{"history":[],"article":{"id":"8b57187e-73d1-46ee-a377-ec04d56bac1a","title":"22nd Fighter Squadron","slug":"22nd-fighter-squadron","content":":::summary\n![22nd Fighter Squadron - McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle 79-0063](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/F-15C///over///Bitburg///Air///Base///1988.JPEG)\n**Unit Name:** 22nd Fighter Squadron \n**Image Size:** 300 \n**Dates:** 1940–1946; 1946–2010 \n**Country:** 🇺🇸 \n**Role:** [Fighter](https://bliptext.com/articles/fighter-aircraft) \n**Motto:** Red Hot Fighters \n**Battles:** [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii) · : WW II American Campaign (Antisubmarine) Streamer.jpg
Antisubmarine, American Theater · : European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Streamer.jpg
Air Offensive, Europe · : [Battle of Normandy](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-overlord) · : Northern France Campaign · : Rhineland Campaign · : Ardennes-Alsace Campaign · : Central Europe Campaign · Southwest Asia Service Streamer.png
[Operation Desert Storm](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-desert-storm) · Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer.jpg
[Operation Northern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-northern-watch)
[Operation Southern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-southern-watch) · Kosovo Campaign Streamer.jpg
[Operation Allied Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-allied-force) · Afghanistan Campaign Streamer.png
[Operation Enduring Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-enduring-freedom) · Iraq Campaign Ribbon.png
[Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-iraqi-freedom) \n**Notable Commanders:** [William R. Looney III](https://bliptext.com/articles/william-r-looney-iii) \"Toons\"; Edwin [Buzz Aldrin](https://bliptext.com/articles/buzz-aldrin) \"Buzz\"; James F. \"Nails\" Knight \n**Decorations:** Streamer PUC Army.PNG
[Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation) (2×) · US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Stremer.jpg
[Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-force-outstanding-unit-award) (16×) · Belgian Fourragere \n**Identification Symbol:** 22d Fighter Squadron.png \n**Identification Symbol Label:** 22nd Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 27 June 1945) \n:::\n\n# \nThe **22nd Fighter Squadron**, sometimes written as **22d Fighter Squadron**, (**22 FS**) is an inactive [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force) unit.\nIt was last assigned to the [52nd Operations Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/52nd-operations-group) and stationed at [Spangdahlem Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/spangdahlem-air-base), Germany.\nOriginally constituted as the 22nd Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) in 1939, it first deployed to the Caribbean before deploying to England and Europe from 1944.\nAfter [WWII](https://bliptext.com/articles/wwii), the unit returned to its prewar mission defending the [Panama Canal](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone), before once again deploying to Europe in 1948.\nIt remained there until 1991, at which time some parts of the squadron redeployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.\nThe squadron was inactivated in 2010 to combine with the [23rd Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/23rd-fighter-squadron) and was redesignated the [480th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/480th-fighter-squadron).\nAt various times during its existence, the squadron has gone by the colloquial names \"Stingers\", \"Adlers\", \"Bees\", \"Bumblebees\" and \"The BIG 22: Last of the Red Hot Fighter Squadrons\".\n\n# History\n\n## World War II\n\n### Antilles Air Command\nThe **22d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor)** was constituted on 22 December 1939, and activated in February 1940 at [Langley Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/langley-field), Virginia.\nFlying the [Curtiss P-36 Hawk](https://bliptext.com/articles/curtiss-p-36-hawk), the squadron was one of several deployed to the Caribbean (later [Antilles Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/antilles-air-command)) and being stationed on bases established as part of the 1940 [Destroyers for Bases Agreement](https://bliptext.com/articles/destroyers-for-bases-agreement) with Great Britain.\nThe squadron left from [Norfolk, Virginia](https://bliptext.com/articles/norfolk-virginia) on 1 February 1940 with several others bound for [Puerto Rico](https://bliptext.com/articles/puerto-rico) aboard the [USAT Chateau Thierry](https://bliptext.com/articles/usat-chateau-thierry) from Norfolk for what turned into 29 months of overseas service, taking station at Ponce (later [Losey Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/losey-field)) on 6 January 1941.\nAfter its arrival at Ponce, the Squadron converted from the P-36A to [Curtiss P-40 Warhawk](https://bliptext.com/articles/curtiss-p-40-warhawk).\nAfter the [Pearl Harbor Attack](https://bliptext.com/articles/pearl-harbor-attack) on 7 December 1941, the Squadron was placed on 24-hour alert status and, the Squadron's P-40E's were flown to [Howard Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/howard-field), in the [Panama Canal Zone](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone) to reinforce the defense units of the [Panama Canal](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal).\nThe squadron returned to Ponce without aircraft, and upon their return, the squadron received some [Bell P-39D Airacobras](https://bliptext.com/articles/bell-p-39d-airacobra) which were flown to [Puerto Rico](https://bliptext.com/articles/puerto-rico) from the United States which joined the single example which had been on hand since at least June 1941.\nOn 13 December, the unit Headquarters moved from Ponce to [Vega Baja](https://bliptext.com/articles/bega-baja-puerto-rico) Airfield, 18.48278°N, -66.43278°W an auxiliary aerodrome in Puerto Rico, to provide better interception coverage for the island.\nOperations during most of the remainder of 1942 are vague, but involved very extensive over-water flying and many scrambles in response to reported [U-boat](https://bliptext.com/articles/u-boat) sightings, the vast majority of which turned up negative.\nA detachment of three P-39Ds was operating at [Beane Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/beane-field), [St. Lucia](https://bliptext.com/articles/st-lucia) by 28 February 1942 while the detachment at [Waller Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/waller-field).\nThe unit was redesignated as the **22d Fighter Squadron** on 15 May 1942.\nOn 2 September 1942, a detachment of the [32d Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/32d-fighter-squadron) which had been stationed at [Curacao](https://bliptext.com/articles/curacao) and [Aruba](https://bliptext.com/articles/aruba) was transferred outright to the 22d Fighter Squadron, but continued on at their stations on detached assignment.\nThe detachment at Aruba was further attached to the [12th Bombardment Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/12th-bombardment-squadron) and the detachment at Curacao was attached to the [59th Bombardment Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/59th-bombardment-squadron).\nThe larger 22d Fighter Squadron detachment in [Trinidad](https://bliptext.com/articles/trinidad) engaged in extensive [antisubmarine](https://bliptext.com/articles/anti-submarine-warfare) activities.\nWith the Navy taking over the antisubmarine mission, the squadron was redeployed back to the United States, moving to Morrison Field, Florida by 27 May 1943.\n\n### Ninth Air Force\nTransferred to [III Fighter Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/iii-fighter-command) in June 1943, began training for deployment to the [European Theater of Operations](https://bliptext.com/articles/european-theater-of-operations) as a [Republic P-47 Thunderbolt](https://bliptext.com/articles/republic-p-47-thunderbolt) fighter-bomber squadron.\nDeployed to England in April 1944 as part of [IX Fighter Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/ix-fighter-command).\nInitial missions included strafing and dive-bombing armored vehicles, trains, bridges, buildings, factories, troop concentrations, gun emplacements, airfields, and other targets in preparation for the [invasion of Normandy](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-overlord).\nThe squadron also flew some escort missions with [Eighth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/eighth-air-force) [Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-17-flying-fortress) and [Consolidated B-24 Liberator](https://bliptext.com/articles/consolidated-b-24-liberator) strategic bombers.\nOn [D-Day](https://bliptext.com/articles/d-day) the squadron patrolled the air over the landing zones and by flying close-support and interdiction missions.\nMoved to its [Advanced Landing Ground](https://bliptext.com/articles/advanced-landing-ground) at [Brucheville Airfield](https://bliptext.com/articles/brucheville-airfield), France in July, then eastward as ground forces advanced on the continent.\nOperations supported the breakthrough at [Saint-Lô](https://bliptext.com/articles/saint-l) in July and the thrust of [United States Third Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-third-army) toward Germany in August and September as part of the 303d Fighter Wing, XIX Tactical Air Command.\nIn October, the squadron moved into Belgium to support [Ninth United States Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/ninth-united-states-army).\nParticipated in the [Battle of the Bulge](https://bliptext.com/articles/battle-of-the-bulge) during December 1944 and January 1945 by flying armed reconnaissance and close-support missions.\nAided [First United States Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/first-united-states-army)'s push across the [Roer River](https://bliptext.com/articles/roer-river) in February 1945.\nSupported [operations at the Remagen bridgehead](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-lumberjack) and during the [airborne assault across the Rhine](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-varsity) in March.\nAlso, during 1945, the 22nd received its squadron emblem, designed by [The Walt Disney Company](https://bliptext.com/articles/the-walt-disney-company) (known as Walt Disney Productions at the time).\nBy [V-E Day](https://bliptext.com/articles/v-e-day), the squadron was based at [Kassel-Rothwestern Airfield](https://bliptext.com/articles/kassel-rothwestern-airfield), Germany, where it remained until February 1946 as part of the [United States Air Forces in Europe](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-forces-in-europe) Army of Occupation.\nIn February, the unit was transferred, without personnel or equipment to [Bolling Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/bolling-field), Washington, D.C where it was inactivated as a paper unit.\nReactivated in October 1946 under [Caribbean Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/caribbean-air-command) in the Canal Zone, returning to its prewar mission of the defense of the Panama Canal.\nThe squadron conducted air defense training missions for the next two years initially with P-47's. The squadron upgraded to jet aircraft in December 1947 with the arrival of the [Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-f-80-shooting-star).\nAs a result of the [Berlin Blockade](https://bliptext.com/articles/berlin-blockade) and other [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war) tensions in Europe, the squadron was deployed to Germany and was reassigned to [United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-forces-in-europe-air-forces-africa) during August 1948, becoming part of the third F-80 jet group assigned to USAFE.\nAt [Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/f-rstenfeldbruck-air-base) tactical operations included air defense, tactical exercises, maneuvers, and photographic reconnaissance.\nUpgraded to new [Republic F-84E Thunderjets](https://bliptext.com/articles/republic-f-84e-thunderjet) in 1950.\nNote, blue diagonal stripes were the markings of the 36th FBG, the red nose and tip tanks being colored red were the squadron markings.\nThe squadron remained at Fürstenfeldbruck until 1952 when it was reassigned to the new [Bitburg Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/bitburg-air-base), west of the [Rhine River](https://bliptext.com/articles/rhine) near the French border in the [Eifel mountains](https://bliptext.com/articles/eifel), near the town of [Birtburg, Germany](https://bliptext.com/articles/bitburg).\n# [P-47 Thunderbolts of the 22d Fighter Squadron at Le Culot, Belgium, fall 1944 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/36fg-p47-uk-1944.jpg]\n# [22d FS P-80B Shooting Star at Fürstenfeldbruck AB | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/22d///Fighter///Squadron///-///Lockheed///P-80B-1-LO///Shooting///Star///-///45-8634.jpg]\n# [22d FBS F-84E | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/22d///Fighter-Bomber///Squadron///-///Republic///F-84E-10-RE///Thunderjet///-///49-2223.jpg]\n# [22d TFS F-105D Thunderchief | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/22d///Tactical///Fighter///Squadron///-///Republic///F-105D-10-RE///Thunderchief///-///60-0438.jpg]\n\n## Bitburg Air Base\nIn August 1953, the [North American F-86F Sabre](https://bliptext.com/articles/north-american-f-86f-sabre) was introduced to the squadron, replacing the F-84s.\nIn 1956, the squadron received the [North American F-100 Super Sabre](https://bliptext.com/articles/north-american-f-100-super-sabre), marking the first time a wing in USAFE flew supersonic jets.\nOn 15 May 1958, the squadron was re-designated as the **22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron** and was part of the [36th Tactical Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/36th-tactical-fighter-wing) along with the [23rd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/23rd-tactical-fighter-squadron) (until 1972), [53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/53rd-tactical-fighter-squadron), and [525th Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/525th-tactical-fighter-squadron).\nTwo notable 22nd pilots during this period were [Buzz Aldrin](https://bliptext.com/articles/buzz-aldrin) and [Ed White](https://bliptext.com/articles/ed-white-astronaut), who later became [Project Gemini](https://bliptext.com/articles/project-gemini) and [Apollo Project](https://bliptext.com/articles/apollo-project) astronauts.\nIn May 1961, received the [Republic F-105 Thunderchief](https://bliptext.com/articles/republic-f-105-thunderchief) and continued to carry on its [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war) mission of tactical nuclear weapons delivery.\nTwice in the early 1960s when Cold War tensions were elevated due to the [1961 Berlin Wall](https://bliptext.com/articles/1961-berlin-wall) crisis and 1962 [Cuban Missile Crisis](https://bliptext.com/articles/cuban-missile-crisis) the squadron rose to a high level of alert.\nThe squadron was upgraded to the [McDonnell F-4 Phantom II](https://bliptext.com/articles/mcdonnell-f-4-phantom-ii) in 1966.\nThe squadron was upgraded to the [McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle](https://bliptext.com/articles/mcdonnell-douglas-f-15a-eagle) in April 1976.\nIn 1980 more advanced F-15Cs and F-15Ds replaced the original F-15As.\nThroughout the 1970s and 1980s, the squadron conducted routine training missions and contributed aircraft and pilots to the [36th Tactical Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/36th-wing)'s [Zulu Alert](https://bliptext.com/articles/undefined) facility during the [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war).\nWhen the F-15s first arrived at Bitburg AB, a German \"wild park\" (zoo) came to the squadron and \"adopted\" it.\nThe squadron designed an alternative emblem along with full-color aircrew patches with an eagle (animal) and US Flag on it and were dubbed the \"Adlers\" (which is German for eagle).\nFor a time in the late seventies and early eighties the \"Adler\" name and emblem were used exclusively within the \"ops\" portion of the squadron, while the attached maintenance unit retained the \"Stingers\" name and emblem.\nIn 1982, a new squadron commander made the unpopular decision that the \"Adler\" patch would no longer be used, and reinstate the Walt Disney \"Bumblebee\" patch, which was the official patch.\n# [Variant \"Adler\" Patch worn by F-15 Pilots. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/22nd///Fighter///Squadron///Pilot%27s///Adler///Patch.jpg]\n# [22nd Fighter Squadron F-15C 79-0022 with Mig-23 kill on display at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/22nd///Fighter///Squadron///F-15///Tail///79-0022.jpg]\n# [22nd Fighter Squadron F-15C 80-0031 aerial refueling while on patrol over northern Irag during Operation Provide Comfort | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/F-15C///80-0031///Operation///Provide///Comfort.jpg]\n\n### Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm\nAfter the [Invasion of Kuwait](https://bliptext.com/articles/invasion-of-kuwait) by [Iraq](https://bliptext.com/articles/iraq) in August 1990, the squadron was put on heightened readiness status awaiting possible deployment to the [Gulf Region](https://bliptext.com/articles/persian-gulf).\nAt the time of the invasion, the 22nd Fighter Squadron was involved in the [MSIP (Multi-Stage Improvement Program)](https://bliptext.com/articles/mcdonnell-douglas-f-15-eagle) upgrade of their F-15s and could not be deployed as a coherent unit.\nDuring December 1990, those aircraft that had completed upgrades, along with pilots and maintainers from the 22nd AMU (Aircraft Maintenance Unit), augmented their sister squadron, the [53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/53d-fighter-squadron), for deployment to [Al Kharj AB](https://bliptext.com/articles/prince-sultan-air-base), [Saudi Arabia](https://bliptext.com/articles/saudi-arabia) in support of [Operations Desert Shield](https://bliptext.com/articles/gulf-war) and later [Desert Storm](https://bliptext.com/articles/gulf-war).\nIn January 1991, many of the remaining aircraft, pilots and maintainers from the squadron deployed to [Incirlik AB](https://bliptext.com/articles/incirlik-air-base), [Turkey](https://bliptext.com/articles/turkey) along with their other sister squadron, the [525th Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/525th-fighter-squadron), and the F-15s of the [32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/32d-tactical-fighter-squadron) from [Soesterberg AB](https://bliptext.com/articles/soesterberg-air-base), [The Netherlands](https://bliptext.com/articles/netherlands).\nDespite their reduced numbers, the 22nd's remaining pilots and maintainers at Bitburg continued to provide aircraft for the Zulu Alert facility, as well as provided support for non-squadron F-15s en route to the war zone.\nIn all locations, the aircraft and personnel of the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron performed amazing feats under demanding conditions.\nNot a single F-15 aircraft was lost in combat during the war and several returned with credited kills.\nAircraft tail number 79-0078, one of the squadron's Al Kharj deployed aircraft, was credited with two [Mig-21](https://bliptext.com/articles/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-21) kills on 6 February 1991.\nAircraft tail number 79-0022, one of the squadron's aircraft deployed to Incirlik, was credited with a [Mig-23](https://bliptext.com/articles/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-23) kill on 28 January 1991 and is currently on display, along with other squadron memorabilia, at the [Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum](https://bliptext.com/articles/pueblo-weisbrod-aircraft-museum) in [Pueblo](https://bliptext.com/articles/pueblo-colorado), [Colorado](https://bliptext.com/articles/colorado).\nIn March 1991, the Incirlik-deployed squadron returned to Bitburg AB.\nThey were followed by the last members of the Al Kharj deployment in July 1991.\n\n### Operation Provide Comfort\nThe end of Operation Desert Storm marked the beginning of [Operation Provide Comfort](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-provide-comfort) and once again the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, including the 22nd, was tasked with providing aircraft and personnel in support of [Operation Provide Comfort](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-provide-comfort) and later [Operation Provide Comfort](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-provide-comfort) II.\nThis included enforcement of the northern and southern Iraqi no-fly zones and protection of [Kurds](https://bliptext.com/articles/kurds-in-iraq) in the northern region.\nWhile still deployed to Al Kharj, F-15C tail number 84-0014, an aircraft belonging to the 53rd TFS, but flown by 22nd pilot John \"Nigel\" Doneski, downed an [Su-22](https://bliptext.com/articles/sukhoi-su-17) in violation of the southern no-fly zone.\nIn 1993, long after the squadron had been re-united in the middle of 1991, the 22nd returned to Incirlick as part of its ongoing commitment to Operation Provide Comfort II.\n\n## Spangdahlem Air Base\nIn the spring of 1994, as a result of the military post-Cold War draw down worldwide, the decision was made to close the operations portion of Bitburg Air Base and to send the squadron's F-15C/Ds and some of its personnel to [RAF Lakenheath](https://bliptext.com/articles/raf-lakenheath), [England](https://bliptext.com/articles/england).\nOther personnel were absorbed by the 53rd Fighter Squadron (\"Tactical\" had been removed in the new post-Cold War era), which was moving to Spangdahlem, or assigned to other F-15 squadrons worldwide.\nHowever, the squadron's colors were transferred to [Spangdahlem Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/spangdahlem-air-base), Germany, on 1 April 1994.\nOnce at Spandahlem, the [480th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/480th-fighter-squadron)'s colors were retired and the 22d's were assumed.\nThe 22d then took on the mission, personnel and aircraft of the former 480th which flew the [Block 50 F-16CJ](https://bliptext.com/articles/general-dynamics-f-16-fighting-falcon), the Air Force's latest version of the Fighting Falcon.\nIn 1998, the 22d transitioned from a primary general-purpose air interdiction squadron to its new primary mission as a [Wild Weasel](https://bliptext.com/articles/wild-weasel) unit performing suppression of enemy air defenses.\nThe squadron's most current version of the F-16 was outfitted with the [high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM)](https://bliptext.com/articles/agm-88-harm), GPS guided-inertial aided munitions, and the HARM targeting system.\n# [22 FS F-16CJ Block 50B Fighting Falcon - 90-0829 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/22d///Fighter///Squadron///-///General///Dynamics///F-16C///Block///50B///Fighting///Falcon///-///90-0829.jpg]\n\n### Peacekeeping operations\nThe 22d was quickly put into combat with its new capability when it deployed to [Operation Northern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-northern-watch) in January 1999, and engaged Iraqi radars with 12 HARMs while protecting coalition assets during heightened tensions with Iraq.\nAfter three months flying Operations Northern Watch missions, the squadron was retasked and returned to Spangdahlem Air Base where they flew combat missions into northern Yugoslavia protecting [Lockheed F-117 Nighthawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-f-117-nighthawk) and [B-2 Spirits](https://bliptext.com/articles/b-2-spirit) striking key military targets in and around [Belgrade](https://bliptext.com/articles/belgrade), Yugoslavia, in support of [Operation Allied Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-allied-force).\nThe pilots of the 22d flew combat missions over Yugoslavia and fired 202 HARMs at Serbian radars.\nIn addition, the squadron performed its secondary and tertiary missions, employing 16 Mk-84s on key military targets while providing air superiority.\nIn December 2000 to March 2001, the squadron was assigned to Air Expeditionary Force 9.\nIt regularly flew combat missions in support of Operations Northern and [Operation Southern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-southern-watch).\n\n### Operation Enduring Freedom\nIn response to U.S. presidential directives, following the [11 September attacks](https://bliptext.com/articles/11-september-attacks) 22d provided fighter escort to [Boeing C-17 Globemaster III](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-c-17-globemaster-iii) over Afghanistan during [humanitarian relief](https://bliptext.com/articles/humanitarian-aid) missions, within 100 hours of notification, as part of [Operation Enduring Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-enduring-freedom).\nThis effort served as the template for USAFE's Euro Lightning operations concept.\n\n### Operation Iraqi Freedom\nIn January 2003, the squadron forward deployed as the 22d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to [Southwest Asia](https://bliptext.com/articles/southwest-asia) in support of [U.S. Central Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/u-s-central-command) and flew combat missions during [Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-iraqi-freedom).\nThe squadron played a key role during the 27-day air war by fulfilling its \"Wild Weasel\" mission of suppressing enemy air defenses and destroying Iraqi radar sites.\nIn April 2010 20 F-16Cs were flown from Spangdahlem to the [148th Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/148th-fighter-wing) of the [Minnesota Air National Guard](https://bliptext.com/articles/minnesota-air-national-guard), one F-16 was transferred to [Edwards Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/edwards-air-force-base), [California](https://bliptext.com/articles/california).\nAll aircraft were from the 22d Fighter Squadron.\nAs a result of the drawdown of F-16s, the 22d and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were inactivated on 13 August 2010 and formed the a single \"new\" squadron, the [480th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/480th-fighter-squadron).\n# [Actor Nick Lachey in squadron gear in 2008 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Nick///Lachey///at///Ramstein1.jpg]\n\n## Lineage\n\n## Assignments\n\n## Stations\n\n## Aircraft","current_revision":null,"created_by":"kACnuQmH5k9Nr5VNVEpVeg7XpvUmMctD","created_at":"2025-01-26T10:34:30.964Z","updated_at":"2025-01-26T10:34:30.964Z","search_vector":"'22nd':1 'fighter':2 'squadron':3","search_content":" \n \n**Unit Name:** 22nd Fighter Squadron \n**Image Size:** 300 \n**Dates:** 1940–1946; 1946–2010 \n**Country:** 🇺🇸 \n**Role:** [Fighter](https://bliptext.com/articles/fighter-aircraft) \n**Motto:** Red Hot Fighters \n**Battles:** [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii) · : WW II American Campaign (Antisubmarine) Streamer.jpg Antisubmarine, American Theater · : European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Streamer.jpg Air Offensive, Europe · : [Battle of Normandy](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-overlord) · : Northern France Campaign · : Rhineland Campaign · : Ardennes-Alsace Campaign · : Central Europe Campaign · Southwest Asia Service Streamer.png [Operation Desert Storm](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-desert-storm) · Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer.jpg [Operation Northern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-northern-watch) [Operation Southern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-southern-watch) · Kosovo Campaign Streamer.jpg [Operation Allied Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-allied-force) · Afghanistan Campaign Streamer.png [Operation Enduring Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-enduring-freedom) · Iraq Campaign Ribbon.png [Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-iraqi-freedom) \n**Notable Commanders:** [William R. Looney III](https://bliptext.com/articles/william-r-looney-iii) \"Toons\"; Edwin [Buzz Aldrin](https://bliptext.com/articles/buzz-aldrin) \"Buzz\"; James F. \"Nails\" Knight \n**Decorations:** Streamer PUC Army.PNG [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation) (2×) · US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Stremer.jpg [Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-force-outstanding-unit-award) (16×) · Belgian Fourragere \n**Identification Symbol:** 22d Fighter Squadron.png \n**Identification Symbol Label:** 22nd Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 27 June 1945) \n \n\n# \nThe **22nd Fighter Squadron**, sometimes written as **22d Fighter Squadron**, (**22 FS**) is an inactive [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force) unit.\nIt was last assigned to the [52nd Operations Group](https://bliptext.com/articles/52nd-operations-group) and stationed at [Spangdahlem Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/spangdahlem-air-base), Germany.\nOriginally constituted as the 22nd Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) in 1939, it first deployed to the Caribbean before deploying to England and Europe from 1944.\nAfter [WWII](https://bliptext.com/articles/wwii), the unit returned to its prewar mission defending the [Panama Canal](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone), before once again deploying to Europe in 1948.\nIt remained there until 1991, at which time some parts of the squadron redeployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.\nThe squadron was inactivated in 2010 to combine with the [23rd Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/23rd-fighter-squadron) and was redesignated the [480th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/480th-fighter-squadron).\nAt various times during its existence, the squadron has gone by the colloquial names \"Stingers\", \"Adlers\", \"Bees\", \"Bumblebees\" and \"The BIG 22: Last of the Red Hot Fighter Squadrons\".\n\n# History\n\n## World War II\n\n### Antilles Air Command\nThe **22d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor)** was constituted on 22 December 1939, and activated in February 1940 at [Langley Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/langley-field), Virginia.\nFlying the [Curtiss P-36 Hawk](https://bliptext.com/articles/curtiss-p-36-hawk), the squadron was one of several deployed to the Caribbean (later [Antilles Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/antilles-air-command)) and being stationed on bases established as part of the 1940 [Destroyers for Bases Agreement](https://bliptext.com/articles/destroyers-for-bases-agreement) with Great Britain.\nThe squadron left from [Norfolk, Virginia](https://bliptext.com/articles/norfolk-virginia) on 1 February 1940 with several others bound for [Puerto Rico](https://bliptext.com/articles/puerto-rico) aboard the [USAT Chateau Thierry](https://bliptext.com/articles/usat-chateau-thierry) from Norfolk for what turned into 29 months of overseas service, taking station at Ponce (later [Losey Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/losey-field)) on 6 January 1941.\nAfter its arrival at Ponce, the Squadron converted from the P-36A to [Curtiss P-40 Warhawk](https://bliptext.com/articles/curtiss-p-40-warhawk).\nAfter the [Pearl Harbor Attack](https://bliptext.com/articles/pearl-harbor-attack) on 7 December 1941, the Squadron was placed on 24-hour alert status and, the Squadron's P-40E's were flown to [Howard Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/howard-field), in the [[Panama Canal](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal) Zone](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal-zone) to reinforce the defense units of the [Panama Canal](https://bliptext.com/articles/panama-canal).\nThe squadron returned to Ponce without aircraft, and upon their return, the squadron received some [Bell P-39D Airacobras](https://bliptext.com/articles/bell-p-39d-airacobra) which were flown to [Puerto Rico](https://bliptext.com/articles/puerto-rico) from the United States which joined the single example which had been on hand since at least June 1941.\nOn 13 December, the unit Headquarters moved from Ponce to [Vega Baja](https://bliptext.com/articles/bega-baja-puerto-rico) Airfield, 18.48278°N, -66.43278°W an auxiliary aerodrome in Puerto Rico, to provide better interception coverage for the island.\nOperations during most of the remainder of 1942 are vague, but involved very extensive over-water flying and many scrambles in response to reported [U-boat](https://bliptext.com/articles/u-boat) sightings, the vast majority of which turned up negative.\nA detachment of three P-39Ds was operating at [Beane Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/beane-field), [St. Lucia](https://bliptext.com/articles/st-lucia) by 28 February 1942 while the detachment at [Waller Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/waller-field).\nThe unit was redesignated as the **22d Fighter Squadron** on 15 May 1942.\nOn 2 September 1942, a detachment of the [32d Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/32d-fighter-squadron) which had been stationed at [Curacao](https://bliptext.com/articles/curacao) and [Aruba](https://bliptext.com/articles/aruba) was transferred outright to the 22d Fighter Squadron, but continued on at their stations on detached assignment.\nThe detachment at Aruba was further attached to the [12th Bombardment Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/12th-bombardment-squadron) and the detachment at Curacao was attached to the [59th Bombardment Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/59th-bombardment-squadron).\nThe larger 22d Fighter Squadron detachment in [Trinidad](https://bliptext.com/articles/trinidad) engaged in extensive [antisubmarine](https://bliptext.com/articles/anti-submarine-warfare) activities.\nWith the Navy taking over the antisubmarine mission, the squadron was redeployed back to the United States, moving to Morrison Field, Florida by 27 May 1943.\n\n### Ninth Air Force\nTransferred to [III Fighter Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/iii-fighter-command) in June 1943, began training for deployment to the [European Theater of Operations](https://bliptext.com/articles/european-theater-of-operations) as a [Republic P-47 Thunderbolt](https://bliptext.com/articles/republic-p-47-thunderbolt) fighter-bomber squadron.\nDeployed to England in April 1944 as part of [IX Fighter Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/ix-fighter-command).\nInitial missions included strafing and dive-bombing armored vehicles, trains, bridges, buildings, factories, troop concentrations, gun emplacements, airfields, and other targets in preparation for the [invasion of Normandy](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-overlord).\nThe squadron also flew some escort missions with [Eighth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/eighth-air-force) [Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-b-17-flying-fortress) and [Consolidated B-24 Liberator](https://bliptext.com/articles/consolidated-b-24-liberator) strategic bombers.\nOn [D-Day](https://bliptext.com/articles/d-day) the squadron patrolled the air over the landing zones and by flying close-support and interdiction missions.\nMoved to its [Advanced Landing Ground](https://bliptext.com/articles/advanced-landing-ground) at [Brucheville Airfield](https://bliptext.com/articles/brucheville-airfield), France in July, then eastward as ground forces advanced on the continent.\nOperations supported the breakthrough at [Saint-Lô](https://bliptext.com/articles/saint-l) in July and the thrust of [United States Third Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-third-army) toward Germany in August and September as part of the 303d Fighter Wing, XIX Tactical Air Command.\nIn October, the squadron moved into Belgium to support [Ninth United States Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/ninth-united-states-army).\nParticipated in the [Battle of the Bulge](https://bliptext.com/articles/battle-of-the-bulge) during December 1944 and January 1945 by flying armed reconnaissance and close-support missions.\nAided [First United States Army](https://bliptext.com/articles/first-united-states-army)'s push across the [Roer River](https://bliptext.com/articles/roer-river) in February 1945.\nSupported [operations at the Remagen bridgehead](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-lumberjack) and during the [airborne assault across the Rhine](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-varsity) in March.\nAlso, during 1945, the 22nd received its squadron emblem, designed by [The Walt Disney Company](https://bliptext.com/articles/the-walt-disney-company) (known as Walt Disney Productions at the time).\nBy [V-E Day](https://bliptext.com/articles/v-e-day), the squadron was based at [Kassel-Rothwestern Airfield](https://bliptext.com/articles/kassel-rothwestern-airfield), Germany, where it remained until February 1946 as part of the [United States Air Forces in Europe](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-forces-in-europe) Army of Occupation.\nIn February, the unit was transferred, without personnel or equipment to [Bolling Field](https://bliptext.com/articles/bolling-field), Washington, D.C where it was inactivated as a paper unit.\nReactivated in October 1946 under [Caribbean Air Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/caribbean-air-command) in the Canal Zone, returning to its prewar mission of the defense of the Panama Canal.\nThe squadron conducted air defense training missions for the next two years initially with P-47's. The squadron upgraded to jet aircraft in December 1947 with the arrival of the [Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-f-80-shooting-star).\nAs a result of the [Berlin Blockade](https://bliptext.com/articles/berlin-blockade) and other [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war) tensions in Europe, the squadron was deployed to Germany and was reassigned to [United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-forces-in-europe-air-forces-africa) during August 1948, becoming part of the third F-80 jet group assigned to USAFE.\nAt [Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/f-rstenfeldbruck-air-base) tactical operations included air defense, tactical exercises, maneuvers, and photographic reconnaissance.\nUpgraded to new [Republic F-84E Thunderjets](https://bliptext.com/articles/republic-f-84e-thunderjet) in 1950.\nNote, blue diagonal stripes were the markings of the 36th FBG, the red nose and tip tanks being colored red were the squadron markings.\nThe squadron remained at Fürstenfeldbruck until 1952 when it was reassigned to the new [Bitburg Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/bitburg-air-base), west of the [Rhine River](https://bliptext.com/articles/rhine) near the French border in the [Eifel mountains](https://bliptext.com/articles/eifel), near the town of [Birtburg, Germany](https://bliptext.com/articles/bitburg).\n# [P-47 Thunderbolts of the 22d Fighter Squadron at Le Culot, Belgium, fall 1944 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/36fg-p47-uk-1944.jpg]\n# [22d FS P-80B Shooting Star at Fürstenfeldbruck AB | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/22d///Fighter///Squadron///-///Lockheed///P-80B-1-LO///Shooting///Star///-///45-8634.jpg]\n# [22d FBS F-84E | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/22d///Fighter-Bomber///Squadron///-///Republic///F-84E-10-RE///Thunderjet///-///49-2223.jpg]\n# [22d TFS F-105D Thunderchief | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/22d///Tactical///Fighter///Squadron///-///Republic///F-105D-10-RE///Thunderchief///-///60-0438.jpg]\n\n## Bitburg Air Base\nIn August 1953, the [North American F-86F Sabre](https://bliptext.com/articles/north-american-f-86f-sabre) was introduced to the squadron, replacing the F-84s.\nIn 1956, the squadron received the [North American F-100 Super Sabre](https://bliptext.com/articles/north-american-f-100-super-sabre), marking the first time a wing in USAFE flew supersonic jets.\nOn 15 May 1958, the squadron was re-designated as the **22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron** and was part of the [36th Tactical Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/36th-tactical-fighter-wing) along with the [23rd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/23rd-tactical-fighter-squadron) (until 1972), [53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/53rd-tactical-fighter-squadron), and [525th Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/525th-tactical-fighter-squadron).\nTwo notable 22nd pilots during this period were [Buzz Aldrin](https://bliptext.com/articles/buzz-aldrin) and [Ed White](https://bliptext.com/articles/ed-white-astronaut), who later became [Project Gemini](https://bliptext.com/articles/project-gemini) and [Apollo Project](https://bliptext.com/articles/apollo-project) astronauts.\nIn May 1961, received the [Republic F-105 Thunderchief](https://bliptext.com/articles/republic-f-105-thunderchief) and continued to carry on its [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war) mission of tactical nuclear weapons delivery.\nTwice in the early 1960s when Cold War tensions were elevated due to the [1961 Berlin Wall](https://bliptext.com/articles/1961-berlin-wall) crisis and 1962 [Cuban Missile Crisis](https://bliptext.com/articles/cuban-missile-crisis) the squadron rose to a high level of alert.\nThe squadron was upgraded to the [McDonnell F-4 Phantom II](https://bliptext.com/articles/mcdonnell-f-4-phantom-ii) in 1966.\nThe squadron was upgraded to the [McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle](https://bliptext.com/articles/mcdonnell-douglas-f-15a-eagle) in April 1976.\nIn 1980 more advanced F-15Cs and F-15Ds replaced the original F-15As.\nThroughout the 1970s and 1980s, the squadron conducted routine training missions and contributed aircraft and pilots to the [36th Tactical Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/36th-wing)'s [Zulu Alert](https://bliptext.com/articles/undefined) facility during the [Cold War](https://bliptext.com/articles/cold-war).\nWhen the F-15s first arrived at Bitburg AB, a German \"wild park\" (zoo) came to the squadron and \"adopted\" it.\nThe squadron designed an alternative emblem along with full-color aircrew patches with an eagle (animal) and US Flag on it and were dubbed the \"Adlers\" (which is German for eagle).\nFor a time in the late seventies and early eighties the \"Adler\" name and emblem were used exclusively within the \"ops\" portion of the squadron, while the attached maintenance unit retained the \"Stingers\" name and emblem.\nIn 1982, a new squadron commander made the unpopular decision that the \"Adler\" patch would no longer be used, and reinstate the Walt Disney \"Bumblebee\" patch, which was the official patch.\n# [Variant \"Adler\" Patch worn by F-15 Pilots. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/22nd///Fighter///Squadron///Pilot%27s///Adler///Patch.jpg]\n# [22nd Fighter Squadron F-15C 79-0022 with Mig-23 kill on display at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/22nd///Fighter///Squadron///F-15///Tail///79-0022.jpg]\n# [22nd Fighter Squadron F-15C 80-0031 aerial refueling while on patrol over northern Irag during Operation Provide Comfort | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/F-15C///80-0031///Operation///Provide///Comfort.jpg]\n\n### Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm\nAfter the [Invasion of Kuwait](https://bliptext.com/articles/invasion-of-kuwait) by [Iraq](https://bliptext.com/articles/iraq) in August 1990, the squadron was put on heightened readiness status awaiting possible deployment to the [Gulf Region](https://bliptext.com/articles/persian-gulf).\nAt the time of the invasion, the 22nd Fighter Squadron was involved in the [MSIP (Multi-Stage Improvement Program)](https://bliptext.com/articles/mcdonnell-douglas-f-15-eagle) upgrade of their F-15s and could not be deployed as a coherent unit.\nDuring December 1990, those aircraft that had completed upgrades, along with pilots and maintainers from the 22nd AMU (Aircraft Maintenance Unit), augmented their sister squadron, the [53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/53d-fighter-squadron), for deployment to [Al Kharj AB](https://bliptext.com/articles/prince-sultan-air-base), [Saudi Arabia](https://bliptext.com/articles/saudi-arabia) in support of [Operations Desert Shield](https://bliptext.com/articles/gulf-war) and later [Desert Storm](https://bliptext.com/articles/gulf-war).\nIn January 1991, many of the remaining aircraft, pilots and maintainers from the squadron deployed to [Incirlik AB](https://bliptext.com/articles/incirlik-air-base), [Turkey](https://bliptext.com/articles/turkey) along with their other sister squadron, the [525th Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/525th-fighter-squadron), and the F-15s of the [32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/32d-tactical-fighter-squadron) from [Soesterberg AB](https://bliptext.com/articles/soesterberg-air-base), [The Netherlands](https://bliptext.com/articles/netherlands).\nDespite their reduced numbers, the 22nd's remaining pilots and maintainers at Bitburg continued to provide aircraft for the Zulu Alert facility, as well as provided support for non-squadron F-15s en route to the war zone.\nIn all locations, the aircraft and personnel of the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron performed amazing feats under demanding conditions.\nNot a single F-15 aircraft was lost in combat during the war and several returned with credited kills.\nAircraft tail number 79-0078, one of the squadron's Al Kharj deployed aircraft, was credited with two [Mig-21](https://bliptext.com/articles/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-21) kills on 6 February 1991.\nAircraft tail number 79-0022, one of the squadron's aircraft deployed to Incirlik, was credited with a [Mig-23](https://bliptext.com/articles/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-23) kill on 28 January 1991 and is currently on display, along with other squadron memorabilia, at the [[Pueblo](https://bliptext.com/articles/pueblo-colorado) Weisbrod Aircraft Museum](https://bliptext.com/articles/pueblo-weisbrod-aircraft-museum) in [Pueblo](https://bliptext.com/articles/pueblo-colorado), [Colorado](https://bliptext.com/articles/colorado).\nIn March 1991, the Incirlik-deployed squadron returned to Bitburg AB.\nThey were followed by the last members of the Al Kharj deployment in July 1991.\n\n### Operation Provide Comfort\nThe end of Operation Desert Storm marked the beginning of [Operation Provide Comfort](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-provide-comfort) and once again the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, including the 22nd, was tasked with providing aircraft and personnel in support of [Operation Provide Comfort](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-provide-comfort) and later [Operation Provide Comfort](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-provide-comfort) II.\nThis included enforcement of the northern and southern Iraqi no-fly zones and protection of [Kurds](https://bliptext.com/articles/kurds-in-iraq) in the northern region.\nWhile still deployed to Al Kharj, F-15C tail number 84-0014, an aircraft belonging to the 53rd TFS, but flown by 22nd pilot John \"Nigel\" Doneski, downed an [Su-22](https://bliptext.com/articles/sukhoi-su-17) in violation of the southern no-fly zone.\nIn 1993, long after the squadron had been re-united in the middle of 1991, the 22nd returned to Incirlick as part of its ongoing commitment to Operation Provide Comfort II.\n\n## Spangdahlem Air Base\nIn the spring of 1994, as a result of the military post-Cold War draw down worldwide, the decision was made to close the operations portion of Bitburg Air Base and to send the squadron's F-15C/Ds and some of its personnel to [RAF Lakenheath](https://bliptext.com/articles/raf-lakenheath), [England](https://bliptext.com/articles/england).\nOther personnel were absorbed by the 53rd Fighter Squadron (\"Tactical\" had been removed in the new post-Cold War era), which was moving to Spangdahlem, or assigned to other F-15 squadrons worldwide.\nHowever, the squadron's colors were transferred to [Spangdahlem Air Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/spangdahlem-air-base), Germany, on 1 April 1994.\nOnce at Spandahlem, the [480th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/480th-fighter-squadron)'s colors were retired and the 22d's were assumed.\nThe 22d then took on the mission, personnel and aircraft of the former 480th which flew the [Block 50 F-16CJ](https://bliptext.com/articles/general-dynamics-f-16-fighting-falcon), the Air Force's latest version of the Fighting Falcon.\nIn 1998, the 22d transitioned from a primary general-purpose air interdiction squadron to its new primary mission as a [Wild Weasel](https://bliptext.com/articles/wild-weasel) unit performing suppression of enemy air defenses.\nThe squadron's most current version of the F-16 was outfitted with the [high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM)](https://bliptext.com/articles/agm-88-harm), GPS guided-inertial aided munitions, and the HARM targeting system.\n# [22 FS F-16CJ Block 50B Fighting Falcon - 90-0829 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/22d///Fighter///Squadron///-///General///Dynamics///F-16C///Block///50B///Fighting///Falcon///-///90-0829.jpg]\n\n### Peacekeeping operations\nThe 22d was quickly put into combat with its new capability when it deployed to [Operation Northern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-northern-watch) in January 1999, and engaged Iraqi radars with 12 HARMs while protecting coalition assets during heightened tensions with Iraq.\nAfter three months flying Operations Northern Watch missions, the squadron was retasked and returned to Spangdahlem Air Base where they flew combat missions into northern Yugoslavia protecting [Lockheed F-117 Nighthawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/lockheed-f-117-nighthawk) and [B-2 Spirits](https://bliptext.com/articles/b-2-spirit) striking key military targets in and around [Belgrade](https://bliptext.com/articles/belgrade), Yugoslavia, in support of [Operation Allied Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-allied-force).\nThe pilots of the 22d flew combat missions over Yugoslavia and fired 202 HARMs at Serbian radars.\nIn addition, the squadron performed its secondary and tertiary missions, employing 16 Mk-84s on key military targets while providing air superiority.\nIn December 2000 to March 2001, the squadron was assigned to Air Expeditionary Force 9.\nIt regularly flew combat missions in support of Operations Northern and [Operation Southern Watch](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-southern-watch).\n\n### Operation Enduring Freedom\nIn response to U.S. presidential directives, following the [11 September attacks](https://bliptext.com/articles/11-september-attacks) 22d provided fighter escort to [Boeing C-17 Globemaster III](https://bliptext.com/articles/boeing-c-17-globemaster-iii) over Afghanistan during [humanitarian relief](https://bliptext.com/articles/humanitarian-aid) missions, within 100 hours of notification, as part of [Operation Enduring Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-enduring-freedom).\nThis effort served as the template for USAFE's Euro Lightning operations concept.\n\n### Operation Iraqi Freedom\nIn January 2003, the squadron forward deployed as the 22d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to [Southwest Asia](https://bliptext.com/articles/southwest-asia) in support of [U.S. Central Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/u-s-central-command) and flew combat missions during [Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-iraqi-freedom).\nThe squadron played a key role during the 27-day air war by fulfilling its \"Wild Weasel\" mission of suppressing enemy air defenses and destroying Iraqi radar sites.\nIn April 2010 20 F-16Cs were flown from Spangdahlem to the [148th Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/148th-fighter-wing) of the [Minnesota Air National Guard](https://bliptext.com/articles/minnesota-air-national-guard), one F-16 was transferred to [Edwards Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/edwards-air-force-base), [California](https://bliptext.com/articles/california).\nAll aircraft were from the 22d Fighter Squadron.\nAs a result of the drawdown of F-16s, the 22d and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were inactivated on 13 August 2010 and formed the a single \"new\" squadron, the [480th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/480th-fighter-squadron).\n# [Actor Nick Lachey in squadron gear in 2008 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Nick///Lachey///at///Ramstein1.jpg]\n\n## Lineage\n\n## Assignments\n\n## Stations\n\n## Aircraft","revisionCount":0},"hasMore":false,"nextCursor":null}