On 9 May 1992, four F-117A stealth fighters from Tonopah arrived at Holloman with the 49th Fighter Wing taking over as the only stealth fighter wing in the world. Also, German Air Force F-4F Phantom IIs training was transferred to Holloman, from the closing George AFB, California, the mission being assigned to the 9th Fighter Squadron, in May 1992 (the 9th became an F-117A squadron in July 1993, GAF training being assigned to the re-activated 20th Fighter Squadron).[5]

After conversion to the F-117A in May 1992, The 49th deployed fighters and their crews to Southwest Asia during the 1990s as part of Operation Southern Watch to support United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq, to enforce the no-fly zone over the southern part of that country, and for shows of force.[5]

Operation Allied Force
[edit]
An F-117 Nighthawk taxis out for take off from Aviano Air Base, Italy, for an air strike mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force on 24 March 1999

In early 1999, the wing deployed F-117 and their crews to Aviano Air Base, Italy and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany from 21 February – 1 July 1999, in support of Operation Allied Force, the NATO attempt to stop ethnic cleansing in Kosovo in the former nation of Yugoslavia. In the opening phase of the operation, aimed primarily at Yugoslavia's integrated air defense system, NATO air forces conducted more than 400 sorties. During the first two night attacks, allied air forces struck 90 targets throughout Yugoslavia and in Kosovo. F-117 Nighthawks from the 8th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron participated in air strikes against targets in the Balkans during NATO operations bravely trusting in their aircraft's low observable technology struck some of the most valuable and highly guarded targets in Serbia. The F-117s successfully penetrated the heavily defended areas, which conventional aircraft could not reach.[5]

One F-117 fighter was lost over Yugoslavia on 27 March 1999, apparently struck by a salvo of SA-3 Goa surface-to-air missiles. Unknown to NATO, Yugoslav air defenses operators had found they could detect F-117s with their "obsolete" Soviet radars after some modifications that could detect the aircraft when their wheels were down or bomb bay doors were open. A US search and rescue team picked up the pilot several hours after the F-117 went down outside Belgrade. This was the first and so far the only F-117 to have been lost in action. On 1 April 1999, Defense Secretary William Cohen directed 12 more F-117 stealth fighters to join NATO Operation Allied Force, to join the total of 24 F-117s that were participating in NATO Operation Allied Force.[5]

Operation Iraqi Freedom
[edit]

People, airplanes, and equipment of the 49th Fighter Wing played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The wing's F-117s played a major role, dropping the first bombs against an Iraqi leadership target in Baghdad on 19 March 2003.[5]

Deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, on the opening night of the invasion, fresh intelligence was received that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was staying at a specific bunker for the night. USAF planners had a rare opportunity to kill the elusive Iraqi leader. It was reasoned that might bring down his regime without war. The F-117s would carry the new GPS-guided EGBU-27 precision guided bomb. The problem was it had never been used in combat and the weapons had arrived at Al Udeid a mere 24 hours earlier.[8]

An F-117 and F-15s prepare to fly from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during Operation Enduring Freedom

Combat preparation of the fighters began immediately. The F-117s had to take off as soon as possible. Two stealth fighters roared northward into the nighttime sky at 3:38 a.m. After refueling over the Gulf near Kuwait City, the stealth fighters split up and took separate routes over Iraq to the target area. The sun was starting to come up by the time the pilots reached Baghdad, however on that morning Baghdad was obscured under low-level clouds. Each of the two F-117s released two bombs, which plummeted toward the bunker in which Saddam Hussein was believed to be sleeping. Release came at 5:30 a.m., 13 minutes after dawn but only five hours after the pilots first heard that such a mission might be in the offing. The strike caught Iraqi defenses completely off guard. Defensive anti-aircraft fire did not begin until the aircraft had completed the attack and were racing out of the Baghdad area.[8]

Saddam Hussein was not in the bunker. But the EGBU-27 immediately became the F-117’s premier weapon. According to Air Force data, 98 of them were delivered during the conflict, compared to only 11 of the traditional, predominantly laser versions.[8] During Operation Iraqi Freedom, F-117 pilots flew more than 80 missions and dropped nearly 100 enhanced guided bomb units against key targets. Approximately 300 people deployed with the air package and provided direct support to the F-117 mission.[5]

Hurricane Katrina
[edit]
7th Fighter Squadron F-117A making a flyover of Holloman AFB, New Mexico, 2005

The 49th continued to demonstrated its versatility, when on 3 September 2005, the wing answered a humanitarian call from the gulf coast area of the United States. Responding to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the wing deployed fifty-nine Airmen from the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group as part of Joint Task Force Katrina. The BEAR Base team sent 120 short tons of cargo and built a tent city and housekeeping facilities for workers providing Hurricane Katrina relief operations.[5]

In 2006, the Air Force announced that Holloman would cease to be the home of the F-117A Nighthawk, coinciding with the announcement that the aircraft was set to be retired from service by 2008. Shortly thereafter, it was announced Holloman was one of the preferred bases to receive the F-22A Raptor.[5]

In the meantime, preparation for the F-117A retirement and the arrival of the F-22 ensued and the base partook in a well-known sideline project. It came about in May 2006, when the 49th Fighter Wing commander, Air Force Public Affairs and Department of Defense representatives announced the filming of the motion picture film, "Transformers," at Holloman. The 49th Fighter Wing's F-117s were pictured prominently in the movie, both as static backgrounds and as taxiing aircraft. The aircraft's big motion picture debut came in June 2007 when the film was released in theaters worldwide. Members of the 49th FW were treated to a special pre-release screen where director, Michael Bay, presented Holloman with an "Oscar" for the base's role.[5]

Raptor operations

[edit]
Lockheed Martin F-22A Block 20 Raptor 04-4072 at Holloman AFB, 2013

The next year brought major changes to the 49th Fighter Wing. On 2 June 2008, the first two F-22s were flown to Holloman, marking the day as an important date in the wing's history. The 5th generation fighter aircraft was officially welcomed during a Total Force Integration Announcement Ceremony, 6 June 2008, attended by then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley.[5]

The ceremony served a dual purpose: to welcome the new airframe and to announce that the Air Force Reserve's 301st Fighter Squadron from Luke AFB, Ariz., would come to Holloman to form a classic association with the 7th and 8th Fighter Squadrons. The Total Force Integration between active-duty and reserve Airmen would later be official with the stand up of the 44th Fighter Group, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 301st Fighter Squadron on 9 April 2010.[5]

An Air Force announcement in July 2009 brought another vital mission to the wing. Holloman was selected as a new location for an additional Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Formal Training Unit, allowing the base to once again move to the forefront of unmanned aerial vehicle technology as it had in the past. The 49th Fighter Wing FTU would become the Air Force's second MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Formal Training Unit. On 26 Oct. 2009, three RPA squadrons officially stood up under the 49th Fighter Wing—the 29th Attack Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron and 16th Training Squadron—along with the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, charged with maintaining Holloman's RPAs.[5]

8th Reconnaissance Squadron General Atomics MQ-1 Predator 08-0226.
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

In early 2010, the 49th Fighter Wing again exemplified its ability to respond in a moment's notice when a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the country of Haiti, leaving thousands dead and many more homeless. Units from across the base were tasked to prepare personnel and assets to deploy in the relief effort, later known as Operation United Response. The 49th Materiel Maintenance Group, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron and 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron worked around-the-clock to prepare potable water and equipment to send to the country.[5]

Additionally, the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was asked to provide two RQ-1 aircraft and a team of crew chiefs and avionics personnel to support the ongoing relief effort. Because it was primarily an RPA training squadron, this was the first time the 849th was tasked with a real-world mission. The contingent from Holloman teamed up with members from the 432nd Maintenance Group at Creech AFB, Nev., to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the troops on the ground assisting the Haitians.[5]

Even amongst ongoing Haiti relief operations, the 49th FW continued to support the war efforts down range. On 26 Feb. 2010, the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group began the movement of approximately 150 truckloads of assets, which were used to directly support joint and coalition forces in Afghanistan. Holloman's BEAR Base supplied 480,000 square feet of AM-2 matting that was used to expand the expeditionary aircraft operations throughout Afghanistan. The AM-2 matting provided was the equivalent of eight football fields and was valued at more than $15 million.[5]

Logisticians and engineers with the 49th also provided expeditionary base facilities and equipment to establish three 550-person encampments, valued at $10 million, for joint service forces in the area of responsibility.[5]

Also in February 2010, the 49th Fighter Wing was the host unit of Red Flag 10-3, an advanced aerial combat exercise where air crews from the U.S. and other allied nations trained in realistic aerial war scenarios at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.[5]

With the 49th Fighter Wing now supporting multiple unique missions, it was announced in early 2010 that the wing's name would change to the 49th Wing to more accurately portray the diverse wing. The designation from a fighter wing to a wing became official 25 June 2010, during a change of command ceremony where Col. David "Kooler" Krumm became the first 49th Wing commander.[5]

Transfer From F-22 Operations

[edit]

The first five F-22 Raptors left Holloman for Tyndall Air Force Base Florida, 6 Jan. with the final four-ship tactical sortie being flown on 20 Feb. Holloman bid farewell to its final Raptor when it depart for Tyndall on 8 April 2014.[1]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Established as the 49th Fighter Wing on 10 August 1948
Activated on 18 August 1948
Redesignated 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 1 February 1950
Redesignated 49th Tactical Fighter Wing on 8 July 1958
Redesignated 49th Fighter Wing on 1 October 1991
Redesignated 49th Wing on 30 June 2010[2]

Assignments

[edit]

Components

[edit]
Groups
  • 49th Fighter Group (later 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, 49th Operations Group): 18 August 1948 – 10 December 1957, 15 November 1991 – present
Detached 9 July-30 November 1950, 16–31 March 1953, 2 November 1953 – 15 April 1957
Battalions
  • 76th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion: attached 5-c. 25 January 1951
  • 753d Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion: attached c. September-c. November 1950
  • 865th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion: attached c. September-c. 30 November 1950[2]
Squadrons
Batteries
  • Battery A, 76th AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion: attached 1–25 Jan 1951
  • Battery A, 933d AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion: attached 18 Dec 1950 – 5 Jan 1951
Flights

Stations

[edit]
Coronet Exercises
During the 1980s and 1990s the 49 TFW made several "Coronet" deployments to Collocated Operating Bases (COB) in the Netherlands;[9]
  • In May and June 1986, 7 TFS deployed with twelve F-15A/B Eagles as part of Coronet Mescalero to Gilze-Rijen air base, while 9 TFS deployed to Soesterberg air base (Camp New Amsterdam) at the same time;
  • In May and June 1987, 8 TFS deployed with the F-15A Eagle as part of Coronet Scout to Gilze-Rijen AB;
  • In June and July 1990, 7 TFS deployed with twelve F-15A/B Eagles as part of Coronet Bullet to Gilze-Rijen AB;
  • In June and July 1990, 8 TFS deployed with twelve F-15A/B Eagles as part of Coronet Shooter to Gilze-Rijen AB;
  • In June and July 1993, 415 FS, part of the renamed 49 Fighter Wing, deployed with eight F-117A Nighthawks as part of Coronet Havoc to Gilze-Rijen AB. This was the first time the F-117A Nighthawk deployed for an exercise to the European theater, and only the second time the Stealth jet deployed for an exercise outside the United States.

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

49th Wing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

The 49th Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command, headquartered at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, where it serves as the primary training schoolhouse for F-16 Viper pilots and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft crews, annually preparing over 150 fighter pilots and 700 Reaper operators and sensor operators for combat missions worldwide.
Originally constituted as the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on November 20, 1940, and activated on January 15, 1941, at Selfridge Field, Michigan, the wing achieved distinction in World War II by destroying 678 enemy aircraft during operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945.
It participated in subsequent conflicts including the Korean War with F-51 Mustangs and F-80 Shooting Stars, the Vietnam War era with F-4 Phantoms, and post-Cold War operations such as Desert Storm and Allied Force, while pioneering advancements like operating the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter and setting records such as the longest non-stop F-15 flight in 1980.
Redesignated as the 49th Wing in 2010, it has earned numerous unit awards including the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award for exemplary performance in support of national security objectives.

Mission and Organization

Current Mission and Training Focus

The 49th Wing, stationed at , , serves as the U.S. Air Force's premier organization for F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and the sole formal unit for MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. Its core mission focuses on producing combat-ready aircrew capable of executing worldwide operations in support of objectives. This encompasses advanced flight instruction, mission , and integration of manned and unmanned systems to prepare personnel for real-world contingencies. Training activities emphasize Agile Combat Employment (ACE) principles, as demonstrated in recurring exercises like Project Iron Agility, which integrate F-16 and MQ-9 operations with logistics and deployment simulations to enhance rapid response capabilities. The wing annually graduates hundreds of aircrew members, ensuring a steady supply of qualified operators for units. Recent developments, including a new MQ-9 training facility opened in June 2025, underscore ongoing commitments to modernizing instruction for remotely piloted aircraft. The wing's focus extends to fostering multi-capable airmen through maintainers and operators, enabling flexible support in austere environments. This approach aligns with broader priorities for expeditionary readiness, incorporating Air Transportable Clinics and basic airfield resources to simulate deployed conditions. By prioritizing empirical performance metrics and first-hand operational feedback, the 49th Wing maintains high standards in proficiency without reliance on unverified institutional narratives.

Base Location and Command Structure

The 49th Wing is stationed at , located in , approximately six miles southwest of Alamogordo. The base, established in 1942 as Alamogordo Army Air Field, supports the wing's diverse missions including advanced fighter training and remotely piloted aircraft operations, leveraging its proximity to the for testing and evaluation activities. As the host unit at Holloman AFB, the 49th Wing oversees base operations and infrastructure while maintaining combat readiness for its assigned aircraft fleets. The wing reports to the , a under (AETC), following a realignment from effective September 28, 2018. This shift emphasized the wing's growing role in formal training programs for F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and MQ-9 Reaper aircrews, aligning with AETC's mandate to develop warfighters. In May 2023, the 49th Wing implemented an A-staff , becoming one of the first three AETC wings to adopt this model, which standardizes functions for improved efficiency in training oversight and . This structure includes directorates for operations, , , and personnel, directly supporting the wing's commander's authority over subordinate groups such as the 49th Operations Group and 49th Maintenance Group.

Subordinate Units and Squadrons

The 49th Wing's subordinate structure includes four primary groups: the 49th Operations Group, 49th Maintenance Group, 49th Mission Support Group, and 49th Medical Group, which collectively support the wing's focus on MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft training and operations at , . These groups align with standard U.S. wing organization, providing operational, logistical, support, and medical functions under the wing commander's authority. The 49th Operations Group directs the wing's core flying and training activities, commanding four squadrons equipped for MQ-9 Reaper missions. The 6th Attack Squadron, 9th Attack Squadron, and 29th Attack Squadron conduct formal training for MQ-9 aircrew and sensor operators, making the group the U.S. Air Force's largest such unit as of 2025. The 16th Training Squadron handles initial and advanced skills training for remotely piloted aircraft operations. Supporting these are elements of the 49th Operations Support Squadron, which includes flights for airfield management, weather forecasting, aircrew flight equipment, and radar approach control at White Sands Missile Range. The 49th Maintenance Group ensures aircraft readiness through repair, munitions handling, and maintenance for the MQ-9 fleet, including specialized and software integration critical to unmanned systems. It comprises squadrons focused on munitions, , and aircraft maintenance, enabling the wing's high sortie rates in training exercises. The 49th Mission Support Group manages base infrastructure, security, logistics, and civil engineering, with squadrons providing services like facility maintenance, force protection, and contracting to sustain operations amid the base's remote desert environment. The 49th Civil Engineer Squadron specifically prepares infrastructure for contingency deployments and maintains runways and hangars essential for MQ-9 ground control stations. The 49th Medical Group delivers healthcare, , and aeromedical support tailored to demands, including simulation-based training for high-altitude and remote operations health risks. These groups operate under the wing's A-staff structure implemented in April 2023, which streamlines administrative oversight without altering subordinate command lines.

Historical Development

Formation and World War II Origins

The 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) was constituted on 20 November 1940 as part of the pre- expansion of the and activated on 15 January 1941 at Selfridge Field, Michigan. Initial training focused on air interception tactics using fighters, with the group comprising the 7th, 8th, and 9th Pursuit Squadrons under the command of Major Glen D. Davasher. This activation positioned the unit among the early fighter organizations prepared for potential combat deployment, emphasizing defensive interceptor roles in anticipation of global conflict. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, the group rapidly transitioned to overseas deployment, arriving in between January and February 1942 as one of the first U.S. fighter units in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Assigned to the , it was redesignated the 49th Fighter Group on 15 May 1942 and conducted its first combat missions in March 1942 from bases near Darwin and later Williamstown, , providing air cover against Japanese incursions. Operations expanded to offensive sweeps, , and in and surrounding islands, contributing to Allied efforts to halt Japanese advances in the region. Throughout the war, the group transitioned aircraft types to adapt to evolving tactical needs, initially operating Curtiss P-40 Warhawks for ground attack and escort missions before shifting to Lockheed P-38 Lightnings for long-range interception and Republic P-47 Thunderbolts for low-level strikes. By 1944, it had participated in major campaigns including the and advances toward the , accumulating over 500 aerial victories while supporting ground forces in rugged terrain. The unit's combat record underscored its role in pioneering aggressive fighter tactics in the Pacific, though it faced challenges from superior Japanese numbers early on, relying on pilot skill and coordination with Allied bombers. The group was inactivated in late 1945 after Japan's surrender, but its lineage formed the basis for postwar reactivation as the 49th Fighter Wing in 1948.

Korean War Combat Operations

The 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, redesignated from the 49th Fighter Group in February 1950, responded to the North Korean invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950, by deploying its subordinate 49th Fighter-Bomber Group from bases in Japan. Initially equipped with F-51 Mustang propeller-driven fighters, the group's pilots conducted close air support and interdiction missions, including covering the evacuation of civilians and military personnel from airfields such as Gimpo and Suwon in the early days of the conflict. These operations marked the wing's entry into combat, supporting United Nations forces during the initial retreats south of the Han River. Transitioning to jet aircraft, the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group phased out F-51s for F-80 Shooting Stars and relocated to Taegu Air Base (K-2) in on October 1, 1950, becoming the first U.S. jet fighter unit to operate from bases within the peninsula. The wing provided air defense for until December 1, 1950, when it fully committed to forward operations at Taegu, conducting thousands of sorties for , armed reconnaissance, and bombing rail and supply targets north of the 38th parallel. By early 1951, temporary relocations to occurred due to operational demands, but the unit returned to Taegu in February, later equipping with F-84 Thunderjets for enhanced strike capabilities against enemy infrastructure and troop concentrations. The wing participated in all eight Korean War campaigns, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for intense combat operations from June to November 1950, including pioneering jet tactics under challenging conditions. On April 1, 1953, it shifted to , continuing F-84 missions until the , with the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group joining the 58th in bombing Sunan Airfield on July 27, 1953, as one of the final F-84 strikes of the war. For its contributions from June 1950 to March 1953, the wing received two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, recognizing its role in halting enemy advances and supporting ground offensives.

Post-Korea Realignments and European Service

Following the Korean War armistice on July 27, 1953, the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, having relocated within Korea during the conflict, returned to operations in Japan, maintaining its station at Misawa Air Base until 1957 as part of United States Air Forces Japan's commitments in the region. This period represented a realignment from combat deployments to peacetime deterrence postures amid escalating Cold War tensions in Asia. In 1957, after nearly a decade of continuous service in Asia since its activation, the wing underwent a major realignment, transferring to Etain-Rouvres Air Base (later redesignated Etain Air Base) in France to bolster NATO's tactical air capabilities in Western Europe. Concurrently, it transitioned from the North American F-86 Sabre to the supersonic Republic F-100 Super Sabre, enhancing its role in high-speed interception and ground attack missions. On July 8, 1958, the unit was redesignated the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, reflecting its evolving emphasis on versatile fighter-bomber operations under Tactical Air Command alignments. This redesignation coincided with ongoing adjustments in USAF European basing amid French military policies, leading to the wing's relocation on August 25, 1959, to Spangdahlem Air Base in West Germany, where it assumed host responsibilities and continued F-100 operations. At Spangdahlem, the wing supported NATO air defense and strike readiness, participating in exercises that simulated responses to potential Warsaw Pact threats. In 1961, it upgraded to the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, a supersonic fighter-bomber optimized for low-level penetration and nuclear delivery, aligning with USAFE's forward-deployed tactical nuclear deterrent strategy. The F-105 fleet enabled deeper strike capabilities, with the wing maintaining combat-ready squadrons for rapid reaction alerts. By 1967, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing transitioned to the McDonnell F-4D Phantom II, introducing advanced all-weather interception and multirole strike proficiency that dominated its remaining European tenure. Equipped with 72 F-4Ds, the wing conducted intensive training and alert duties, contributing to 's integrated air defense system along the . This era culminated in a strategic realignment on July 1, 1968, when the wing executed a mass ferry of its F-4D fleet from Spangdahlem to , —covering over 5,000 miles with 504 aerial refuelings—marking the end of its 11-year resident European service and the onset of dual-basing operations for rapid reinforcement of allies. The relocation, completed without incident, earned the wing the 1969 for the most meritorious flight of the year.

Relocation to Holloman AFB and Cold War Adaptations

In July 1968, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing completed its relocation from , , to , , marking the end of 26 years of continuous overseas assignments and initiating a new phase of stateside operations focused on rapid deployability. The administrative transfer occurred on 1 July, though physical movements began earlier, involving the wing's squadrons, personnel, and approximately 66 F-4D Phantom II aircraft in a mass unit redeployment that earned the 1969 for the most meritorious flight of the year. This relocation established the 49th TFW as the U.S. Air Force's first dual-based tactical fighter wing under the dual-basing concept, whereby units maintained a permanent U.S. footprint for training and cost efficiency while remaining committed to swift reinforcement of positions in during crises. The strategy aimed to balance fiscal constraints with deterrence against Soviet threats by enabling squadrons to deploy individually or en masse to forward bases, such as those in , for exercises or contingencies, thereby preserving without permanent overseas garrisons. Equipped primarily with F-4D Phantom IIs upon arrival—a supersonic, all-weather optimized for nuclear and conventional strike roles—the wing adapted its mission to emphasize tactical training, weapons delivery proficiency, and suppression of enemy air defenses in simulated scenarios. Operations at Holloman leveraged the base's expansive range facilities in the Tularosa Basin for high-volume sorties, fostering innovations in and interdiction tactics amid escalating tensions with the . Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the 49th TFW further adapted by incorporating multinational training, including instruction for pilots on the F-4F variant, enhancing interoperability and alliance cohesion. Periodic rotations to European theaters tested the dual-basing model's efficacy, with squadrons conducting alert postures and joint exercises to counter potential armored incursions, while infrastructure upgrades at Holloman supported evolving avionics and munitions integration for the Phantoms. These efforts sustained the wing's role in strategic deterrence until post-Cold War shifts.

Post-Cold War Transitions and Advanced Aircraft Eras

Following the end of the , the 49th Fighter Wing underwent significant realignment, redesignated on October 1, 1991, to reflect its evolving role in a post-Soviet threat environment. In May 1992, the wing transitioned to the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft, marking the introduction of low-observable technology to its operations at . This shift emphasized precision strikes and stealth capabilities, with the first F-117As arriving on May 9, 1992, replacing earlier F-16 Fighting Falcons and aligning with Air Force priorities for advanced tactical platforms. The F-117 era represented a pinnacle of advanced manned stealth aviation for the 49th Wing, enabling deployments in major contingencies. During Operation Allied Force in 1999, F-117s from the wing flew missions against Serbian targets from February 21 to July 1, though one aircraft was lost to enemy action on March 27. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, starting March 19, 2003, the wing's F-117s conducted over 80 sorties, delivering initial precision strikes on high-value targets in . These operations underscored the aircraft's role in suppressing enemy air defenses and enabling follow-on forces, with the 49th maintaining high mission-capable rates exceeding averages. By 2008, amid broader Air Force modernization efforts to fund platforms like the F-22 Raptor, the F-117 fleet was retired, with the 49th Wing's aircraft transitioning out of active service. The wing briefly operated F-22A Raptors from 2008 to 2014, deploying them to Southwest Asia from April 2012 to January 2013 for combat air patrols and deterrence missions. On June 25, 2010, the unit was redesignated the 49th Wing, signifying a pivot from traditional fighter operations. The post-F-117 period heralded the wing's entry into remotely piloted aircraft operations, beginning MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper training on October 23, 2009. This transition to unmanned systems focused on persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities, with the MQ-9 Reaper providing extended endurance over 27 hours per sortie and precision munitions integration. By 2014, following the F-22s' relocation to Tyndall AFB, the 49th emphasized MQ-9 formal training unit missions, alongside F-16 Viper training partnerships, adapting to expeditionary demands in and high-threat environments. The wing's current structure supports combat-ready MQ-9 operators, having graduated thousands since inception, while leveraging advanced simulators for rapid force generation.

Operational History and Deployments

Major Combat and Contingency Deployments

In May 1972, amid the North Vietnamese , the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed 72 F-4D Phantom IIs and approximately 2,300 personnel from to Takhli Base, , completing the movement in nine days. From May 10 to September 27, 1972, wing elements conducted sorties over , , , and , including participation in from July 1 to September 24. During this period, the wing accumulated over 21,000 hours without the loss of aircraft or personnel to enemy action. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighters from the 49th Fighter Wing's 8th and 9th Fighter Squadrons executed precision strikes, including the initial bombing runs on on January 19. These aircraft flew more than 1,200 sorties overall in the campaign, delivering laser-guided munitions with high accuracy against high-value targets, demonstrating the effectiveness of in suppressing Iraqi air defenses. In Operation Allied Force over in 1999, pilots from the 49th Fighter Wing's F-117 squadrons flew strike missions against Serbian military infrastructure, contributing to NATO's air campaign to compel Yugoslav withdrawal from the region. The wing's stealth assets targeted command and control sites, though one F-117 was lost to surface-to-air fire on March 27, with the pilot rescued. For Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the 49th Fighter Wing's F-117s again led initial strikes, dropping the first bombs on on March 19 and conducting over 80 missions while expending nearly 100 enhanced guided bomb units against leadership and strategic targets. The wing continued supporting combat operations in until the F-117's retirement in 2008, alongside deployments of personnel and support elements for broader Global War on Terrorism contingencies.

Training Missions and International Partnerships

The 49th Wing, stationed at , , executes formal training missions for F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crews, functioning as the U.S. Air Force's largest such unit. This encompasses instruction in advanced tactics, sensor operations, and mission execution to prepare personnel for high-threat environments. Training occurs through structured syllabi under , including simulator-based scenarios and live-flight sorties over the complex, emphasizing combat readiness and multi-domain integration. International partnerships form a core element of the wing's training mandate, with the 49th Operations Group providing instruction to allied aircrews in F-16 proficiency to enhance coalition interoperability. For MQ-9 operations, the wing supports foreign partners by integrating their personnel into U.S. formal training pipelines, as demonstrated in June 2024 when instructors from the 6th Attack Squadron assisted Royal Netherlands Air Force personnel in simulator and flight evaluations. Similarly, Italian Air Force members advanced their RPA skills at Holloman in 2025 through collaboration with the 29th Attack Squadron, focusing on NATO-aligned tactics for persistent surveillance and strike capabilities. These efforts extend to other NATO allies, including historical involvement from nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Spain, underscoring the wing's role in building collective defense capacity. Such partnerships prioritize verifiable skill transfer over symbolic gestures, leveraging Holloman's infrastructure for joint exercises that simulate real-world contingencies.

Achievements and Capabilities

Combat Records and Tactical Innovations

The 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, one of the earliest U.S. Air Force units to employ in sustained combat, relocated to Taegu Air Base, , on December 1, 1950, following initial operations from . It participated in all eight campaigns, conducting , armed reconnaissance, and interdiction missions against North Korean and Chinese forces using F-84 Thunderjets and F-80 Shooting Stars. The wing's pilots flew thousands of sorties, contributing to the disruption of enemy supply lines and ground operations, though specific aerial victory tallies for the wing in Korea remain less documented compared to predecessor units. During the Vietnam War era, the redesignated 49th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed its F-4 Phantom II squadrons to , flying combat sorties over , , and from bases including Takhli Base starting in 1972. These missions focused on tactical strikes against enemy infrastructure and troop concentrations, supporting U.S. and allied ground efforts amid intensified North Vietnamese offensives. The wing's operations demonstrated adaptability in transitioning from European-based alert postures to expeditionary combat roles, logging significant flight hours in contested airspace despite anti-aircraft threats. In later conflicts, the 49th Wing's F-117 Nighthawk squadrons pioneered stealth-enabled precision strikes, deploying to Southwest Asia for Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2003, where they executed initial bomb drops on high-value targets using laser-guided munitions. This marked a continuation of combat contributions, with the wing maintaining an average mission-capable rate exceeding 82% for F-117 operations, surpassing averages. Tactical innovations under the 49th Wing included early adoption of jet fighter-bomber doctrines in Korea, emphasizing speed and payload for close support, which influenced subsequent Air Force ground-attack tactics. With the F-117's introduction at Holloman Air Force Base in the 1990s, the wing developed low-observable penetration strategies, integrating radar-evading flight profiles with GBU-27 laser-guided bombs for nighttime, all-weather strikes that minimized collateral damage and detection risks. These methods, refined through Holloman-based training, enabled the first operational use of stealth aircraft in combat, reshaping modern air campaign planning by prioritizing survivability and accuracy over volume of sorties. ![F-117 Nighthawks at Holloman AFB, exemplifying stealth tactical innovations][float-right]

Contributions to Air Force Training and Readiness

The 49th Wing, stationed at , , serves as the U.S. Air Force's primary formal training unit for F-16 Viper pilots and MQ-9 Reaper aircrew, producing combat-ready personnel essential for operational readiness. In 2022, the wing graduated 153 F-16 pilots and 617 MQ-9 Reaper pilots, while generating nearly 10,000 F-16 sorties to build proficiency in advanced tactical maneuvers. This training emphasizes realistic combat scenarios, including integration with unmanned systems, to enhance joint force capabilities. The wing's MQ-9 program trains pilots and sensor operators for remotely piloted aircraft operations, supporting global combat missions by delivering precision strikes and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. As the largest MQ-9 training entity in the , it graduated over 600 in 2022, incorporating simulator-based and live-flight instruction to maintain high mission effectiveness rates. International partnerships, such as MQ-9 training for personnel, extend these contributions to allies, fostering interoperability and collective defense readiness. To bolster overall readiness, the 49th Wing conducts exercises like Project Iron Agility, which integrate F-16 and MQ-9 operations in deployment simulations, testing agile employment tactics against peer adversaries. These efforts, combined with maintenance innovations such as enhanced engine sustainment, ensure equipment availability exceeding 80% mission-capable rates. Additionally, programs like Multi-Capable Airmen training equip personnel with cross-functional skills in aircraft maintenance, , and weapons systems, enabling flexible force deployment in contested environments.

Safety Record and Incidents

Notable Training Mishaps and Investigations

On April 30, 2024, an F-16C Fighting Falcon (tail number 87-0358) assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadron of the 49th Wing experienced a complete loss of engine thrust 36 seconds after takeoff from Holloman Air Force Base during a Basic Surface Attack training sortie. The pilot ejected safely approximately 1 minute and 18 seconds later, with the aircraft impacting 6.5 nautical miles southwest of the runway in White Sands National Park, resulting in the destruction of the $21.7 million aircraft but no fatalities. The Accident Investigation Board determined the cause as high-cycle fatigue leading to blade separation in the engine's fifth stage, triggered by a misaligned number ten variable stator vane; the origin of the misalignment remained undetermined, though prior foreign object damage during maintenance was noted as a potential factor. Recommendations included evaluating inspection risks for the fifth engine stage outside depot maintenance and considering reduced intervals following foreign object events. On December 6, 2021, an MQ-9A Reaper (tail number 15-4301) from the 9th Attack Squadron, the 49th Wing's formal training unit for remotely piloted , crashed immediately after takeoff from during a Launch and Recovery training evolution. The mishap pilot, operating from a ground control station, erroneously pulled the condition lever instead of the flap lever, shutting off the engine fuel supply and causing power loss; subsequent overcontrol in pitch led to a and uncontrolled impact with the , followed by an and post-crash that destroyed the $30 million , though with no injuries. The investigation attributed the error to the pilot's limited proficiency in Launch and Recovery operations—despite 1,521.8 total flight hours, the mishap pilot had only 102 days since their last checkride and had been rated "slightly below average" in emergency procedures—exacerbated by ambiguous ground control station lever designs lacking clear markings or guards. Board recommendations focused on redesigning interfaces for better error prevention and bolstering training emphasis on Launch and Recovery fundamentals to address proficiency gaps. During the Air Force's Light Attack Experiment on June 22, 2018, an A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft crashed over the Red Rio Bombing Range near following a weapon delivery in a training scenario hosted by the 49th Wing. The pilot, U.S. Navy Lt. Christopher Carey Short, was killed on impact, while the ejected with minor injuries. The Accident Investigation Board report detailed the sequence but did not publicly specify a singular cause beyond the post-weapon-delivery phase, prompting a pause in the experiment's second phase for safety reviews; the incident highlighted risks in evaluating foreign light attack platforms for training roles.

Safety Protocols and Improvements

The 49th Wing at implements safety protocols in accordance with Air Force Instruction 91-212, which mandates a /Wildlife Strike Hazard (BASH) management program to minimize wildlife-related risks to aircraft operations, including F-16 aggressor training sorties. The wing's BASH plan, last updated in November 2015, incorporates avoidance strategies, wildlife depredation efforts, and mandatory pre-flight briefings for aircrews, addressing a historical mishap rate of 42.8 per 100,000 flight hours across six documented F-16 bird strike incidents as of 2016. These measures are supplemented by the 49th Mission Support Group's Airfield Safety Waiver Program, which identifies and assesses infrastructure risks to flight operations, ensuring compliance with federal aviation standards. Post-mishap investigations drive targeted improvements, as evidenced by Accident Investigation Board (AIB) reports. Following the April 30, 2024, F-16 crash southwest of the base—caused by high-cycle fatigue in an uninspectable fifth-stage compressor due to vane misalignment—the AIB recommended revising (FOD) policies and engine lifecycle procedures to mandate earlier depot-level inspections, enhancing detectability of latent defects beyond field-level capabilities. Similarly, base-level instructions like Instruction 91-212 outline ongoing enhancements, such as pyrotechnic deterrence, environmental shaping, and coordinated tracking to reduce bird activity near runways, applicable to Holloman's high-tempo training environment. The wing conducts regular Major Accident Response Exercises (MARE) to refine emergency protocols, simulating F-16 crashes with emphasis on containment, pilot recovery, and hazardous material mitigation, as demonstrated in exercises prior to that integrated inter-agency coordination. Weather support from the 49th Operations Group provides 26 types of advisories to 60 agencies, protecting assets during operations in New Mexico's variable conditions. These protocols, informed by empirical mishap data rather than unsubstantiated assumptions, have maintained existing mitigation efficacy without requiring new infrastructure, though annual risk reassessments continue to adapt to sortie increases.

Lineage and Assets

Formal Lineage and Honors

The 49th Wing's formal lineage originates with the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), organized on 20 November 1940 and activated on 15 January 1941 at Selfridge Field, Michigan. It was redesignated as the 49th Fighter Group on 27 May 1942, serving in the Pacific Theater during , where it destroyed 678 enemy aircraft and produced 43 aces, including Major Richard I. Bong with 40 victories. The wing is authorized to display honors earned by the 49th Fighter Group prior to 18 August 1948. The unit transitioned to wing status as the 49th Fighter Wing, established on 10 August 1948 and activated on 18 August 1948 at , . It was redesignated 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 1 February 1950, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing on 8 July 1958, 49th Fighter Wing on 1 October 1991, and 49th Wing on 25 June 2010 to reflect its current remotely piloted aircraft mission under . Campaign participation includes World War II Asiatic-Pacific Theater streamers for East Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; and others, as well as all eight Korean War campaigns such as CCF Intervention and Third Korean Winter. Decorations encompass two Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citations, three Distinguished Unit Citations, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations (June 1950–March 1953), and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for periods including 1 March 1964–28 February 1966 and 1 March 1966–30 June 1967, with additional awards carrying Combat "V" Device for operations like 5 May–27 June 1972.

Historical Assignments, Stations, and Components

The 49th Wing traces its origins to the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), organized on 20 November 1940 and activated on 15 January 1941 at Selfridge Field, , though the wing itself was established as the 49 Fighter Wing on 10 August 1948 and activated on 18 August 1948 at , , under the 314th Air Division. Initially focused on occupation duties and air defense in , it supported operations until June 1950. On 1 February 1950, it was redesignated the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing and assigned to , deploying for combat in Korea on 1 December 1950 to Taegu Air Base, . Subsequent temporary stations included Tsuki Air Base, (26 January 1951), returning to Taegu (24 February 1951), and , (1 April 1953), before relocating to Misawa on 7 November 1953, where it remained until 10 December 1957 under assignments to Japan Air Defense Force (1 April 1953) and 39th Air Division (1 March 1955). On 8 July 1958, the wing was redesignated the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing and transferred to United States Air Forces in Europe on 10 December 1957, stationing first at Etain-Rouvres Air Base, France (operating temporarily from Chalons-Vatry Air Base, 1 September to 30 November 1958), before moving to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on 25 August 1959, where it served until 30 June 1968 under Seventeenth Air Force. During this European period, it supported NATO commitments and conducted deployments, including to Thailand under Thirteenth Air Force (5 May to 2 October 1972). On 1 July 1968, the wing relocated to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, as the first dual-based tactical fighter unit under the 832d Air Division, later realigning to 835th Air Division (1 February 1970), Twelfth Air Force (30 June 1971 and 15 November 1991), Tactical Training Holloman (1 August 1977), and 833d Air Division (1 December 1980). The wing's components have evolved with its missions, initially incorporating squadrons for jet operations in Korea and , transitioning to tactical fighter elements under USAFE. Key subordinate units included the 49th Operations Group (established post-1991 reorganization), encompassing fighter and attack squadrons such as the 7th, 8th, and 9th Fighter Squadrons, which originated from the wing's group heritage and operated aircraft like F-100s, F-105s, and F-4s during assignments. Later components added remotely piloted aircraft elements, including the 492d Attack Squadron, reflecting shifts to training and RPA roles at Holloman. On 1 1991, redesignated the 49th Fighter Wing, and on 25 June 2010, the 49th Wing, it aligned under (1 2018), with maintenance and mission support groups augmenting operational components for F-16, MQ-9, and training assets.

Aircraft and Equipment Evolution

The 49th Wing activated on 19 August 1948 at , , initially equipped with the P-51 (later redesignated F-51) and F-80 Shooting Star for air defense missions and training. During the , the wing phased out its F-51s in favor of F-80s, becoming the first jet-equipped fighter unit to operate from bases in upon redeployment to Taegu Air Base on 1 October 1950. By 1951, it transitioned to the F-84 Thunderjet for ground attack roles, alongside limited F-86 Sabre operations, accumulating combat sorties until the armistice. In the post-Korean era, the wing relocated to , adopting the F-100 Super Sabre in 1957 for supersonic fighter-bomber duties at bases like Etain-Rouvres and Spangdahlem. This was followed by the F-105 Thunderchief in 1961, emphasizing and conventional interdiction capabilities until 1967. The shift to the F-4 Phantom II began in 1966, with full conversion to F-4D variants by 1967, supporting tactical fighter operations including reconnaissance and suppression of enemy air defenses. Upon reassignment to , , on 1 July 1968 as the first dual-based tactical fighter wing, the 49th continued F-4 operations, deploying squadrons to for exercises. In 1977, it transitioned to the F-15 Eagle, the Air Force's premier , maintaining this platform until 1992 while conducting training and deployments. The wing adopted the F-117 Nighthawk stealth in 1992, pioneering precision strike operations from Holloman and deploying in conflicts such as Operation Allied Force in 1999. Following the F-117's retirement in 2008, the 49th integrated F-16 Fighting Falcons for advanced fighter training, expanding to this multirole platform by 2014. Concurrently, it incorporated MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, with initial flight deliveries noted in 2020, reflecting a shift toward unmanned systems for , , and alongside manned fighters. As of 2025, the wing maintains both F-16 and MQ-9 assets, supporting Air Education and Training Command's readiness objectives.

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  23. https://www.af.mil/News/Article/1270048/8th-fighter-squadron-reactivated-after-six-years/
  24. https://aircrewremembered.com/USAAFCombatOperations/Feb.42.html
  25. https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p15040coll6/id/4877/download
  26. https://www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/49thFW/49th_Fighter_Wing.html
  27. https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196373/49th-fighter-bomber-group/
  28. https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Timelines/Korea/USAFOrganizationsinKorea.pdf?ver=2016-08-30-151054-960
  29. https://usafunithistory.com/PDF/30-49/49%20WING.pdf
  30. https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432679/49-operations-group-acc/
  31. https://www.key.aero/article/nuclear-f-105-thunderchiefs-europe
  32. https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3459318/fightin-49ers-celebrate-55-years-at-holloman-air-force-base/
  33. https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/holloman-afb
  34. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/449267/fightin-49ers-celebrate-55-years-holloman-air-force-base
  35. https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/154860/airmen-industry-say-goodbye-to-stealth-fighter
  36. https://www.holloman.af.mil/News/Display/Article/3846962/49th-wing-assists-foreign-allies-in-mq-9-training/
  37. https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432682/49-wing-acc/
  38. http://www.takhli.org/rjw/thirteen.htm
  39. https://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/coalition/deployment/air.force/49th.fighter.wing.html
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd88lzCWjpA
  41. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1820835/bombs-over-baghdad
  42. https://www.holloman.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/663292/f-16-fighting-falcon/
  43. https://www.holloman.af.mil/units/
  44. https://www.learningprofessionals.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2003512949/
  45. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/547358/italian-air-force-strengthens-nato-readiness-through-mq-9-training-holloman
  46. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/holloman/2017/05/03/combat-air-power-starts-holloman/101181688/
  47. https://www.koreanwar.org/html/units/usaf/49fbw.htm
  48. https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB443/docs/area51_32.PDF
  49. https://www.holloman.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/317344/f-117a-nighthawk/
  50. https://www.f117sfa.org/about-the-f117
  51. https://www.holloman.af.mil/News/Display/Article/3259152/2022-thats-a-wrap/
  52. https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3275284/aetc-commander-visits-hollomans-fightin-49ers/
  53. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/495795/holloman-conducts-third-iteration-project-iron-agility
  54. https://www.holloman.af.mil/News/Display/Article/2634333/49th-cms-showcase-maintenance-innovation/
  55. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3813720/mca-training-program-launches-at-holloman-afb/
  56. https://www.afjag.af.mil/Portals/77/1.%2030Apr2024%20AETC%20F-16%20Holloman%20AIB%20Report%20final.pdf?ver=UOEEUeUh35qNKR01d2Solw%253D%253D
  57. https://www.afjag.af.mil/Portals/77/AIB-Reports/2021/6DEC21%20AETC%20MQ-9A%20HOLLOLMAN%20AFB%20NM%20AIB%20Report.pdf
  58. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1558425/holloman-aircraft-crash/
  59. https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/publication/dafi91-212/dafi91-212.pdf
  60. https://www.holloman.af.mil/Portals/101/Environmental%20documents/Technical%20Memorandum%20Safety%202017-2b.pdf?ver=2017-07-25-151217-720
  61. https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/3wg/publication/3wgi91-212/3wgi91-212.pdf
  62. https://www.facebook.com/AirEducationandTrainingCommand/posts/team-holloman-afb-49th-wing-executed-a-major-accident-response-exercise-mare-las/1204079391764195/
  63. https://flightlineinsignia.com/product/49th-wing/
  64. https://www.koreanwar.org/html/units/usaf/49fbg.htm
  65. https://www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/Holloman/49th_Fighter_Wing.html
  66. https://www.codeonemagazine.com/f16_gallery_slideshow.html?gallery_id=24&gallery_style=1
  67. https://www.holloman.af.mil/News/Display/Article/2056131/forty-ninth-wing-acquires-a-new-mq-9-through-ferry/
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