180th Fighter Wing
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 180th Fighter Wing is an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter organization assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard
and located at the Toledo Express Airport
, Ohio
.
, Texas
, as a supply unit. The squadron was re-designated the 633rd Aero Squadron in 1918 and demobilized on August 19, 1919.
On June 20, 1927, the unit was activated as part of the Ohio National Guard as the 112th Observation Squadron, consolidated with the 633rd Aero Squadron, and equipped with PT-1, BT-1, O-2
, and O-11
aircraft based at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
The 112th OS was called into federal service at Pope Field
, North Carolina
, on November 25, 1940, with many of its members transferred to other units in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Lt.Col. Addison Baker
, inducted into federal service while serving in the 112th OS, received the Medal of Honor
while commanding the B-24 Liberator
93rd Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force
during a mission to Ploieşti
, Romania
, on August 1, 1943.
The 112th OS was briefly inactivated between October 18, 1942 and April 30, 1943, when it was re-formed as the 112th Liaison Squadron, flying L-4
, L-5
, UC-78 aircraft. The 122nd LS deployed to England
with the Ninth Air Force
on June 9, 1944, then was based in France on August 27, 1944, and later in Germany on June 21, 1945, flying courier missions behind the front lines. The 112th LS was inactivated on November 7, 1945 at Drew Field, Florida
.
The squadron was redesignated the 112th Bombardment Squadron (Light) and listed as an Air National Guard Squadron. In 1950 it was re-activated at Lawson Air Force Base, Georgia
, with Douglas A-26 Invader
s. In 1952 it was re-designated as the 112th Fighter-Bomber Squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard at Akron-Canton Airport, and re-equipped with P-51 Mustang
s.
In 1955, the unit next became the 112th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and moved to Toledo, where it re-equipped with the F-84 Thunderjet
and F-84F Thunderstreak
, and was redesignated the 112th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1958. The unit served during the 1961 Berlin Crisis
, then provided the foundation of the newly formed 180th Tactical Fighter Group in 1962.
The 180th TFG converted to the F-100 Super Sabre
in 1971, and to the A-7 Corsair II
in 1979. The 180th TFG received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1985 and 1990. In 1989, while on temporary duty in Panama
, its A-7s participated in Operation Just Cause. Volunteer members served in the Persian Gulf
in 1990–1991 during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
The group became the 180th Fighter Wing in 1993, and its subordinate unit, the 112th Fighter Squadron, was equipped with F-16 Fighting Falcon
. In 1996, 1998, and 1999 the 180th FW enforced the no-fly zones over Iraq
in Operation Provide Comfort
and Operation Northern Watch
.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's 180th Fighter Wing is an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter organization assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard
Ohio Air National Guard
The Ohio Air National Guard is a part of the United States National Guard and an Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force. It is composed of approximately 5,000 airmen and officers assigned to four flying wings and eight non-flying support units. OHANG units are based in Columbus,...
and located at the Toledo Express Airport
Toledo Express Airport
Toledo Express Airport is a passenger and cargo airport located 10 miles west of the city of Toledo in the extreme Western portion of Lucas County, Ohio, United States, near the border with Fulton County, in the townships of Swanton and Monclova. It is also a base for the Ohio Air National...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Mission
The 180th Fighter Wing's primary mission is to train, organize, and equip expeditionary war fighters to deploy, fight, and win worldwide, with minimum response time, in cases of national emergency or war.History
The 180th Fighter Wing has as its progenitor the 112th Aero Squadron, created on August 18, 1917 at Kelly FieldKelly Air Force Base
Kelly Field Annex and is a former United States Air Force facility located in San Antonio, Texas. In 2001, the runway and land west of the runway became "Kelly Field Annex" and control of it was transferred to the adjacent Lackland Air Force Base, part of Joint Base San Antonio...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, as a supply unit. The squadron was re-designated the 633rd Aero Squadron in 1918 and demobilized on August 19, 1919.
On June 20, 1927, the unit was activated as part of the Ohio National Guard as the 112th Observation Squadron, consolidated with the 633rd Aero Squadron, and equipped with PT-1, BT-1, O-2
Douglas O-2
The Douglas O-2 is a 1920s American observation aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company.-Development:The important family of Douglas observation aircraft sprang from two XO-2 prototypes, the first of which was powered by the 420 hp Liberty V-1650-1 V-engine and test-flown in the autumn...
, and O-11
Curtiss Falcon
The Curtiss Falcon is a family of military biplane aircraft built by the United States aircraft manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company during the 1920s. Most saw service as part of the United States Army Air Corps as observation aircraft with the designations O-1 and O-11, or as the...
aircraft based at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
The 112th OS was called into federal service at Pope Field
Pope Air Force Base
Pope Field is a United States Army facility located 12 miles northwest of the central business district of Fayetteville, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States.-Units:...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, on November 25, 1940, with many of its members transferred to other units in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Lt.Col. Addison Baker
Addison Baker
Lieutenant Colonel Addison Earl Baker was commander of the 93rd Bombardment Group in the U.S. Army Air Forces who led the group on the low-altitude Allied bombing mission of oil refineries at Ploieşti, Romania, Operation Tidal Wave...
, inducted into federal service while serving in the 112th OS, received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
while commanding the B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber...
93rd Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force
Eighth Air Force
The Eighth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command . It is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana....
during a mission to Ploieşti
Ploiesti
Ploiești is the county seat of Prahova County and lies in the historical region of Wallachia in Romania. The city is located north of Bucharest....
, Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, on August 1, 1943.
The 112th OS was briefly inactivated between October 18, 1942 and April 30, 1943, when it was re-formed as the 112th Liaison Squadron, flying L-4
L-5 Sentinel
The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was a World War II era liaison aircraft used by all branches of the U.S. military and by the British Royal Air Force. Along with the Stinson L-1 Vigilant, the L-5 was the only other American liaison aircraft of WWII that was purpose-built for military use and had no...
, L-5
L-5 Sentinel
The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was a World War II era liaison aircraft used by all branches of the U.S. military and by the British Royal Air Force. Along with the Stinson L-1 Vigilant, the L-5 was the only other American liaison aircraft of WWII that was purpose-built for military use and had no...
, UC-78 aircraft. The 122nd LS deployed to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
with the Ninth Air Force
Ninth Air Force
The Ninth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina....
on June 9, 1944, then was based in France on August 27, 1944, and later in Germany on June 21, 1945, flying courier missions behind the front lines. The 112th LS was inactivated on November 7, 1945 at Drew Field, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
.
The squadron was redesignated the 112th Bombardment Squadron (Light) and listed as an Air National Guard Squadron. In 1950 it was re-activated at Lawson Air Force Base, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, with Douglas A-26 Invader
A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts...
s. In 1952 it was re-designated as the 112th Fighter-Bomber Squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard at Akron-Canton Airport, and re-equipped with P-51 Mustang
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
s.
In 1955, the unit next became the 112th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and moved to Toledo, where it re-equipped with the F-84 Thunderjet
F-84 Thunderjet
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 flew in 1946...
and F-84F Thunderstreak
F-84F Thunderstreak
The Republic F-84F Thunderstreak was an American-built swept-wing turbojet fighter-bomber. While an evolutionary development of the straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F was a new design. The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version....
, and was redesignated the 112th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1958. The unit served during the 1961 Berlin Crisis
Berlin Crisis of 1961
The Berlin Crisis of 1961 was the last major politico-military European incident of the Cold War about the occupational status of the German capital city, Berlin, and of post–World War II Germany. The U.S.S.R...
, then provided the foundation of the newly formed 180th Tactical Fighter Group in 1962.
The 180th TFG converted to the F-100 Super Sabre
F-100 Super Sabre
The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...
in 1971, and to the A-7 Corsair II
A-7 Corsair II
The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
in 1979. The 180th TFG received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1985 and 1990. In 1989, while on temporary duty in Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, its A-7s participated in Operation Just Cause. Volunteer members served in the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in 1990–1991 during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
The group became the 180th Fighter Wing in 1993, and its subordinate unit, the 112th Fighter Squadron, was equipped with F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
. In 1996, 1998, and 1999 the 180th FW enforced the no-fly zones over Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
in Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort and Provide Comfort II were military operations by the United States and some of its Gulf War allies, starting in April 1991, to defend Kurds fleeing their homes in northern Iraq in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War and deliver humanitarian aid to them.-Operation...
and Operation Northern Watch
Operation Northern Watch
Operation Northern Watch, the successor to Operation Provide Comfort, was a US European Command Combined Task Force charged with enforcing its own no-fly zone above the 36th parallel in Iraq...
.
Major Command
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
(1992–Present) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
(1962–1992)
Previous designations
- 180th Fighter Wing (1995–Present)
- 180th Fighter Group (1992–1995)
- 180th Tactical Fighter Group (1962–1992)
Aircraft & Missiles Operated
- F-16C/D Fighting Falcon (1991–Present)
- A-7D Corsair II (1979–1991)
- F-100 Super SabreF-100 Super SabreThe North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...
(1971–1979) - F-84F ThunderstreakF-84F ThunderstreakThe Republic F-84F Thunderstreak was an American-built swept-wing turbojet fighter-bomber. While an evolutionary development of the straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F was a new design. The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version....
(1962–1971)