557th Flying Training Squadron
The 557th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 306th Flying Training Group based at United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, where it has conducted flight training for Academy cadets since 1974.
| 557th Flying Training Squadron | |
|---|---|
A Cirrus T-53 of the 557th taking off | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1962–1970; 1974–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Flying Training |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Garrison/HQ | United States Air Force Academy |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Vietnam War |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 557th Flying Training Squadron emblem | |
| 557th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
The first predecessor of the squadron was the 557th Bombardment Squadron, a Martin B-26 Marauder unit, which flew combat in the European Theater of Operations, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation in December 1944. It was inactivated after the end of World War II.
The squadron's second predecessor is the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which was organized in 1962, and flew in combat in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1970, earning five Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device. The two squadrons were consolidated into a single unit in September 1985.