187th Fighter Wing
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187th Fighter Wing
| 187th Fighter Wing | |
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 187th Fighter Wing emblem |
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| Active | 1962-Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Fighter Unit |
| Role | Air Combat |
| Part of | Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Montgomery Regional Airport, Alabama |
| Engagements | Berlin Crisis, Operation Iraqi Freedom |
The United States Air Force's 187th Fighter Wing (187 FW) is a unit located at Dannelly Field, Alabama.
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Contents
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Mission
To provide the state Governor, National Command Authority, and Combatant Commanders with a superbly equipped and trained general purpose F-16C+ Block 30 Aviation Package, associated Expeditionary Combat Support functions and RC-26B counter drug package for worldwide combat and peacetime/humanitarian tasking in support of our community, state, and national interests.
History
160th Fighter Squadron (1947)
The roots of the 187th Fighter Wing date back to 1952 when the Alabama Air National Guard organized the 160th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in Birmingham, Alabama equipped with the RF-51 Mustang. The squadron moved to Dannelly Field on January 1, 1953, and entered the jet age with the arrival of the RF-80 in 1955. Within a year, the 160th transitioned to the RF-84 Thunderflash aircraft, which served as the squadron’s primary aircraft for the next 15 years.
187th Tactical Fighter Group (1962)
The squadron was mobilized during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-1962. In August 1962, the squadron returned to normal peacetime status and was reorganized. It was then officially designated the 187th Reconnaissance Group.
In 1971, the Thunderflash was replaced by the RF-4C Phantom II, which was flown for 17 years. From 1971-1982, the group remained in the reconnaissance role. The 187th won many honors during this timeframe, including the best reconnaissance unit in the nation in the Photo Finish "81" competition.
In 1982, the 187th changed missions from reconnaissance to the multi-purpose fighter role after acquiring the F-4D. The Group established itself as a premier tactical fighter unit by capturing overall top honors in the ANG Fangsmoke competition in 1987. In October 1988, the Group converted to the F-16.
In June 2011, the wing's commander, Colonel Jeffery Smiley resigned from his position after an Air Force inspector general investigation substantiated allegations of misconduct by Smiley. The investigation concluded that Smiley had used an F-16 for personal trips, had improperly received pay for compensation time, had neglected to perform a climate assessment survey for three years, and had improperly coerced officers under his command to join the National Guard Association of the United States.[1]
Assignments
Major Command
- Air National Guard/Air Combat Command (1992–Present)
- Air National Guard/Tactical Air Command (1962–1992)
Previous designations[2]
- 187th Fighter Wing (1992–Present)
- 187th Fighter Group (1992–1995)
- 187th Tactical Fighter Group (1962–1992)
Squadrons assigned
- 160th Fighter Squadron (1947–2007)
- 100th Fighter Squadron (2007–present)
Bases stationed
- Dannelly Field, Alabama (1962–Present)
Aircraft & Missiles Operated[3]
- Fairchild RC-26B Metroliner (???-Present)
- General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon (1994–Present)
- General Dynamics F-16A/B Fighting Falcon (1988–1994)
- McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II (1983–1988)
- McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II (1971–1983)
- Republic RF-84F Thunderflash (1956–1971)
- Lockheed RF-80 Shooting Star (1955–1956)
- North American RF-51D Mustang (1952–1955)
- Lockheed RF-80A Shooting Star (1951–1952)
- North American P-51D Mustang (1947–1951)
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[4]
- 1998-2000
- 1995-1997
- 1991-1993
See also
References
- ^ Ricks, Markeshia, "Ala. Guard colonel resigns after investigation", Military Times, 9 July 2011.
- ^ Rogers, B. (2006). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. ISBN 1-85780-197-0
- ^ World Airpower Journal. (1992). US Air Force Air Power Directory. Aerospace Publishing: London, UK. ISBN 1-880588-01-3
- ^ Air Force Personnel Center Awards Search (Post-1991)
External links
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