57th Wing

57th Wing
Unit name	57th Wing
Dates	1941–1945; 1946–1952; 1991–1993; 1994–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Composite Wing
Role	Test, Tactics Development, and Training
Command structure	Air Combat Command
Garrison	Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Battles	World War II
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

57th Wing. The 57th Wing is a composite wing of the United States Air Force, assigned to Air Combat Command and headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. It serves as the host unit for the base and oversees a diverse portfolio of advanced airpower testing, tactics development, and specialized training missions. The wing's subordinate groups and squadrons are integral to maintaining the combat readiness and technological edge of the U.S. Air Force.

History

The wing was first activated as the 57th Pursuit Group during World War II, flying P-40 Warhawk aircraft in the North African Campaign and later supporting operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Following the war, it was redesignated the 57th Fighter Wing and operated F-80 Shooting Star and F-86 Sabre jets during the early Cold War period. After several periods of inactivation, the wing was reactivated in its current form in 1994, consolidating several key Nellis Air Force Base organizations under a single command to streamline advanced training and testing functions.

Organization

The wing is organized into several key groups, each with a distinct mission set. The 57th Adversary Tactics Group, commonly known as the "Red Flag" group, oversees large-scale aerial combat exercises. The 57th Test Group conducts advanced flight test and evaluation for new weapons and avionics. The wing also includes the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", and the 57th Maintenance Group which provides critical support across all operations.

Assignments and operations

Assigned to Air Combat Command, the wing's primary operations center on executing the Red Flag and Green Flag exercise series, which provide realistic combat training for U.S. and allied aircrews. It also conducts the Weapon School Instructor Course, producing tactical experts for the combat air forces. The wing's test units support major acquisition programs for aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, while the Thunderbirds perform aerial demonstrations nationwide to showcase U.S. Air Force capabilities.

Aircraft flown

The wing operates a diverse fleet of aircraft tailored to its unique missions. These include fourth- and fifth-generation fighters like the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II for testing and training. Adversary air support is provided by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and contracted aircraft such as the F-5 Tiger II. The wing also flies specialized aircraft like the A-10 Thunderbolt II, HH-60 Pave Hawk, and the demonstration F-16 Fighting Falcons used by the Thunderbirds.

Bases stationed

Since its 1994 reactivation, the wing has been permanently stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, located north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Historically, during World War II, its predecessor groups operated from various airfields across the United States, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region, including bases in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sardinia, and Corsica. Post-war stations included Mitchell Field in New York and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.

Commanders

Commanders of the wing have included notable figures such as General William L. Kirk, who led the unit during its early Cold War fighter operations. More recent commanders have often been graduates of the United States Air Force Weapons School and seasoned operators with extensive experience in fighter aircraft like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Leadership typically rotates among senior officers with backgrounds in tactical aviation, test, and advanced training.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force Category:Wings of the United States Air Force