43rd Fighter Squadron

43rd Fighter Squadron
Unit name	43rd Fighter Squadron
Dates	1941–1945; 1946–1958; 1971–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Fighter
Role	Air superiority
Command structure	15th Wing / Pacific Air Forces
Garrison	Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska
Nickname	Hornets
Battles	World War II, Korean War, War in Afghanistan
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Aircraft fighter	F-22 Raptor

43rd Fighter Squadron. The 43rd Fighter Squadron is a combat-ready unit of the United States Air Force, currently operating the F-22 Raptor as part of the 15th Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Alaska. Known as the "Hornets," the squadron has a distinguished history spanning multiple conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the War in Afghanistan. Its mission is to provide air superiority and homeland defense for the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

History

The squadron was first activated as the 43rd Pursuit Squadron in early 1941, initially equipped with P-36 Hawk and P-40 Warhawk aircraft as part of the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, it transitioned to the P-38 Lightning and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater of Operations, participating in campaigns across the South West Pacific Area and earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions. Following the war, the squadron was inactivated but was soon reactivated during the early Cold War period, flying F-86 Sabre and F-102 Delta Dagger interceptors as part of the Air Defense Command. The unit was redesignated the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1971, flying the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle at various bases including MacDill Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base. In 2007, the squadron moved to Alaska and transitioned to its current aircraft, the F-22 Raptor, becoming a cornerstone of Pacific Air Forces' air defense posture.

Assignments

The squadron has been assigned to several major commands and wings throughout its history. Its initial assignment was to the 15th Pursuit Group, later the 15th Fighter Group. During the Cold War, it fell under the Air Defense Command as part of the 32nd Fighter Group and later the 325th Fighter Wing. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was part of the Tactical Air Command, assigned to the 15th Tactical Fighter Wing and the 21st Tactical Fighter Wing. Following its reactivation in 2007, it was assigned to the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, which was later consolidated into Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson. Since 2015, the squadron has been operationally assigned to the 15th Wing, while remaining a geographically separated unit of the 3rd Wing.

Aircraft

The squadron has operated a variety of fighter and interceptor aircraft. Its first aircraft were the P-36 Hawk and P-40 Warhawk. During World War II, it primarily flew the P-38 Lightning. In the post-war and Korean War era, it transitioned to jet aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre and the F-102 Delta Dagger. As a tactical fighter unit, it operated the F-4 Phantom II and the F-15 Eagle for many years. Since 2007, its primary aircraft has been the F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth air superiority fighter.

Operations and deployments

The squadron's combat operations began in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, supporting campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines. During the Cold War, it maintained alert status for continental air defense missions. In the 1990s, the squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch. Following the September 11 attacks, it deployed multiple times to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting close air support and air interdiction missions. From its current base in Alaska, the squadron regularly participates in major exercises like Red Flag – Alaska and Northern Edge, and maintains a constant alert posture for the defense of North American Aerospace Defense Command airspace.

Emblem and lineage

The squadron's emblem, approved in 1942, features a black hornet with a red eye and white wings on a blue disc, symbolizing speed and aggressiveness. Its motto, "Gloria Finis" (Glory is the End), reflects its combat heritage. The lineage of the squadron includes its original constitution as the 43rd Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) in 1940 and its first activation at Wheeler Field in Hawaii. It has undergone several redesignations: to the 43rd Fighter Squadron in 1942, the 43rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in 1950, the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1971, and back to the 43rd Fighter Squadron in 1991.

Notable personnel

Notable personnel who have served with the squadron include several United States Air Force generals and aces. Among them is Colonel Francis Gabreski, one of the top American fighter aces of World War II and the Korean War, who served as a flight commander with the unit early in his career. Another distinguished member was Major Richard Bong, the top American flying ace of World War II, who flew the P-38 Lightning with the squadron in the South West Pacific Area. More recently, the squadron has been commanded by officers who have gone on to hold senior positions within Pacific Air Forces and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Category:United States Air Force fighter squadrons Category:Military units and formations in Alaska Category:Military units and formations established in 1941