SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- 1. The squadron's last combat mission in the P-51 Mustang was flown April 1945, after American and Soviet forces met across the Elbe River in Europe during combat in the European Theatre of Operations.
2. The 55th FS was reactivated July 29, 1946, at Biggs Field, Texas, flying air power demonstrations and training operations in the P-51 Mustang.
3. The 55th FS entered a new aviation era in February 1948, with the F-84G Thunderjet.
4. The squadron transitioned to the F-100 Super Sabre in 1957 and was redesignated the 55th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1958.
5. Throughout the 70s and 80s, the 55th TFS which transitioned back to the 55th FS participated in various North Atlantic Treaty Organization and U.S. exercises and opeations, which focused on the containment of Soviet threats to Europe.
6. In January 1991, units from the 55th FS deployed to Turkey during Operation Desert Storm, flying more than 144 mission and amassing 415 combat hours without a single loss.
7. During Operation Desert Storm the 55th FS flew more than 144 sorties, amassing a total of 415 combat hours and neutralizing key facilities throughout northern Iraq, helping to liberate Kuwait and stabilize the region.
8. The 55th FS was reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Jan. 1, 1994, and began flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
9. In July 1996, the 55th FS transferred it’s A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to Pope AFB, North Carolina.
10. In July 1997, the 55th made history when it stood up as a combat ready F-16CJ squadron in only 60 days.
11. In the past 100 years, the 55th has been designated by over 15 different emblems, each representative of the different aircraft, mission and locations of the 55th.
12. The 55th FS has earned awards and recognition to include the David C. Schilling Award in 1999 and 2000 for the squadron’s contributions in the field of manned flights in the atmosphere.
13. In the summer of 2000, the 55th FS deployed to Southwest Asia for Operation Northern Watch.
14. The squadron's tailband is a blue and white checkerboard pattern, in which each squadron has their own patterns.
15. The 55th FS nickname is the “Fighting Fifty-Fifth.”
16. The 55th received its first F-16s in 1997.
17. The 55th FS's first commander was U.S. Air Force Capt. Gustave G. Baetcke who served from August 1917 to March 1919.
18. The 55th FS has been stationed at more than 25 installations since its establishment in August 1917.
19. The 55th FS, previously known as the 55th Pursuit Squadron, flew the P-26 Peashooter from 1934 to 1938.
20. The 55th PFS activated in March 1923 and flew the P-36 Mohawk from 1938 to 1940.
21. The 55th PS transitioned to the 55th Pursuit Interceptor Squadron on March 12, 1941, flying the P-40 Warhawk from 1940 to 1942. 22. The 55th PIS transitioned back to the 55th FS May 15, 1942, serving in combat in the European Theater of Operations, Dec. 28, 1943, to April 25, 1945.
23. In January 1950 the 55th FS was redesignated as the 55th Fighter-Bomber Squadron.
24. In April 1971, the 55th FS first began training to conduct conventional and nuclear tactical air operations using the F-111 Aardvark.
25. The squadron flew the F-111 Aardvark from 1971 to 1993.
26. The 55th FS received the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II in 1995 and flew it until 1996.
27. The 55th FS deployed aircraft and service members in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom from 2008 to 2010.
28. The 55th FS has participated in numerous exercises annually to include Red Flag and Green Flag.
29. The 55th FS was stationed at Langley AFB, Virginia, from Nov. 19, 1951, to May 22, 1952.
30. During Operation Desert Storm, the 55th FS provided aircrews and aircraft for combat in Southwest Asia.
31. The 55th FS deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and service members, and later F-16 aircraft, on rotation to support Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia.
32. In late 2002 through early 2003, the 55th FS was deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation Northern Watch.
33. The 55th FS flew the final mission for Operation Northern Watch before the operation ended in March 2003.
34. Throughout their many activations, the squadron has received the Distinguished Unit Citation and Air Force Outstanding Unit awards.
35. The 55th FS earned the World War I Theatre of Operations and World War II American Service streamers during its lifetime.
36. The squadron’s re-designation as the 467th Aero Construction Squadron began on Feb. 1, 1918.
37. The 55th FS has been assigned to more than 10 locations in its 100 years of service.
38. The 55th FS had no aircraft assigned from 1917 to 1919.
39. 81 commanders have led the 55th FS in its time.
40. A 55th FS A-10 Thunderbolt II static display is currently located near Shaw’s main gate.
41. The squadron absorbed elements of the 520th Aircraft Generation Squadron and 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit on Feb. 1, 1992, consolidating aircraft, maintenance Airmen and aircrew members under one commander.
42. The 55th FS, established on August 9, 1917, is older than the Air Force which was established on Sept. 18, 1947.
43. During the 90s, the 55th FS participated in NATO exercises such as Dragon Hammer at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Central Enterprise throughout Western Europe.
44. The 55th FS has been assigned to 8 wings and 5 groups in its lifetime.
45. Throughout the squadron’s time with the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II, 1994 to 1996, it deployed to locations such as Spain and Turkey for weapons training.
46. The 55th FS has been stationed at nine overseas installations since its activation in the Air Force to include; Kings Cliffe, England; Latrecey, France, and Wittering, England.
47. The 55th FS flew the F-111E Aardvark for 23 years, longer than the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon which has currently been flown for the past 20 years.
48. The 55th FS flew 175 combat missions with the P-38 Lightning from 1943 to 1944.
49. The 55th Fighter Squadron operated from Royal Air Force Station Wittering, England, in August 1943, while serving in the 20th Pursuit Group at King’s Cliffe Airfield, England.
50. In June 1944, the 55th FS supported the massive D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, providing air cover for Allied naval forces.
51. In December 1955, the 55th FS set an Air Force record for flight time with the F-84F Thunderjet, compiling 1,211 hours in just 30 days.
52. In April 1971, the 55th FS received its first F-111E Aardvark and began training for conventional and tactical strike operations.
53. During Operation Desert Storm, the 55th FS dropped ordnance on key chemical, nuclear, biological, petroleum and weapons facilities in Northern Iraq.
54. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Crofton is the current 55th FS commander.
55. The 55th FS currently has more than 10 campaign streamers on their unit’s guidon, recognizing the numerous achievements of the squadron.
* Editor's Note: this list will be updated weekly until 55 facts about the Fighting-Fifty-Fifth are shared.