13th Fighter Squadron
| 13th Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon departs for the Fort Irwin ranges | |
| Active | 1942–1943; 1966–1975; 1976–1982; 1985–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Fighter |
| Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Misawa Air Base, Japan |
| Nickname | Panther Pack |
| Motto | Cave Putorium (Latin for 'Beware the Weasel [sic]'). |
| Mascot | Eldridge (1971-1973) |
| Engagements | Antisubmarine campaign Vietnam War Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 13th Fighter Squadron emblem | |
| 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem | |
| 313th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
WW(1996-present) MJ (1985-1996) MC (1976-1982) OC (1967-1975) | Tail Codes |
The 13th Fighter Squadron is an active squadron of the United States Air Force. The squadron flies the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and is part of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan.
The squadron's first predecessor is the 313th Bombardment Squadron, which was activated in 1942. The squadron served in the continental United States as a training unit until its 1943 disbanding, also participating in antisubmarine warfare in 1942.
The 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated in 1966, fighting in the Vietnam War. The squadron flew Wild Weasel anti-surface-to-air missile missions with the Republic F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, operating out of Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. It moved to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in October 1967, flying F-4s in combat air patrols against North Vietnamese MiGs and ground strike missions. The squadron was inactivated with the end of the war in 1975. The squadron was reactivated in 1976 as the 13th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, a training squadron, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and inactivated again in 1982. The squadron was reactivated as the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1985 at Misawa, flying the F-16. Shortly thereafter, it was consolidated with the 313th Squadron. It was redesignated the 13th Fighter Squadron in 1991.