| 87th Flying Training Squadron[1] | |
|---|---|
87th Flying Training Squadron Patch |
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| Active | 18 August 1917 - 1 December 1918 19 February 1935 - 1 September 1936 9 February 1942 - 15 July 1947 1 November 1952 - 8 September 1955 8 April 1956 - 1 October 1985 2 April 1990 - Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Pilot Training |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command 19th Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing 47th Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Laughlin Air Force Base |
| Engagements | World War II *North African Campaign *Operation Husky * Operation Avalanche *Italian Campaign *Operation Dragoon |
| Decorations | DUC AFOUA |
The 87th Flying Training Squadron (87 FTS) is part of the 47th Flying Training Wing based at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. It operates T-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.
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First activated as the 87th Aero Squadron, the 87th saw brief service in the 1910s and again in the 1930s.
It was reactivated in 1942 when it was transferred to North Africa to fight against Germany's Afrika Korps. Following the German defeat and withdrawal from North Africa the 87th participated in the Allied Invasion of Sicily and Invasion of Italy and subsequent drive up the Italian Peninsula. During the Allied offensive in Italy the squadron was briefly dispatched to support the invasion of Southern France in 1944. Following the war the 87th was stationed in Austria for a short time before its return to the United States and deactivation.[2]
The 87th was again activated at Sioux City Municipal Airport, Iowa in 1952 to provide air defense of the central United States. Equipped with the F-51D Mustang, it was later equipped with the F-86D Sabre Interceptor in 1953 prior to being reassigned to USAFE, stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England in 1954 assisting in the air defense of the United Kingdom. [2]
Returned to CONUS in 1956 at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio with an air defense mission over the Ohio Valley. Was upgraded to the North American F-86L Sabre in 1957, an improved version of the F-86D which incorporated the Semi Automatic Ground Environment, or SAGE computer-controlled direction system for intercepts; upgraded again in 1960 to the supersonic F-102 Delta Dagger interceptor.[2]
The 87th was re-equipped with new McDonnell F-101B Voodoo supersonic interceptor, and the F-101F operational and conversion trainer in 1960. The two-seat trainer version was equipped with dual controls, but carried the same armament as the F-101B and were fully combat-capable. The F-101Bs were transferred to the Air National Guard in 1968 and the squadron moved to Duluth International Airport, Minnesota. At Duluth, was upgraded to the F-106 Delta Darts. During this period the squadron became known for its ability to perform cold weather operations.
The squadron was again moved to K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan in 1971. Deactivated in 1985 after budget cuts forced the cancellation of its scheduled conversion to the F-15 Eagle.[2]
The squadron was reactivated in 1990 and its mission changed to providing flight training. Today the squadron operates T-38 Talon aircraft providing training to pilot students on track to operate fighters or bombers.[2]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
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