90th Special Operations Squadron
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The 90th Fighter Squadron is a squadron of the
United States Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the Air force, air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Tracing its ori ...
. It is assigned to the
3rd Operations Group The 3rd Operations Group is the operational flying component of the United States Air Force 3rd Wing. It is stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, and is assigned to Pacific Air Forces' Eleventh Air Force. The group is a comp ...
, based out of
Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson is a United States military facility in Anchorage, Alaska. It is a joint base formed from the United States Air Force's Elmendorf Air Force Base and the United States Army's Fort Richardson, which were merged ...
in Alaska and part of the
Pacific Air Forces The Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is a List of Major Commands of the United States Air Force, Major Command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force and is also the air component command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). PAC ...
. The squadron is equipped with the
F-22 Raptor The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft. As a product of the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the aircraft was de ...
fighter aircraft. The 90 FS is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, first being organized as the 90th Aero Squadron on 20 August 1917 at
Kelly Field Kelly Field (formerly Kelly Air Force Base) is a Joint-use airport, Joint-Use facility located in San Antonio, Texas. It was originally named after George E. M. Kelly, the first member of the U.S. military killed in the crash of an airplane he ...
, Texas. The squadron deployed to France and fought on the Western Front during World War I as a Corps observation squadron.Gorrell During World War II, the unit earned the
Distinguished Unit Citation The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the uniformed services of the United States, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed e ...
and the Presidential Unit Citation for its services in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) as part of
Fifth Air Force The Fifth Air Force (5 AF) is a Numbered Air Force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It is the U.S. Air Force's oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force. The organ ...
. During the
Cold War The Cold War was a period of global Geopolitics, geopolitical rivalry between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their respective allies, the capitalist Western Bloc and communist Eastern Bloc, which lasted from 1947 unt ...
the squadron fought in the
Korean War The Korean War (25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953) was an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies. North Korea was s ...
and
Vietnam War The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) and their allies. North Vietnam w ...
.Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons''


Mission

The 90th Fighter Squadron trains in the fighter missions of offensive counter-air (OCA) and defensive counter-air (DCA), as well as strategic attack and interdiction.


History


World War I

: ''see
90th Aero Squadron The 90th Aero Squadron was an Air Service, United States Army unit that fought on the Western Front during World War I. The squadron was assigned as a Corps Observation Squadron, performing short-range, tactical reconnaissance over the III Co ...
for an expanded history of World War I operations'' The 90th Fighter Squadron origins begin with Special Order 104, Headquarters
Kelly Field Kelly Field (formerly Kelly Air Force Base) is a Joint-use airport, Joint-Use facility located in San Antonio, Texas. It was originally named after George E. M. Kelly, the first member of the U.S. military killed in the crash of an airplane he ...
, San Antonio, Texas, on 25 September 1917. The men in it were largely from two detachments; one from
Vancouver Barracks The Vancouver Barracks was the first United States Army base located in the Pacific Northwest, established in 1849, in what is now contemporary Vancouver, Washington. It was built on a rise above the Fort Vancouver fur trading station establish ...
, Washington, which arrived at Kelly Field on 18 August; another from
Fort Leavenworth Fort Leavenworth () is a United States Army installation located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, in the city of Leavenworth, Kansas, Leavenworth. Built in 1827, it is the second oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C., an ...
, Kansas, which arrived on 25 August. Both of these detachments had been held from the date of their arrival until 25 September under Recruit Camp Headquarters as a Provisional Squadron. The first few months of its existence were consumed by the necessary training to prepare the men for operations in France during
World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
. On 30 September, the squadron left Kelly Field for the Aviation Concentration Center,
Camp Mills Camp Albert L. Mills (Camp Mills) was a military installation on Long Island, New York (state), New York. It was located about ten miles from the eastern boundary of New York City on the Hempstead Plains within what is now the village of Garden Ci ...
, Garden City, New York, Long Island, where it arrived five days later. On the night of 5 October the squadron detrained, and early next morning hiked out to Field No. 2 of the Aviation Concentration Center (
Hazelhurst Field Roosevelt Field is a former airport, located in the East Garden City section of Uniondale, on Long Island, New York, United States. Originally called the Hempstead Plains Aerodrome, or sometimes Hempstead Plains field or the Garden City Aer ...
), where they were quartered with the Headquarters of the First Provisional Wing in Barracks No. 5. Here they stayed for several weeks performing guard duty and fatigue work, and carrying on the work of organization, equipment and preparation for overseas duty.Carver, ''et al''. On 26 October, orders were received to pack up equipment and to prepare for immediate overseas departure. The following day the squadron was moved to Pier 54, New York Harbor, and boarded the . The crossing of the Atlantic was uneventful, and on 10 November the Orduna moved into the dock at
Liverpool Liverpool is a port City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, England. It is situated on the eastern side of the River Mersey, Mersey Estuary, near the Irish Sea, north-west of London. With a population ...
, England. On 12 November 1917 the men of the 90th arrived at
Le Havre Le Havre is a major port city in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy (administrative region), Normandy region of northern France. It is situated on the right bank of the estuary of the Seine, river Seine on the English Channel, Channe ...
, France. Boarding the famous "Hommes 40, Chevaux 8" railroad box cars (maximum capacity of 40 men or eight horses,) they were shipped to
Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome : ''see also: Organization of the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Force'' When the United States entered World War I on 6 April 1917, the Air Service of the United States Army existed only as a branch of the Signal Corps, and was kno ...
for what they thought would be immediate deployment to the front. But, to their great disappointment, they were given the assignment of road and barracks construction work, building the large 1st Air Depot and staging area which would eventually process and equip a large number of Americans that would arrive in France during 1918. After seven months at Colombey, the 90th Aero Squadron was designed as a Corps Observation squadron, being assigned to the
III Corps Observation Group The III Corps Observation Group was a United States Army Air Service unit that fought on the Western Front (World War I), Western Front during World War I as part of the Air Service, First United States Army. It was demobilized on 12 May 1919. T ...
on 11 June 1918. Two days later it reached what was called the "Zone of Advance" (combat area) at
Ourches Aerodrome Ourches Aerodrome, was a temporary World War I airfield in France, used by the Air Service, United States Army. It was west of the commune of Toul, in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France. Overview The airfield was buil ...
. The squadron's first aircraft were the
Sopwith 1½ Strutter The Sopwith Strutter is a British single- or two-seat Multirole combat aircraft, multi-role biplane aircraft of the First World War.Lake 2002, p. 40. It was the first British two-seat tractor configuration, tractor fighter and the first Briti ...
ground attack aircraft.Bruce, p. 590. At Ourches, the 90th and other squadrons were engaged in combat operations, both in aerial combat and aerial reconnaissance photography. It took part in operations in the Toul Sector, the
Battle of Saint-Mihiel The Battle of Saint-Mihiel was a major World War I battle fought from 12 to 15 September 1918, involving the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) and 110,000 French troops under the command of General John J. Pershing of the United States again ...
and the first and second Meuse-Argonne Offensives. Later, the squadron upgraded to Salmson 2-A2s SPAD Xis, and Breguet BR-14
observation Observation in the natural sciences is an act or instance of noticing or perceiving and the acquisition of information from a primary source. In living beings, observation employs the senses. In science, observation can also involve the percep ...
aircraft. Due to ever-present low clouds and rain, the flyers were forced to drop dangerously close to the ground to carry out their missions, usually in the worst conditions. The 90th Aero Squadron carried out many reconnaissances, engaged in 23 combats and relieved official confirmation for 7 aerial victories. The group's lucky "Seven Up" emblem of red dice with white dots reading "7" no matter which way it was tallied, proved prophetic, for they suffered 3 casualties, consisting of 2 killed and 1 wounded. In September 1918 it took part in the final
allied An alliance is a relationship among people, groups, or states that have joined together for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose, whether or not an explicit agreement has been worked out among them. Members of an alliance are calle ...
offensives. The 90th earned a positive reputation for its ground attack missions during its continuous participation in the air offensive over
Saint-Mihiel Saint-Mihiel () is a commune in the Meuse department in the Grand Est region in Northeastern France. Geography Saint-Mihiel lies on the banks of the river Meuse. History A Benedictine abbey was established here in 708 or 709 by Count Wulfoalde ...
. Its first commander,
First Lieutenant First lieutenant is a commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces; in some forces, it is an appointment. The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations, but in most forces it is sub-divided into a se ...
William G. Schauffler, designed the 90th's Pair o' Dice emblem displaying natural sevens during this campaign. After the Armistice with Germany on 11 November 1918, little flying was done, most of the pilots and observers being absent on leave or returning to the States. On 15 January 1919 the squadron's planes were turned in to the 1st Air Depot, Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome, and there, practically all of the pilots and observers were detached from the squadron. At Colombey, very comfortable quarters were assigned and the squadron settled down to await orders to the coast. The squadron left Colombey les Belles 25 January 1919, en route for the port of embarkation. It stopped at the pretty little village of St. Denis de Piles, near
Libourne Libourne (; ) is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the wine-making capital of northern Gironde and lies near Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Geog ...
, Gironde, and the officers and enlisted personnel occupied excellent billets. On 3 February after five days spent at St. Denis, the squadron was ordered to Libourne, the next step on the way home. There the men occupied the old stone French barracks, while the officers were billeted at private houses throughout the town. The squadron remained at Libourne until 10 April, when the long-awaited order to proceed to the Embarkation Camp. After two or three disappointments, the men were ordered on board the (ID-1443). Officers were detached, and sailed the same day, 20 April, Easter Sunday, on board the . The voyage was very uneventful; land was finally sighted at 5 a.m. 3 May, and the squadron docked in
Hoboken, New Jersey Hoboken ( ; ) is a City (New Jersey), city in Hudson County, New Jersey, Hudson County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Hoboken is part of the New York metropolitan area and is the site of Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub. As of the ...
, at 10 a.m., after a voyage of thirteen days. On 4 May at 8 a.m., the squadron marched over to Field No. 2, Garden City (
Mitchell Field Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a civil–military airport south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States., effective April 17, 2025. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated ...
), and the work of demobilizing the squadron was begun. After the war, 90th alumni commissioned
Tiffany's Tiffany & Co. (colloquially known as Tiffany's) is an American luxury jewelry and specialty design house headquartered on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Tiffany is known for its luxury goods, particularly its sterling silver and diamond jewelry. ...
of
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York New York may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * ...
to design a silver pin with the squadron logo.


Inter-war period

: ''see also: United States Army Border Air Patrol'' After returning from France, most of the squadron demobilized at
Mitchell Field Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a civil–military airport south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States., effective April 17, 2025. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated ...
and returned to civilian life. A small cadre of the unit remained in the Air Service, and were sent back to Kelly Field, Texas. At Kelly, the 90th, along with the
8th Eighth is ordinal form of the number eight. Eighth may refer to: * One eighth, , a fraction, one of eight equal parts of a whole * Eighth note (quaver), a musical note played for half the value of a quarter note (crotchet) * Octave, an interval b ...
,
12th Twelfth can mean: *The Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution *The Twelfth, a Protestant celebration originating in Ireland In mathematics: * 12th, an ordinal number; as in the item in an order twelve places from the beginning, follo ...
and
13th Aero Squadron The 13th Aero Squadron was a United States Army Air Service unit that fought on the Western Front (World War I), Western Front during World War I. The squadron was assigned as a Day Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron as part of the 2d Pursuit Group, F ...
s were formed into the Army Surveillance Group on 1 July 1919. The group was redesignated the 3d Attack Group on 2 July 1921. The mission of the Army Surveillance Group was to carry out observation overflights along the Mexican Border. During this period, Mexico was enduring a period of revolution and unrest, which led to border violations and the deaths of American citizens. From Kelly Field, the squadron was divided into two flights, Flight A operated from
Eagle Pass Field Eagle Pass Municipal Airport is a former airport, located in Eagle Pass, Texas. Airport operations ended around 1998, being transferred to the Maverick County Memorial International Airport. Today the former airport is a commercial site. Histor ...
, while Flight B operated from Kelly Field. Both flights were equipped with American-built
deHavilland DH-4 The Airco DH.4 is a British two-seat biplane day bomber of the First World War. It was designed by Geoffrey de Havilland (hence "DH") for Airco, and was the first British two-seat light day-bomber capable of defending itself. It was desig ...
aircraft, which were designed as bombers during the war. In the late summer of 1919 the 464th Aero Construction Squadron had been sent to establish an Army airfield at
Sanderson, Texas Sanderson is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Terrell County, Texas, United States. The population was 664 at the 2020 census. Sanderson was created in 1882 as a part of neighboring Pecos County. It became the seat of ...
. By November, enough construction had been completed at
Sanderson Field Sanderson Field is a public lighted-land airport located in Shelton, a city in Mason County, Washington, United States. It is located just outside the City of Shelton corporate limits, and is owned and operated by the Port of Shelton. It is bo ...
that the squadron moved from Kelly to operate from the new airfield, while the detachment at
Eagle Pass Field Eagle Pass Municipal Airport is a former airport, located in Eagle Pass, Texas. Airport operations ended around 1998, being transferred to the Maverick County Memorial International Airport. Today the former airport is a commercial site. Histor ...
continued operations. The detachment moved from Eagle Pass to Del Rio Field, Texas, on 12 Jun 1920. As the unrest in Mexico died down by the middle of 1921 the 90th reunited and moved back to Kelly Field in July. At Kelly Field, Brigadier General William 'Billy' Mitchell, a senior staff officer in the
Army Air Service The United States Army Air Service (USAAS)Craven and Cate Vol. 1, p. 9 (also known as the ''"Air Service"'', ''"U.S. Air Service"'' and before its legislative establishment in 1920, the ''"Air Service, United States Army"'') was the aerial warf ...
, decided to use this low-level flying experience and the World War I experience of the 3d Group's pilots to create a group devoted to low-level mission of supporting ground troops and attacking ground targets. Flew border reconnaissance missions from Fort Huachuca, Arizona, during the Escobar-Topete Revolution 7 April–2 May 1929. The 90th Squadron contributed to the pioneering of new tactics for attack aircraft, delivered
US mail The United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or simply the Postal Service, is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the executive branch of the federal governmen ...
in 1934 took part in aerial mapping missions during the 1930s, and attracted significant talent among early military airmen. One example of these early airmen was
General A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry. In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
James H. Doolittle James Harold Doolittle (December 14, 1896 – September 27, 1993) was an American military general and aviation pioneer who received the Medal of Honor for his raid on Japan during World War II, known as the Doolittle Raid in his honor. He ma ...
. On 2 September 1922 General Doolittle, then a first lieutenant, became the first pilot to travel coast-to-coast in under 24 hours. Although he could not remember if he was assigned to the 90th during the flight, the
Air Force Historical Research Agency The Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) the Department of the Air Force's central repository for physical and digital documentation. The archivists and historians who work at AFHRA collect, manage, and preserve the archival collectio ...
confirmed he was a member of the 90th at the time, and his DH-4 aircraft displayed the 90th's pair-o-dice emblem. Early commanders of the 90th also included Lieutenants
Hoyt Vandenberg Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg (January 24, 1899 – April 2, 1954) was a United States Air Force general. He served as the second Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the second Director of Central Intelligence. During World War II, Vandenberg was t ...
and Nathan Twining, both of whom later became
Air Force Chiefs of Staff An atmosphere () is a layer of gases that envelop an astronomical object, held in place by the gravity of the object. A planet retains an atmosphere when the gravity is great and the temperature of the atmosphere is low. A stellar atmosphere ...
. Transferred on 27 February 1935 to Barksdale Field, Louisiana, then transferred on 10 October 1940 to Savannah AAF, Georgia.


World War II

During
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
, the 90th, now a bombardment squadron, operated in the South Pacific, flying
Douglas A-20 Havoc The Douglas A-20 Havoc (company designation DB-7) is an American light bomber, attack aircraft, Intruder (air combat), night intruder, night fighter, and reconnaissance aircraft of World War II. Designed to meet an Army Air Corps requirement for ...
and
North American B-25 Mitchell The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. Used by many Allies of World War ...
aircraft. Their main mission involved highly-dangerous
skip bombing Skip bombing was a low-level bombing technique independently developed by several of the combatant nations in World War II, notably Italy, Australia, Britain, Soviet Union and the United States. It allows an aircraft to attack shipping by skippi ...
s. In an effort to improve the effectiveness and protection of the 3d Bombardment Group's pilots, Major (United States), Major Paul 'Pappy' Gunn, 3d Bombardment Group engineering officer, devised a modification of the B-25C. The modification replaced the forward bombardier with four forwards firing M2 Browning machine gun, .50 caliber machine guns, supplemented with two twin .50 caliber gun packages side mounted on the fuselage. The lower turret was discarded. The A-20s received similar modifications. The modified aircraft were first employed by the 90th and proved exceptionally effective, receiving the nickname 'commerce destroyers.' During the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, every aircraft in the 90th scored a hit on the Japanese convoy of 18 ships. It was the first sea-level attack by B-25 Strafing, strafers in World War II and demonstrated that this Military tactics, tactic was extremely effective. The squadron also participated in the raids on Wewak, New Guinea, which were preemptive strikes that virtually ended the threat of enemy offensive air capabilities.


Cold War

In 1945, after World War II, the 90th Squadron was moved to Japan. The 90th began flying the Douglas A-26 Invader as the 3d Bombardment Group became an all A-26 outfit. In September 1946 the 90th moved with the 3d Bombardment Group to Yokota Air Base, Japan, and began training to become combat-ready with the A-26, which was redesignated the B-26 Invader. With the creation of the U.S. Air Force in late 1947 the force began an internal reorganization. This led to the activation of the 3d Bombardment Wing in August 1948, to which the 3d Bombardment Group was assigned. The 90th Squadron was inactivated from 1 October 1949 until 25 June 1951. At that point, the squadron was redesignated the 90th Bombardment Squadron Light, Night Intruder. In July, as part of the 3d Bombardment Group, the 90th participated in the
Korean War The Korean War (25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953) was an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies. North Korea was s ...
. The B-26 Invaders, which the 90th flew, had as many as 12 forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns. The 90th's specialty during the Korean War was destroying locomotives and marshalling yards. After the war, the 90th moved with the 3d Bombardment Group to Johnson Air Base, Japan, on 1 October 1954. In January 1956 the unit transitioned to the B-57 Canberra, B-57C Night Intruder. In October 1957 the 3d Bombardment Group inactivated and its heritage transferred to the 3d Bombardment Wing, as did the 90th Bombardment Squadron. In 1960 the wing and squadron transferred to Yokota Air Base, where it trained in bombardment, aerial reconnaissance, reconnaissance, and air refueling. It also served Nuclear warfare, nuclear alert during this period as well. In the mid-1960s, however, the squadron underwent significant changes. In 1964 the 3d Bombardment Wing converted to a tactical fighter wing, as did the 90th, which became the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 June 1964. The wing and the 90th moved to England Air Force Base, Louisiana, as part of an overall reorganization to reduce the number of wings located in Japan. While at England, the 90th gained the North American F-100 Super Sabre. At the beginning of the
Vietnam War The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) and their allies. North Vietnam w ...
, the 3d Bombardment Wing began deploying units to Vietnam on a rotational basis, while the remainder continued training in their ground support role. In November 1965 the wing moved to Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, during the buildup of forces. The 90th flew close air support missions from Bien Hoa through tens of thousands of sorties. In 1969 the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron reverted to its pre-World War II designation of 90th Attack Squadron. On 31 October 1970 the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing ended its duties in Vietnam and remained active in 'paper' status until it moved to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, in March 1971. The 90th Attack Squadron was reassigned to the 14th Special Operations Wing on 31 October 1970 and was redesignated the 90th Special Operations Squadron and remained in Vietnam at Nha Trang Air Base. From late 1970 until 1974 the 90th underwent several command reassignments. It remained with the 14th Special Operations Wing until 1 September 1971, when it moved to the 483d Tactical Fighter Wing and remained at Nha Trang Air Base. On 15 April 1972 the 90th moved again, this time to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Island, Okinawa, Japan. This assignment lasted only a few months, as the unit was assigned to the 405th Fighter Wing in December 1972 and moved to Clark Air Base, Philippines. The squadron was redesignated the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 July 1973, and began to fly McDonnell F-4 Phantom IIs. In September of the following year, the 90th returned once again to the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing, when it relocated to Clark Air Base after the 405th Fighter Wing was inactivated. From 31 August 1973 to 31 July 1974 the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron maintained an F-4 detachment at the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Tainan Air Base, Taiwan, and primary mission was to support Taiwan’s air defense. In 1975 the 90th converted to the F-4E and participated in combat training and providing air defense for the Philippines. In July 1977 the 90th once again upgraded its aircraft, this time to the F-4G, which performed a ground radar suppression and destruction mission. The squadron had both F-4G and F-4E aircraft assigned, operating in "hunter-killer" roles. Each F-4G was paired with an F-4E during each mission, and the G models would point out threat radar sites to the E models for attack, as well as attacking using their own armaments. This multiplied the force being applied without having to purchase more of the expensive G models. During the late 1970s and 1980s, the squadron provided training and support to other units throughout the Pacific, as well as ensuring the readiness of its own pilots and aircraft. The unit participated in numerous Cope Thunder exercises hosted at Clark AB, as well as Pitch Black in Darwin, Australia, and other exercises in South Korea. By 1990, however, the Philippines had expressed a desire for the withdrawal of American military forces in the islands. In May 1991 the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron was reassigned to the 21st Tactical Fighter Wing located at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. In September 1991 the 90th was redesignated the 90th Fighter Squadron and became part of the 21st Operations Group. This association did not last long, however.


Post-Cold War

In June 1991 Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines and the Air Force quickly decided to evacuate its personnel and equipment from Clark AB. The 3d Tactical Fighter Wing remained in the Philippines during Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield, Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Desert Storm due to instability in the Philippines. However, it was not going to remain in the islands for very long. It became a 'paper' unit briefly while the Chief of Staff, General Merrill McPeak, decided where to send the wing. He selected Elmendorf. The 21st Tactical Fighter Wing was inactivated and the 3d Wing replaced it as the lead wing at Elmendorf on 19 December 1991. With the establishment of the 3d Wing on Elmendorf, the 90th Fighter Squadron was once again reunited with its old wing. While these changes occurred with the 3d Wing, the 90th Fighter Squadron deployed six F-4G crews to join other Wild Weasel squadrons and coalition forces in Sheikh Isa, Bahrain for the Gulf War.Schreiner & Eisel, The six crews were attached to the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron and were known as the Philippine Expeditionary Force (PEF). During combat operations, PEF crews destroyed multiple Iraqi SAM sites. This was the last combat deployment for the 90th while operating F-4Gs. Upon relocating to Elmendorf, the unit gained a new aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle. This two-seat dual role updated version of the F-15 Eagle, F-15C Eagle had more survivability enhancements than any other fighter aircraft at the time. It carried a wide array of armament as it performed both air-to-air and air-to-surface attack missions. Since arriving in Alaska, the 90th Fighter Squadron participated in numerous training Military exercise, exercises in the lower 48 states and other areas of the world. These training exercises included Polar Thrust, Cope Thunder, Tandem Thrust, Cope Thaw, and Red Flag (USAF), Red Flag in locations such as Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Osan Air Base, Korea, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The squadron also developed a reputation for safety in its training. On 20 February 1996 the squadron received the Alaska Governor's Safety Award conferred through the Alaska Department of Labor. This was the first time a military organization won the state award since its inception in 1980. In addition to exercises, the 90th Fighter Squadron also undertook real-world deployments during the 1990s and early 2000s (decade). From October 1995 until January 1996 the squadron deployed 8 F-15Es and 193 personnel to Aviano Air Base, Italy in support of Operation Deny Flight and Operation Joint Endeavor. In February 1998 the squadron deployed 18 F-15Es and over 200 personnel to Kwangju Air Base and Taegu Air Base, both in Korea. While there, the unit flew 1200 joint combat training sorties. Personnel and aircraft redeployed in June 1998. In 2001 the 90th began a series of deployments which took members of the squadron to the Middle East and Southwest Asia. In March of that year, the 90th participated in a 90-day deployment in support of Operation Northern Watch, patrolling the northern No-fly zone in Iraq. The squadron sent 154 personnel and 10 F-15Es to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and returned to Elmendorf on 9 June 2001. In October that year, 18 F-15Es were deployed to Kwangju Air Base, Korea, in support of Afghanistan operations. While deployed pilots flew practice strike missions and provided long-range interdiction strike capability in the region during the absence of the , they also flew missions over South Korea and repaired base infrastructure while there. The squadron redeployed from 20 to 23 December. The 90th Fighter Squadron participated in an historic event on 4 September 2002. Two Royal Australian Air Force exchange officers, Flight Lieutenant Paul Simmons and Flight Lieutenant Tony Southwood, paired up to fly one of the 90th's F-15Es. This was the first time Australian pilots flew an American aircraft in the Pacific Theatre. In 2003 the squadron undertook another deployment in the Pacific in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 90th sent 18 F-15Es to bases in the Pacific, including Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, (both in Korea), Kadena Air Base, Japan and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The deployment included 592 personnel from mid-February until mid-May. Kwangju AB, Korea, once again became home to members of the 90th Fighter Squadron in 2004. In August the squadron deployed 12 F-15Es in a rotation. The unit was temporarily designated the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and assigned to the 3d Air Expeditionary Group. While deployed the unit flew more than 1100 sorties over the Korean Peninsula and provided two important flights to distinguished visitors, Republic of Korea Air Force Brigadier General Ko and Republic of Korea General Kim, Commander Korean Ground Forces. In 2005 the squadron focused on training and preparation for its next real-world deployment. Amidst the training and exercises, however, the squadron was able to showcase their talent with participation in the Aero India Airshow and with a flyby at the United States Air Force Academy before the Air Force-Army football game. Additionally, the F-15Es completed an upgrade of their weapons systems. This upgrade allowed the aircraft to carry and use more advanced weaponry, including the Joint Direct Attack Munition and eventually the Small Diameter Bomb. As 2006 progressed, the 90th Fighter Squadron began to prepare for significant changes in its mission and weapons system. The F-15Es were scheduled to relocate to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, through the Base Realignment and Closure, BRAC decisions in 2005. Replacing those F-15Es, the 90th began receiving the advanced
F-22 Raptor The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft. As a product of the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the aircraft was de ...
in August 2007, which greatly enhanced the 90th Fighter Squadron's ability to perform its duties. In August 2022 twelve of the squadron's F-22 Raptors deployed to Łask Air Base, Poland as part of NATO's air shielding mission. In August 2024 some of squadron's Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, F-22 Raptors jets have arrived in the Middle East in a show of force meant to deter Iran and its proxies from attacking Israel following the assassination of a Hamas leader.


Lineage

* Organized as the 90th Aero Squadron on 20 August 1917 : Redesignated 90th Aero Squadron (Corps Observation) on 19 April 1918 : Redesignated 90th Aero Squadron in May 1919 : Redesignated 90th Squadron (Surveillance) on 13 August 1919 : Redesignated 90th Squadron (Attack) on 15 September 1921 : Redesignated 90th Attack Squadron on 25 January 1923 : Redesignated 90th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 15 September 1939 : Redesignated 90th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 28 September 1942 : Redesignated 90th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 25 May 1943 : Redesignated 90th Bombardment Squadron, Light on 29 April 1944 : Inactivated on 1 Oct 1949 * Redesignated as: 90th Bombardment Squadron, Light, Night Intruder on 7 June 1951 : Activated on 25 Jun 1951 : Redesignated 90th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical on 1 October 1955 : Redesignated 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 June 1964 : Redesignated 90th Attack Squadron on 12 December 1969 : Redesignated 90th Special Operations Squadron on 31 October 1970 : Redesignated 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 July 1973 : Redesignated 90th Fighter Squadron on 26 September 1991


Assignments

* Post Headquarters, Kelly Field, 20 August 1917 * Aviation Concentration Center, 5–26 October 1917 * American Expeditionary Forces, 12 November 1917 * 1st Air Depot, American Expeditionary Forces, c. 20 November 1917 * I Corps Observation Group, 19 April 1918 * IV Corps Observation Group, 13 June 1918 * III Corps Observation Group, 21 September 1918 * I Corps Observation Group, 30 November 1918 * American Expeditionary Forces, December 1918 – 19 April 1919 * Post Headquarters, Hazelhurst Field, 5 May 1919 * Post Headquarters, Kelly Field, May 1919 * Army Surveillance Group (later 1st Surveillance Group, 3d Group (Attack), 3d Attack Group, 3d Bombardment Group), 1 July 1919 – 1 October 1949 * 3d Bombardment Group, 25 June 1951 )attached to 3d Bombardment Wing after 13 August 1956) : 3d Bombardment Wing, 25 October 1957 (attached to 41st Air Division after 1 September 1963) * 41st Air Division, 8 January 1964 * Tactical Air Command, 8 June 1964 * 3d Tactical Fighter Wing, 9 June 1964 (attached to 405th Fighter Wing, 7 February–10 May 1965, 39th Air Division after 8 August 1965) * 834th Air Division, 19 November 1965 (remained attached to 39th Air Division Until 5 December 1965, then to 401st Tactical Fighter Wing) * 3d Tactical Fighter Wing, c. 8 February 1966 * 14th Special Operations Wing, 31 October 1970 * 483d Tactical Airlift Wing, 1 September 1971 * 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, 15 April 1972 * 405th Fighter Wing, 15 December 1972 * 3d Tactical Fighter Wing, 16 September 1974 * 21st Tactical Fighter Wing, 29 May 1991 * 21st Operations Group, 26 September 1991 * 3d Operations Group, 19 December 1991 – present


Stations

;; World War I * Kelly Field, Texas, 20 August 1917 * Camp Mills, Garden City, New York, 5–27 October 1917 * Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome, France, 20 November 1917 * Amanty Airdrome, France, 19 April 1918 * Ourches Aerodrome, France, 13 June 1918 * Souilly Aerodrome, France, 20 September 1918 * Bethelainville Aerodrome, France, 29 October 1918 * Belrain Aerodrome, France, 15 January 1919 * Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome, France, 18 January 1919 * Libourne, France, 25 January 1919 * St. Denis-de-Piles, France, 29 January 1919 * Libourne, France, 2 February 1919 * Bordeaux, France, 10–19 April 1919 ;; Inter-War period *
Hazelhurst Field Roosevelt Field is a former airport, located in the East Garden City section of Uniondale, on Long Island, New York, United States. Originally called the Hempstead Plains Aerodrome, or sometimes Hempstead Plains field or the Garden City Aer ...
, New York, 5 May 1919 * Kelly Field, Texas, c. May 1919 : Flight A operated from: Eagle Pass Field, Texas, 27 August 1919 – 12 June 1920 : Flight B operated from: Kelly Field No. 2, Texas, 30 September–29 November 1919 * Sanderson Field, Texas, 29 November 1919 : Flight A operated from: Del Rio Field, Texas, 12 June 1920 – 30 June 1921 * Kelly Field, Texas, 2 July 1921 * Fort Crockett, Texas, 1 July 1926 : Detachment operated from Fort Huachuca, Arizona, 7 April–12 May 1929 * Barksdale Field, Louisiana, 27 February 1935 (deployed to Bakersfield, California, 3–23 May 1937) * Army Air Base Savannah, Georgia, 9 Oct 1940 – 19 January 1942 * Archerfield Airport, Brisbane, Australia, 25 February 1942 * Breddan Airfield, Charters Towers, Australia, 8 March 1942 * Port Moresby Airfield Complex, New Guinea, 28 January 1943 * Dobodura Airfield Complex, New Guinea, 21 May 1943 * Nadzab Airfield Complex, New Guinea, 5 February 1944 * Hollandia Airfield Complex, New Guinea, c. 7 May 1944 * Dulag Airfield, Leyte, 16 November 1944 * San Jose Airport (Mindoro), McGuire Field, San Jose, Mindoro, 30 December 1944 * Sobe Airfield, Okinawa, 6 August 1945 * Atsugi Airfield, Japan, c. 8 September 1945 * Yokota Air Base, Japan, 10 October 1946 – 1 October 1949 ;; United States Air Force * Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, 25 June 1951 * Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, c. 20 August 1951 : Deployed at Pusan Air Base (K-9), South Korea, 25 April–17 May 1952 * Johnson Air Base, Japan, 5 October 1954 : Deployed at Itazuke Air Base, Japan, 18 January-2 February 1957 * Yokota Air Base, Japan, 18 November 1960 – 9 June 1964 * England Air Force Base, Louisiana, 9 June 1964 – 8 February 1966 : Deployed at Clark Air Base, Philippines, 7 February–10 May 1965 * Misawa Air Base, Japan, 3 August–5 December 1965 * Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, 12 February 1966 : Deployed at Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, 9–14 April 1967 * Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam, 31 October 1970 * Kadena Air Base, Okinawa (later, Japan), 15 April 1972 * Clark Air Base, Philippines, 15 December 1972 : Deployed a Detachment at Tainan Air Base, Taiwan, 31 August 1973 – 31 July 1974 * Elmendorf Air Force Base (later Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson), Alaska, 29 May 1991 – present


Aircraft

*
Sopwith 1½ Strutter The Sopwith Strutter is a British single- or two-seat Multirole combat aircraft, multi-role biplane aircraft of the First World War.Lake 2002, p. 40. It was the first British two-seat tractor configuration, tractor fighter and the first Briti ...
, 1918 * Salmson 2A2, 1918–1919 * SPAD S.XI, 1918–1919 * Breguet 14 A.2, 1918–1919 * de Havilland DH-4 (1919–c. 1925, 1926–1932) * GA-1 (1921–1922) * Douglas O-2, O-2 (1921–1928) * Curtiss Falcon, A-3 Falcon (1928–1934) * Curtiss Falcon, O-1 (1920s – early 1930s) * Douglas O-2, XO-6 (1920s – early 1930s) * Curtiss A-8, A-8 Shrike (1920s – early 1930s) * Y-8 (1920s - early 1930s) * A-12 Shrike (1933–1936) * Northrop A-17, A-17 Nomad (1936–1939) * A-18 Shrike (1939–1941) * B-18 Bolo (1939–1941) * Martin B-10, B-12 (1939–1940) * A-20 Havoc (1941, 1943–1945) * SBD Dauntless, A-24 Banshee (1941, 1942) * B-25 Mitchell (1942–1944, 1945) * A-26 Invader (1945–1949, 1951–1956) * B-24 Liberator (1944–1946) * B-57 Canberra (1956–1964) * F-100 Super Sabre (1964–1969) * A-37 Dragonfly (1969–1970) * C-123 Provider (1970–1972) * C-130 Hercules (1970–1972) * F-4 Phantom II (1973–1991) * F-15E Strike Eagle (1994–2007) *
F-22 Raptor The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft. As a product of the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the aircraft was de ...
(2007 – present)


Operations

*
World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
*
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
*
Korean War The Korean War (25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953) was an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies. North Korea was s ...
*
Vietnam War The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) and their allies. North Vietnam w ...
* Operation Deny Flight * Operation Joint Endeavor * Operation Northern Watch * Operation Inherent Resolve


See also

* List of American Aero Squadrons


References


Bibliography

* Bruce, J.M.
The Sopwith 1½ Strutter: Historic Military Aircraft No. 14 Part II
. Flight International, ''Flight'', 5 October 1956. * * * * * * {{cite book, last1=Lt Col Schreiner, first1=Jim (Boomer), last2=Eisel, first2=Brick, title=MAGNUM! The Wild Weasels in Desert Storm: The Elimination of Iraq's Air Defence, year=2009, publisher=Pen and Sword Aviation, location=Barnsley, UK, isbn=978-1473899001 Fighter squadrons of the United States Air Force, 090 Military units and formations in Alaska