EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The 60th Fighter Squadron was reactivated Aug. 20 under the 33rd Fighter Wing. The squadron will provide training for the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Standing up a second F-35 squadron is a pivotal moment in the wing's history, said Col. Jack Arthaud, 33rd FW commander. The reactivation was on the 75th anniversary of its previous reactivation in 1946. Original activation of the 60th FS dates back to 1941. The 60th FS's heritage includes a Distinguished Unit Citation in 1943, the 1996 Hughes Trophy as the best air defense/air superiority squadron in the U.S. Air Force, and five U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the “Fighting Crows” provided near constant support for Operation Noble Eagle. Incremental arrival of additional F-35A aircraft is expected to begin this fall. (Source: 33rd Fighter Wing, 09/06/21)
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