13th Fighter Squadron
The 13th Fighter Squadron is a fighter squadron of the United States Air Force. The squadron flies the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and is part of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan.
| 13th Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
13th FS F-16 Fighting Falcon departs for the Fort Irwin ranges | |
| Active | 1942–1943; 1966–1975; 1976–1982; 1985–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Fighter |
| Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
| Nickname(s) | "The Panther Pack" |
| Motto(s) | Cave Putorium |
| Mascot(s) | Eldridge |
| Engagements | Antisubmarine campaign Vietnam War |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 13th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 16 August 2007) | |
| 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 15 August 1985) | |
| 313th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
The squadron traces its heritage back to the 1942 activation of the 313th Bombardment Squadron. The squadron served in the continental United States as a training unit until its 1943 disbanding. The squadron was reactivated in 1966 as the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, fighting in the Vietnam War. The squadron flew Wild Weasel anti-SAM missions with the Republic F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, operating out of Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. The squadron moved to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in October 1967, flying F-4s in combat air patrols against North Vietnamese MiGs and ground strike missions. The squadron was inactivated with the end of the war in 1975. The squadron was reactivated in 1976 a training squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and inactivated again in 1982. The squadron was reactivated as the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1985 at Misawa, flying the F-16. It was redesignated the 13th Fighter Squadron in 1991.