{"history":[],"article":{"id":"c3dd68bf-fad6-4cb4-bebf-d88c31982b9c","title":"49th Operations Group","slug":"49th-operations-group","content":":::summary\n![Lockheed Martin F-22A Block 30 Raptor 05-4084 of the 7th Fighter Squadron](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/49thoperationsgroup-f-22-1.jpg)\n**Unit Name:** 49th Operations Group \n**Image Size:** 300 \n**Dates:** 1941–1957; 1991–present \n**Country:** 🇺🇸 [United States](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states) \n**Type:** Group \n**Role:** Combat Operations \n**Motto:** Tutor et Ultor – \"I Protect and Avenge\" \n**Battles:** Asiatic-Pacific Streamer.png
[World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii) (Asia-Pacific Theater)
[Korean War](https://bliptext.com/articles/korean-war) Streamer.png
[Korean War](https://bliptext.com/articles/korean-war)
Kosovo Campaign Streamer.jpg
Kosovo Campaign
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer.jpg
Global War on Terrorism \n**Decorations:** Streamer PUC Army.PNG
Distinguished Unit Citation (5x)
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.jpg
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
US [Air Force Outstanding Unit Award](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-force-outstanding-unit-award) - Stremer.jpg
[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-force-outstanding-unit-award) (3x)
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Streamer.png
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Streamer.png
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (2x) \n**Identification Symbol:** 49th Operations Group - Emblem.png \n**Identification Symbol Label:** 49th Operations Group emblem \n:::\n\n# \nThe **49th Operations Group (49 OG)** is the operational flying component of the [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force) [49th Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/49th-wing).\nIt is stationed at [Holloman Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/holloman-air-force-base), [New Mexico](https://bliptext.com/articles/new-mexico), and is a part of [Air Combat Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-combat-command) (ACC).\nDuring [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii), the unit's predecessor unit, the **49th Fighter Group**, operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater as part of the [Fifth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/fifth-air-force).\nThe group earned three [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation) (DUC) for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat in numerous campaigns between 1942 and 1945.\nDuring the [Korean War](https://bliptext.com/articles/korean-war), the unit initially covered the evacuation of civilian personnel from Kimpo and Suwon in 1950, later flying missions in support of UN ground forces, hitting gun positions, troop concentrations, and other objectives until the 1953 Armistice, remaining in South Korea for a time afterward.\nAfter the fall of the Soviet Union, 49th Operations group [F-117A](https://bliptext.com/articles/f-117a) Stealth fighters were engaged in combat during [Operation Allied Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-allied-force) in 1999, and in [Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-iraqi-freedom) in 2003.\n\n# Overview\nThe 49th Operations Group (Tail Code: \"HO\") conducts training using the [MQ-9 Reaper](https://bliptext.com/articles/mq-9-reaper).\nUnits of the 49th Operations Group are:\n\n# History\n\n## World War II\nThe 49th Operations Group traces its origins to the formation of the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) at Selfridge Field, Michigan on 20 November 1940.\nThe group trained with [Seversky P-35s](https://bliptext.com/articles/seversky-p-35) and consisted of three operational squadrons (7th, 8th, and 9th).\nWith the advent of [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii), the group moved to Australia and became part of [Fifth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/fifth-air-force) in January 1942.\nIt was re-designated as the ** 49th Fighter Group** in May 1942.\nThe unit received [Curtiss P-40 Warhawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-40) in Australia and, after training for a short time, provided air defense for the [Northern Territory](https://bliptext.com/articles/northern-territory), being awarded a [Distinguished Unit Citation](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation) for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat while operating with limited materiel and facilities for the period March–August 1942.\nThe group moved to [New Guinea](https://bliptext.com/articles/new-guinea) in October 1942 to help stall the Japanese drive southward from [Buna](https://bliptext.com/articles/buna-papua-new-guinea) to [Port Moresby](https://bliptext.com/articles/port-moresby).\nEngaged primarily in air defense of Port Moresby; also escorted bombers and transports, and attacked enemy installations, supply lines, and troop concentrations in support of Allied ground forces.\nThe 49th participated in the Allied offensive that pushed the Japanese back along the [Kokoda](https://bliptext.com/articles/kokoda) Track, took part in the [Battle of the Bismarck Sea](https://bliptext.com/articles/battle-of-the-bismarck-sea) in March 1943, fought for control of the approaches to [Huon Gulf](https://bliptext.com/articles/huon-gulf), and supported ground forces during the campaign in which the Allies eventually recovered New Guinea.\nIt covered the landings on Noemfoor and had a part in.\nthe conquest of [Biak](https://bliptext.com/articles/biak).\nAfter having used [Lockheed P-38 Lightnings](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-38), [Curtiss P-40 Warhawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-40) and [Republic P-47 Thunderbolts](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-47), the 49th was equipped completely in September 1944 with P-38's, which were used to fly long-range escort and attack missions to [Mindanao](https://bliptext.com/articles/mindanao), [Halmahera](https://bliptext.com/articles/halmahera), [Seram](https://bliptext.com/articles/seram), and [Borneo](https://bliptext.com/articles/borneo).\nThe unit arrived in the [Philippines](https://bliptext.com/articles/philippines) in October 1944, shortly after the assault landings on [Leyte](https://bliptext.com/articles/leyte) and engaged enemy fighters, attacked shipping in [Ormoc Bay](https://bliptext.com/articles/ormoc-bay), supported ground forces, and covered the Allied invasion of [Luzon](https://bliptext.com/articles/luzon).\nFor or intensive operations against the Japanese on [Leyte](https://bliptext.com/articles/leyte), the group was awarded a [Distinguished Unit Citation](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation).\nOther missions from the Philippines included strikes against industry and transportation on [Formosa](https://bliptext.com/articles/taiwan) and against shipping along the China coast.\nBy the war's end, the group's pilots destroyed 668 enemy aircraft (there may be some disagreement here as the 49th group site lists 678 but most sources agree at 668), a record surpassing that of any other fighter group in the Pacific Theater.\nThe group's World War II activities merited two [Philippines Republic Presidential Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/presidential-unit-citation-philippines), three U.S. [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation), and 10 battle honors.\nAmong the unit's 43 aces were Lt. Colonel [Boyd D. \"Buzz\" Wagner](https://bliptext.com/articles/boyd-d-buzz-wagner), the first World War II ace in the Pacific Theater, and Major [Richard I. Bong](https://bliptext.com/articles/richard-i-bong), whose 40 kills made him America's number one ace (a record that still stands).\nThe 49th soon became endeared to the American people through the nickname, \"Fighting 49ers.\"\n# [P-40E of the 7th Fighter Squadron – 49th Fighter Group – Australia – March 1942 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/P-40e-7fs-March1942.jpg]\n\n## Cold War\nThe 49th moved to [Okinawa](https://bliptext.com/articles/okinawa-island) in August 1945 and to Japan in September.\nAs part of the Army of occupation in Japan, the 49th Fighter Group trained, took part in maneuvers, and flew surveillance patrols, as part of [Far East Air Forces](https://bliptext.com/articles/pacaf).\nThe group was equipped with [North American P-51 Mustangs](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-51-mustang) in 1946, with [Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-80) being added in 1948.\nOn 10 August 1948, with the adoption of the [Hobson Plan](https://bliptext.com/articles/hobson-plan), the [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force) [49th Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/49th-fighter-wing) was activated, with the 49th Fighter Group being assigned as its combat group.\nFrom this point, the history of the 49th Fighter Group is indistinguishable from that of the 49th Fighter Wing.\nSignificant changes to the organization were:\n# [8th Fighter Squadron F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter 86-0840 landing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, 2000. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Lockheed///F-117A///Nighthawk///86-0840.jpg]\n\n## After the fall of the Soviet Union\nOn 1 November 1991, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing adopted the Air Force Objective Organization plan and the 49th Tactical Fighter Group was re-designated as the 49th Operations Group and re-activated.\nThe operational squadrons of the wing came under the control of the Operations Group.\nThe 49th Operations Group was transferred the lineage, honors and history of the 49th Fighter Group.\nThe [7th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/7th-fighter-squadron), flying F-22s, was inactivated on 2 May 2014.\n\n## Lineage\n# [Emblem of the 49th Fighter Group | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/49th///Fighter///Group///-///Emblem.png]\n\n## Assignments\n\n## Components\n\n## Stations\n\n## Aircraft","current_revision":null,"created_by":"kACnuQmH5k9Nr5VNVEpVeg7XpvUmMctD","created_at":"2025-01-26T12:09:39.329Z","updated_at":"2025-01-26T12:09:39.329Z","search_vector":"'49th':1 'group':3 'oper':2","search_content":" \n \n**Unit Name:** 49th Operations Group \n**Image Size:** 300 \n**Dates:** 1941–1957; 1991–present \n**Country:** 🇺🇸 [United States](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states) \n**Type:** Group \n**Role:** Combat Operations \n**Motto:** Tutor et Ultor – \"I Protect and Avenge\" \n**Battles:** Asiatic-Pacific Streamer.png [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii) (Asia-Pacific Theater) [Korean War](https://bliptext.com/articles/korean-war) Streamer.png [Korean War](https://bliptext.com/articles/korean-war) Kosovo Campaign Streamer.jpg Kosovo Campaign Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer.jpg Global War on Terrorism \n**Decorations:** Streamer PUC Army.PNG Distinguished Unit Citation (5x) Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.jpg Air Force Meritorious Unit Award US [Air Force Outstanding Unit Award](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-force-outstanding-unit-award) - Stremer.jpg [Air Force Outstanding Unit Award](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-force-outstanding-unit-award) (3x) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Streamer.png Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Streamer.png Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (2x) \n**Identification Symbol:** 49th Operations Group - Emblem.png \n**Identification Symbol Label:** 49th Operations Group emblem \n \n\n# \nThe **49th Operations Group (49 OG)** is the operational flying component of the [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force) [49th Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/49th-wing).\nIt is stationed at [Holloman Air Force Base](https://bliptext.com/articles/holloman-air-force-base), [New Mexico](https://bliptext.com/articles/new-mexico), and is a part of [Air Combat Command](https://bliptext.com/articles/air-combat-command) (ACC).\nDuring [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii), the unit's predecessor unit, the **49th Fighter Group**, operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater as part of the [Fifth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/fifth-air-force).\nThe group earned three [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation) (DUC) for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat in numerous campaigns between 1942 and 1945.\nDuring the [Korean War](https://bliptext.com/articles/korean-war), the unit initially covered the evacuation of civilian personnel from Kimpo and Suwon in 1950, later flying missions in support of UN ground forces, hitting gun positions, troop concentrations, and other objectives until the 1953 Armistice, remaining in South Korea for a time afterward.\nAfter the fall of the Soviet Union, 49th Operations group [F-117A](https://bliptext.com/articles/f-117a) Stealth fighters were engaged in combat during [Operation Allied Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-allied-force) in 1999, and in [Operation Iraqi Freedom](https://bliptext.com/articles/operation-iraqi-freedom) in 2003.\n\n# Overview\nThe 49th Operations Group (Tail Code: \"HO\") conducts training using the [MQ-9 Reaper](https://bliptext.com/articles/mq-9-reaper).\nUnits of the 49th Operations Group are:\n\n# History\n\n## World War II\nThe 49th Operations Group traces its origins to the formation of the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) at Selfridge Field, Michigan on 20 November 1940.\nThe group trained with [Seversky P-35s](https://bliptext.com/articles/seversky-p-35) and consisted of three operational squadrons (7th, 8th, and 9th).\nWith the advent of [World War II](https://bliptext.com/articles/world-war-ii), the group moved to Australia and became part of [Fifth Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/fifth-air-force) in January 1942.\nIt was re-designated as the ** 49th Fighter Group** in May 1942.\nThe unit received [Curtiss P-40 Warhawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-40) in Australia and, after training for a short time, provided air defense for the [Northern Territory](https://bliptext.com/articles/northern-territory), being awarded a [Distinguished Unit Citation](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation) for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat while operating with limited materiel and facilities for the period March–August 1942.\nThe group moved to [New Guinea](https://bliptext.com/articles/new-guinea) in October 1942 to help stall the Japanese drive southward from [Buna](https://bliptext.com/articles/buna-papua-new-guinea) to [Port Moresby](https://bliptext.com/articles/port-moresby).\nEngaged primarily in air defense of Port Moresby; also escorted bombers and transports, and attacked enemy installations, supply lines, and troop concentrations in support of Allied ground forces.\nThe 49th participated in the Allied offensive that pushed the Japanese back along the [Kokoda](https://bliptext.com/articles/kokoda) Track, took part in the [Battle of the Bismarck Sea](https://bliptext.com/articles/battle-of-the-bismarck-sea) in March 1943, fought for control of the approaches to [Huon Gulf](https://bliptext.com/articles/huon-gulf), and supported ground forces during the campaign in which the Allies eventually recovered New Guinea.\nIt covered the landings on Noemfoor and had a part in.\nthe conquest of [Biak](https://bliptext.com/articles/biak).\nAfter having used [Lockheed P-38 Lightnings](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-38), [Curtiss P-40 Warhawks](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-40) and [Republic P-47 Thunderbolts](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-47), the 49th was equipped completely in September 1944 with P-38's, which were used to fly long-range escort and attack missions to [Mindanao](https://bliptext.com/articles/mindanao), [Halmahera](https://bliptext.com/articles/halmahera), [Seram](https://bliptext.com/articles/seram), and [Borneo](https://bliptext.com/articles/borneo).\nThe unit arrived in the [Philippines](https://bliptext.com/articles/philippines) in October 1944, shortly after the assault landings on [Leyte](https://bliptext.com/articles/leyte) and engaged enemy fighters, attacked shipping in [Ormoc Bay](https://bliptext.com/articles/ormoc-bay), supported ground forces, and covered the Allied invasion of [Luzon](https://bliptext.com/articles/luzon).\nFor or intensive operations against the Japanese on [Leyte](https://bliptext.com/articles/leyte), the group was awarded a [Distinguished Unit Citation](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation).\nOther missions from the Philippines included strikes against industry and transportation on [Formosa](https://bliptext.com/articles/taiwan) and against shipping along the China coast.\nBy the war's end, the group's pilots destroyed 668 enemy aircraft (there may be some disagreement here as the 49th group site lists 678 but most sources agree at 668), a record surpassing that of any other fighter group in the Pacific Theater.\nThe group's World War II activities merited two [Philippines Republic Presidential Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/presidential-unit-citation-philippines), three U.S. [Distinguished Unit Citations](https://bliptext.com/articles/distinguished-unit-citation), and 10 battle honors.\nAmong the unit's 43 aces were Lt. Colonel [Boyd D. \"Buzz\" Wagner](https://bliptext.com/articles/boyd-d-buzz-wagner), the first World War II ace in the Pacific Theater, and Major [Richard I. Bong](https://bliptext.com/articles/richard-i-bong), whose 40 kills made him America's number one ace (a record that still stands).\nThe 49th soon became endeared to the American people through the nickname, \"Fighting 49ers.\"\n# [P-40E of the 7th Fighter Squadron – 49th Fighter Group – Australia – March 1942 | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/P-40e-7fs-March1942.jpg]\n\n## Cold War\nThe 49th moved to [Okinawa](https://bliptext.com/articles/okinawa-island) in August 1945 and to Japan in September.\nAs part of the Army of occupation in Japan, the 49th Fighter Group trained, took part in maneuvers, and flew surveillance patrols, as part of [Far East Air Forces](https://bliptext.com/articles/pacaf).\nThe group was equipped with [North American P-51 Mustangs](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-51-mustang) in 1946, with [Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars](https://bliptext.com/articles/p-80) being added in 1948.\nOn 10 August 1948, with the adoption of the [Hobson Plan](https://bliptext.com/articles/hobson-plan), the [United States Air Force](https://bliptext.com/articles/united-states-air-force) [49th Fighter Wing](https://bliptext.com/articles/49th-fighter-wing) was activated, with the 49th Fighter Group being assigned as its combat group.\nFrom this point, the history of the 49th Fighter Group is indistinguishable from that of the 49th Fighter Wing.\nSignificant changes to the organization were:\n# [8th Fighter Squadron F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter 86-0840 landing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, 2000. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Lockheed///F-117A///Nighthawk///86-0840.jpg]\n\n## After the fall of the Soviet Union\nOn 1 November 1991, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing adopted the Air Force Objective Organization plan and the 49th Tactical Fighter Group was re-designated as the 49th Operations Group and re-activated.\nThe operational squadrons of the wing came under the control of the Operations Group.\nThe 49th Operations Group was transferred the lineage, honors and history of the 49th Fighter Group.\nThe [7th Fighter Squadron](https://bliptext.com/articles/7th-fighter-squadron), flying F-22s, was inactivated on 2 May 2014.\n\n## Lineage\n# [Emblem of the 49th Fighter Group | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/49th///Fighter///Group///-///Emblem.png]\n\n## Assignments\n\n## Components\n\n## Stations\n\n## Aircraft","revisionCount":0},"hasMore":false,"nextCursor":null}