49th Wing
The 49th Wing is a remotely piloted vehicle wing of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to Nineteenth Air Force, Air Education and Training Command. It is stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The wing has fought during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and NATO-led Operation Allied Force over Kosovo.
| 49th Wing | |
|---|---|
49th Wing converted to MQ-9 Reapers in 2008 | |
| Active | 1948–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Wing |
| Role | Remotely Piloted Vehicle |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico |
| Motto(s) | TUTOR ET ULTOR Latin I Protect and Avenge |
| Engagements | Korean War Vietnam War 1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait) Operation Northern/Southern Watch Operation Allied Force Global War on Terrorism |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (6x) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (2x) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Col. Justin B. Spears |
| Notable commanders | Bruce Carlson William L. Kirk Lloyd W. Newton Edwin A. Doss |
| Insignia | |
| 49th Wing emblem (approved 10 October 1995) | |
| 49th Tactical Fighter Wing emblem (approved 2 July 1959) | |
The wing provides combat-ready Airmen training MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. It deploys combat-ready and mission-support forces supporting Air Expeditionary Force operations, peacetime contingencies; provides host base support to over 4,600 personnel, including hosting the 54th Fighter Group's F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot training mission, the 96th Test Group's high-speed test track mission, and the German Air Force Flying Training Unit.