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480th Fighter Squadron
Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon over Germany, 2015
Active1942–1944; 1951–1956; 1957–1959; 1962–1971; 1976–1994; 2010–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleFighter, Wild Weasel
Part ofUnited States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Garrison/HQSpangdahlem Air Base, Germany
Nickname(s)Warhawks[1]
Motto(s)First In, Last Out[2][3]
Escadrille to Warhawks[4]
We Deliver (1951–1956)
EquipmentGeneral Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon
EngagementsVietnam War
DecorationsPresidential Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[4]
Insignia
480th Fighter Sq emblem[a][4]
Patch with 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem[b][4]
580th Air Resupply Squadron emblem
Tail codeHK (Apr 1969 – Nov 1971)
SP (Nov 1976 – Apr 1994; Aug 2010 – present)

The 480th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. The 480th, assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany is the only United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa flying unit performing the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission.

The first predecessor of the squadron, the 480th Bombardment Squadron, served as a Replacement Training Unit from 1942 until it was disbanded in May 1944 in a general reorganization of Army Air Forces training and support units in the United States. It was consolidated with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1985.

The squadron's second predecessor was organized in 1951 as the 580th Aerial Resupply Squadron. It engaged in special operations in Europe and the Middle East from 1952 until 1956. It was redesignated the 480th Air Resupply Squadron in 1985 before being consolidated with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Mission

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The primary mission of the squadron's F-16CJs is suppression of enemy air defenses, called SEAD.[2]

History

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World War II

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B-26 Marauder as flown by the squadron

The squadron's first predecessor was activated in July 1942 at MacDill Field, Florida as one of the four original squadrons of the 336th Bombardment Group. It served as a Replacement Training Unit for Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers.[4][5] The squadron was stationed at several bases in Florida before settling at Lake Charles Army Air Field in November 1943.[4]

However, the Army Air Forces (AAF) found that standard military units, whose manning was based on relatively inflexible tables of organization were not well adapted to the training mission, particualrly to the replacement training mission. Accordingly, in the spring of 1944, the 336th Group, its components and supporting units at Lake Charles, were disbanded on 1 May and replaced by the 332nd AAF Base Unit (Replacement Training Unit, Medium, Bombardment). The squadron was replaced by Section U of the new base unit. Just before disbanding, the 336th Group began to receive Douglas A-26 Invaders to replace its Marauders[5][6]

Special operations

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SA-16 Albatross of an air resupply squadron

The second predecessor of the squadron was activated at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho on 16 April 1951 as the 580th Aerial Resupply Squadron and assigned to the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Group. A few months later, the "Aerial" in its name was replaced by "Air."[4] The squadron was equipped with a mix of twelve Boeing B-29 Superfortress, four Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, and four Grumman SA-16 Albatross aircraft.[7] The squadron's B-29s were modified by removing all defensive armament, with a parachutist's exit replacing the belly turret. Resupply bundles were mounted on racks in the bomb bay.[8] The squadron's mission included infiltration, resupply, and exfiltration of guerillas behind enemy lines and the aerial delivery of psychological warfare matierials. It trained to provide evacuation and supply support to personnel in enemy-occupied territory.[4]

During the summer of 1951, a squadron B-29 participated in a test of the Personnel Pickup Ground Station, to see if the system could be used to extract personnel. In addition to a larger opening at the former belly turret location, the plane had an elongated tailhook near its tail. Although the tests proved the system was feasible, safety considerations with such a large aircraft flying so close to the ground resulted in the program being dropped.[8]

In September 1952, the squadron moved to Wheelus Field, Libya, with the aircrews ferrying their planes, while the ground echelon proceeded by ship.[8] There, it trained for aerial delivery of equipment and supplies and for evacuation of friendly forces.[4] Squadron SA-16s flew missions into the Balkans behind the iron curtain and into the southern Soviet Union. In March 1956, a squadron SA-16 operating out of Teheran, Iran successfully completed a night exfiltraion mission in the Caspian Sea, delivering its passengers to a ship in the Mediterranean Sea.

The squadron was inactivated in October 1956 as the Air Force gave budget priority to building up strategic forces.[4][9] In July 1985, the squadron was redesignated the 480th Air Resupply Squadron while remaining in inactive status. That September, it was consolidated with the active 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron.[4]

Activation as a fighter squadron

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F-100 Super Sabre at England AFB

The 480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron was activated on 25 September 1957 at Alexandria Air Force Base, Louisiana, as part of the 366th Fighter-Bomber Wing. During this time it was the wing's first squadron to transition to the North American F-100D and F-100F Super Sabre, although it also continued to fly Republic F-84F Thunderstreaks. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated along with the remainder of the 366th Wing.[10]

Thunderstreak operations in France and New Mexico

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F-84F Thunderstreak as flown by the 480th

In response to the Berlin Crisis of 1961, the Air Force had mobilized the 108th Tactical Fighter Wing. While the wing remained in the United states, elements deployed to Chaumont Air Base, where United States Air Forces in Europe organized the 7108th Tactical Fighter Wing as their headquarters.[11] On 8 May 1962, the National Guard units returned to the United States, while their F-84Fs were transferred to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, which replaced the 7108th.[12] The 480th was reactivated along with the 366th Wing. The squadron was intended to replace National Guard units at Phalsbourg Air Base, but the runway at Phalsbourg was under construction, so the squadron initially located with wing headquarers at Chaumont, moving to Phalsbourg in December.[13] Starting in September the squadron sent F-84s to Wheelus Air Base for bombing and gunnery training.[14]

In addition to its primary, mission of providing air support for Seventh Army, the squadron kept four F-84s on 24 hour alert status for air defense of France and West Germany. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in the fall of 1962 the squadron maintained all its planes on alert and pilots training at Wheelus and their planes were recalled. After two weeks, the squadron resumed its normal posture.[13][14] On 15 June 1963, the squadron ended all alert and operational commitments and began preparing their Thunderstreaks for ferrying to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.[13] The official move to Holloman was on 12 July.[4]

The squadron initially flew F-84s at Holloman, flying in various military exercises, tests and demonstration. Starting in December 1963, its pilots started transition training on the McDonnell F-4C Phantom II, although it would be February 1965 before the squadron began to receive its own Phantoms.[4][15]

Vietnam War

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A squadron F-4D Phantom II at Phu Cat Air Base, c. 1969–71

The squadron was deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, on 5 February 1966 as part of the USAF buildup in Southeast Asia.[16] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills.[17]

From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills.[17]

In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.[18]

The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968.[19] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Phù Cát Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam.[16] The continued drawdown of United States forces from Vietnam resulted in the inactivation of 37th TFW at Phù Cát AB on 31 March 1970. The wing assets remained and were re-designated as the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing when the 12th TFW was moved without personnel or equipment from Cam Ranh Bay Air Base on 1 April 1970, to replace the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing and its units.[17]

On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. 480 TFS F-4Ds were originally scheduled for redeployment to Holloman AFB, however, instead were distributed to bases throughout Southeast Asia: Clark Air Base, Philippines; Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base and Udon AB, Thailand; Da Nang AB; and Inspection and Repair as Necessary facilities (IRAN) at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971.[4]

United States Air Force Europe (1976–1994)

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F-4E Phantom II of the squadron over West Germany, 1982[c]

The 480th TFS was reactivated on 15 November 1976 as part of the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany, flying the F-4D Phantom II. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II.[20]

In late 1983, the 480th TFS, along with the entire 52nd TFW, was tasked with the Wild Weasel mission, being equipped with eight F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels and 16 F-4E Phantom IIs.[20]

On 19 September 1985, the history of the 480th Bombardment Squadron and 480th Air Resupply Squadron was consolidated with the existing 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron which had first formed in 1957.[4]

In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G.[21]

In late 1990, the 480th TFS deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield before flying SEAD missions between 17 January and 11 April 1991 as part of Operation Desert Storm.[17] Post-Desert Storm, the squadron's F-4Gs were transferred over to the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron leaving the 480th as a sole F-16 unit.[22] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron.[21]

Squadron F-4G Wild Weasel and 52nd Wing commander's F-16C Fighting Falcon over Germany, 1989 [d]

In 1993, the Warhawks became the USAF's first squadron to be equipped with the Block 50 F-16s, and was again tasked with the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD).[22]

On 1 April 1994, the squadron was inactivated again as part of the post-Cold War force reductions,[4] being replaced by the 22nd Fighter Squadron who had relocated to Spangdahlem from Bitburg Air Base on the same day.[22][23]

Modern Era (2010–present)

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Spangdahlem Air Base

[edit]

In April 2010, the 52nd Fighter Wing's strength was reduced by one third when 20 F-16CJs and one F-16D were transferred to the 179th Fighter Squadron of the Air National Guard.[24][25] As a result of the drawdown of F-16s, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were inactivated on 13 August 2010 and formed a single "new" squadron, the 480th Fighter Squadron.[18] The reformed squadron retained the primary SEAD role of its previous incarnation.[25] In October 2010, the newly reactivated 480th FS deployed for the first time to Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Bulgaria to carry out training with Mikoyan MiG-29s of the Bulgarian Air Force.[26]

Squadron F-16CJ Fighting Falcon preparing to deploy to Aviano Air Base in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, 19 March 2011[e]

The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11–2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011.[27] In March 2011, the Warhawks deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn in order to create a no-fly zone over Libya.[28][29] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD.[30] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn.[31] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq.[32][33]

In March 2012, the 480th deployed to Konya Air Base to take part in Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2012 with the Turkish Air Force, practising SEAD.[34] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at Łask Air Base in Poland.[35]

In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom.[36][37] The pilots who did not deploy were effected by the 2013 United States budget sequestration which led to a loss of multiple flying currencies, these weren't regained until August 2013 when flying resumed.[38]

On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at Łask for two weeks.[39]

On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine.[40] The pilot ejected safely.[41]

Three 480th EFS F-16CJ Fighting Falcons flying over Israel during Exercise Blue Flag, 2019

On 7 April 2016, the 480th EFS deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,[42] returning to Spangdahlem on 12 October.[43]

From 2 to 22 February 2019, the Warhawks deployed 18 F-16s to Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, to operate alongside local F-16 squadrons (Esquadra 201 and Esquadra 301) of the Portuguese Air Force.[44] On 8 October 2019, F-16CJ 91-0340 crashed near Zemmer due to it suffering partial power loss while flying during bad weather, the pilot ejected with minor injuries.[45] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019.[46]

Future

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On 29 July 2020, it was announced by the Department of Defense that the 480th FS would be re-positioned from Spangdahlem to Aviano Air Base, Italy as part of a plan to withdraw forces from Germany.[47][48] The plans to move 480th FS have been put on hold as the new Biden administration looks to review the previous administrations plans to move the squadron to Italy.[49]

Lineage

[edit]
480th Bombardment Squadron
  • Constituted as the 480th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 9 July 1942
Activated on 15 July 1942
Disbanded on 1 May 1944
  • Reconstituted and consolidated with the 480th Air Resupply Squadron and the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron as the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 19 September 1985[4]
480th Air Resupply Squadron
  • Constituted as the 580th Aerial Resupply Squadron on 15 March 1951
Activated on 16 April 1951
Redesignated 580th Air Resupply Squadron on 5 November 1951
Inactivated on 18 October 1956
Redesignated 480th Air Resupply Squadron on 31 July 1985
  • Consolidated with the 480th Bombardment Squadron and the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron as the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 19 September 1985[4]
480th Fighter Squadron
  • Constituted as the 480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 1 September 1957
Activated on 25 September 1957
  • Redesignated 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 July 1958
Inactivated on 1 April 1959
  • Activated on 30 April 1962 (not organized)
Organized on 8 May 1962
Inactivated on 17 November 1971
  • Activated on 15 November 1976
  • Consolidated with the 480th Air Resupply Squadron and the 480th Bombardment Squadron on 19 September 1985
Redesignated 480th Fighter Squadron on 1 October 1991
Inactivated on 1 April 1994
  • Activated on 13 August 2010[4]

Assignments

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  • 336th Bombardment Group, 15 July 1942 – 1 May 1944
  • 580th Air Resupply and Communications Group (later 580th Air Resupply Group), 16 April 1951 – 18 October 1956
  • 366th Fighter Bomber Wing (later 366th Tactical Fighter Wing), 25 September 1957 – 1 April 1959 (not operational after 4 March 1959)
  • United States Air Forces Europe, 30 April 1962 (not organized)
  • 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 May 1962
  • 2d Air Division, 5 February 1966 (attached to 6252d Tactical Fighter Wing)
  • Seventh Air Force, 1 April 1966 (attached to 6252d Tactical Fighter Wing to 7 April 1966, then to 35th Tactical Fighter Wing)
  • 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, 23 June 1966
  • 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 10 October 1966
  • 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, 15 April 1969
  • 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, 31 March 1970 – 17 November 1971
  • 52d Tactical Fighter Wing (later 52d Fighter Wing), 15 November 1976
  • 52d Operations Group, 31 March 1992 – 1 April 1994
  • 52d Operations Group, 13 August 2010 – present[4]

Stations

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  • MacDill Field, Florida, 15 July 1942
  • Fort Myers Army Air Field, Florida, 10 August 1942
  • Avon Park Army Air Field, Florida, 13 December 1942
  • MacDill Field, Florida, 13 October 1943
  • Lake Charles Army Air Field, Louisiana, 6 November 1943 – 1 May 1944
  • Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, 16 April 1951 – 19 September 1952
  • Wheelus Field (later Wheelus Air Base), Libya, 28 September 1952 – 18 October 1956
  • Alexandria Air Force Base (later England Air Force Base), Louisiana, 25 September 1957
  • Chaumont Air Base, France, 8 May 1962
  • Phalsbourg Air Base, France, 21 December 1962
  • Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, 12 July 1963
  • Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, 5 February 1966 (detachment at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, 21–24 May 1966)
  • Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, 15 April 1969 – 17 November 1971
  • Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, 15 November 1976 – 1 April 1994
  • Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, 13 August 2010 – present[4]

Aircraft

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  • Martin B-26 Marauder (1942–1944)
  • Boeing B-29 Superfortress (1951–1956)
  • Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (1951–1956)
  • Grumman SA-16 Albatross (1951–1956)
  • North American F-100D Super Sabre (1957–1959)
  • North American F-100F Super Sabre (1957–1959)
  • Republic F-84F Thunderstreak (1958–1959) (1962–1965)
  • McDonnell F-4C Phantom II (1965–1968)
  • McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II (1968–1971; 1976–1979)
  • McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (1979–1987)
  • McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel V (1983–1991)
  • General Dynamics F-16C/D Fighting Falcon (1987–1994; 2010–present)[4]

References

[edit]

Notes

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Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Modified 20 August 2010.
  2. ^ Approved c. March 1959.
  3. ^ Aircraft is McDonnell Douglas F-4E-62-MC, serial 74-1639. This plane ended its life as a battle damage repair trainer from 1 October 1990 until it was salvaged in October 1992. Baugher, Joe (4 September 2023). "1974 USAF Serial Numbers". Joe Baugher. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  4. ^ Aircraft are McDonnell Douglas F-4G-MC Phantom II, serial 69-0248 (built as F-4E-42-MC and modified as an F-4G in 1982. It was converted to a QF-4G target drone and shot down by a Patriot missile on 6 June 2002) and General Dynamics F-16C Block 30B Fighting Falcon, serial 85-1552 (later assigned to the squadron). Baugher, Joe (10 June 2023). "1985 USAF Serial Numbers". Joe Baugher. Retrieved 5 September 2024. Baugher, Joe (10 June 2023). "1969 USAF Serial Numbers". Joe Baugher. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  5. ^ Aircraft is General Dynamics F-16C Block 50D Fighting Falcon, serial 91-0366. This aircraft crashed on 11 August 2015 near Engelmannreuth, Germany. Baugher, Joe (11 July 2023). "1991 USAF Serial Numbers". Joe Baugher. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
Citations
  1. ^ 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs (10 July 2017). "Liberty Wing welcomes Warhawks". Spangdahlem Air Base. Retrieved 18 December 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b Michel, Marshall (10 December 2010). "480th Fighter Squadron Embraces the Spirit of the Lafayette Escadrille". Kaiserslautern American. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  3. ^ Hunter, Jamie (7 September 2017). "Magnum Force". Key Military. Key Publishing. Retrieved 18 December 2022. (subscription required for full access)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Dollman, TSG Davis (13 October 2016). "Factsheet 480 Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  5. ^ a b Maurer, Combat Units, pp. 214-215.
  6. ^ "Abstract, History 336 Bombardment Group [and 332 AAF Base Unit], Jan-Sep 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  7. ^ Thigpen, p. 7
  8. ^ a b c Thigpen, p. 8
  9. ^ Thigpen, p. xxx
  10. ^ Ravenstain, pp. 194-196
  11. ^ McAuliffe, p. 240
  12. ^ McAuliffe, p. 242
  13. ^ a b c McAuliffe, p. 245
  14. ^ a b McAuliffe, p. 382
  15. ^ "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (France) April 1962 - February 1966". The Great Warhawk Nation. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  16. ^ a b "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron". Air War Vietnam. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  17. ^ a b c d "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, a Brief History" (PDF). 12th Tactical Fighter Wing. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  18. ^ a b Polesnak, 1 Lt Kathleen (24 August 2010). "480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron". 52d Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Southeast Asia) February 1966 - November 1971". The Great Warhawk Nation. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  20. ^ a b "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Spangdahlem) November 1976 - April 1994". The Great Warhawk Nation. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  21. ^ a b "Wing History". Spangdahlem Air Base. 14 July 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  22. ^ a b c "480th Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". f-16.net. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  23. ^ "Spangdahlem Eagles; a Lustrum". Recce Reports. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  24. ^ Gradishar, SRA Kali L. (26 April 2010). "F-16 drawdown to begin". 52d Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  25. ^ a b Taghvaee 2021, p. 52
  26. ^ Torango, Jillian (13 October 2010). "U.S., Bulgarian air forces partner for training". The Great Warhawk Nation. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  27. ^ Murray, Clay (9 January 2011). "52nd FW hosts, attends Red Flag". U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE & AIR FORCES AFRICA. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  28. ^ Tirpak, John A. (22 March 2011). "Odyssey Dawn Units Identified". Air Force Mag. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  29. ^ Wilson, Benjamin (4 May 2011). "Spangdahlem juggles TDYs, deployments". U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE & AIR FORCES AFRICA. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  30. ^ "Precision and Purpose: Airpower in the Libyan Civil War" (PDF). RAND Corporation. 2015. p. 125. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  31. ^ "480th Fighter Squadron deploys in support of Operation New Dawn". Spangdahlem Air Base. 4 May 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  32. ^ Stannard, Natasha (18 November 2011). "Last F-16s out provide joint support for Iraq". Spangdahlem Air Base. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  33. ^ Taghvaee 2021, p. 54
  34. ^ Knee, SSG Daryl (9 March 2012). "U.S. pilots plant SEAD with Turkish counterparts". Anatolian Falcon Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 2 August 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  35. ^ Castillo, Gustavo (13 November 2012). "USAF activates AvDet in Poland". U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE & AIR FORCES AFRICA. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  36. ^ Stannard, Natasha (4 June 2013). "480th Fighter Squadron deploys to Afghanistan". Spangdahlem Air Base. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  37. ^ Pomeroy, Jonathan (23 September 2013). "Squadrons return home from deployment". Spangdahlem Air Base. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  38. ^ Stannard, Natasha (22 August 2013), 480th pilots gain currencies despite flying hour redux, Spangdahlem Air Base, retrieved 4 August 2020
  39. ^ "US Forces in Poland strengthen NATO partnerships during aviation rotation". Spangdahlem Air Base. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  40. ^ "PRESS RELEASE: Air Force releases investigation results on F-16C crash". U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE & AIR FORCES AFRICA. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  41. ^ "Accident General Dynamics F-16CJ-50-CF 91-0366/SP, 11 Aug 2015". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  42. ^ Mulvihill, Meredith (13 April 2016). "480th FS deploys in support of Operation Inherent Resolve". U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE & AIR FORCES AFRICA. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  43. ^ McFadden, Joe (12 October 2016). "480th FS returns from Operation Inherent Resolve". f-16.net. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  44. ^ "WARHAWKS IN THE SUN". Key.Aero. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  45. ^ Svan, Jennifer H. (11 February 2020). "Power loss, bad weather caused Spangdahlem F-16 crash in Germany, Air Force says". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  46. ^ Cope, Kyle (20 November 2019). "480th EFS improves interoperability, strategic partnerships at Blue Flag 2019". U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE & AIR FORCES AFRICA. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  47. ^ "U.S. European Command Force Posture Policy Press Conference: Secretary Esper's Opening Statement (as prepared)". U.S. Department of Defense. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  48. ^ "The U.S. Air Force will relocate the 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base to Aviano Air Base". theaviationist.com. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  49. ^ "Plans to Draw Down in Germany on Hold as New Administration Considers Options". 3 February 2021.

Bibliography

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Eternal linkks

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