36th Fighter Squadron
The 36th Fighter Squadron is a United States Air Force fighter squadron assigned to the 51st Operations Group, stationed at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea, where it operates the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon to conduct air interdiction, close air support, and counter-air missions in defense of the Korean Peninsula under the "Fight Tonight" operational posture. In April 2025, the squadron received nine additional F-16s, expanding its fleet.[1][2][3] Organized on 12 June 1917 as the 36th Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas, the unit initially trained pilots during World War I but demobilized in 1919 without seeing combat; it was reconstituted and activated on 2 October 1930 at Selfridge Field, Michigan, as a pursuit squadron equipped with Curtiss P-6 Hawks.[4][1] During World War II, after redesignation as the 36th Pursuit Squadron in 1939 and deployment to Australia in 1942, it transitioned to Bell P-39 Airacobras and later Republic P-47 Thunderbolts and Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, flying combat missions in the Southwest Pacific Theater and earning three Distinguished Unit Citations for actions over Papua, New Britain, and the Philippines while destroying 95 enemy aircraft.[4][1] In the Korean War, the squadron, now part of the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing and flying Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars, North American F-51 Mustangs, and North American F-86 Sabres, recorded its first air-to-air kill of the conflict on 30 June 1950 and earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its ground support and interdiction operations from bases in Japan and South Korea.[4][1] During the Vietnam War, temporary deployments to Thailand in 1964–1965 saw it operate Republic F-105 Thunderchiefs and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms, contributing to strike missions and earning another Presidential Unit Citation despite the loss of four pilots.[4][1] Since the late 1960s, the squadron has focused on air defense of Japan and South Korea, transitioning through various aircraft including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and finally receiving F-16s in 1988 while based at Osan since 1971; it has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its role in regional exercises and deterrence operations.[4][1] As of November 2025, under the command of Lt. Col. Eric Foster since June 2024, the unit continues to participate in multinational exercises such as Ulchi Freedom Shield and Red Flag-Alaska, maintaining combat readiness alongside Republic of Korea Air Force partners through programs like Buddy Wing.[5][6][2]History
World War I
The 36th Aero Squadron was organized on 12 June 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas, as part of the United States Army's early aviation efforts during World War I. Formed by a group of aviation pioneers eager to demonstrate the value of air power in Europe, the unit initially consisted of about 50 personnel under the command of Major Thorne Duell. Early training focused on basic drills and preparation for overseas deployment, with the squadron relocating through sites such as Texarkana, Arkansas; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Hagerstown, Maryland, before assembling in New York by August 1917.[4][1] The squadron departed the United States on 23 August 1917 aboard the S.S. Baltic, arriving in Liverpool, England, before proceeding to Le Havre, France, on 18 September 1917. It was then stationed at Étampes (19 September 1917) and Issoudun (24 September 1917), where it fell under the Third Aviation Instruction Center. Command passed to First Lieutenant Quentin Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt, who led efforts to construct barracks, assemble and maintain aircraft, and support training operations. Personnel were dispersed to French factories and schools for specialized instruction, including aerial gunnery at Cazaux starting in February 1918.[4][1][7] Intended for observation and pursuit missions, the squadron equipped with early biplanes such as hydroplanes and Nieuports, performing maintenance, repairs, and limited familiarization flights in Europe. However, it did not engage in combat as a cohesive unit, with the Armistice on 11 November 1918 arriving before full operational deployment; individual members occasionally flew with other squadrons. From November 1918 to February 1919, the unit supported the American Aerial Gunnery School at St. Jean-de-Monts, followed by staging at St. Nazaire for return to the United States. Arriving at Garden City, New York, on 25 March 1919, the squadron was demobilized on 7 April 1919.[4][1][7]Interwar Period
The 36th Pursuit Squadron was reconstituted and redesignated on 24 March 1923 as part of the U.S. Army Air Service's efforts to reorganize its aviation units following World War I demobilization.[1] Although initially inactive and allotted to the Sixth Corps Area, the squadron remained on paper until its activation on 2 October 1930 at Selfridge Field, Michigan, where it began peacetime operations under the Air Corps.[1] Upon activation, the squadron was attached to the 1st Pursuit Group from 8 October 1930 to 1 March 1935, focusing on foundational pilot training and tactical development with early biplane fighters.[1] It relocated to Langley Field, Virginia, on 1 July 1932, and transitioned to assignment under the 8th Pursuit Group on 1 March 1935, remaining with that unit until 1 September 1940 before a brief attachment period.[1] Further moves included a transfer to Mitchel Field, New York, on 1 June 1940, positioning the squadron along the East Coast for defensive readiness exercises.[1] These organizational shifts reflected the Air Corps' evolving structure to enhance pursuit aviation capabilities amid interwar budget constraints and technological advancements. The squadron's equipment evolved rapidly during this era, starting with Boeing P-12E pursuit planes and Curtiss P-6A Hawks for initial training in aerial gunnery and formation flying.[1] By the mid-1930s, it incorporated variants like the Boeing P-12C/D/F and Curtiss P-6E, followed by the Boeing P-26 Peashooter (designated PB-2A) from 1937 to 1939, which introduced all-metal monoplane design to the unit's operations.[4] Transitioning to more modern types, the squadron received Curtiss P-36A Hawks in late 1939 and began equipping with Curtiss P-40B Warhawks in early 1941, aligning with Air Corps standardization efforts for potential wartime roles.[1] Training emphasized non-combat proficiency, including participation in major Air Corps maneuvers such as those at Wheeling, West Virginia, in August 1933, where the squadron practiced interception tactics, and at Pinecastle, Florida, in 1935, simulating large-scale air operations with ground forces.[1] These exercises, along with routine gunnery meets and airmail support missions, honed pilot skills in basic fighter maneuvers and group coordination under the 1st and 8th Pursuit Groups, preparing the unit for escalating tensions by 1941 without engaging in active combat.[4]World War II
The 36th Fighter Squadron, part of the 8th Fighter Group, entered World War II following its pre-war training with P-40 Warhawks, transitioning to active combat service in the Southwest Pacific Area after the United States' entry into the war.[1] Activated as the 36th Pursuit Squadron on 2 October 1930 and redesignated the 36th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942, the unit deployed from the United States to Brisbane, Australia, on 6 March 1942, before moving to Port Moresby, New Guinea, on 26 April 1942 to support Allied defenses against Japanese advances.[1] Its first combat mission occurred on 30 April 1942, when squadron pilots strafed Japanese aircraft and facilities at Lae Airfield in New Guinea, marking the initial offensive action by the 8th Fighter Group in the theater.[8] Throughout 1942 and 1943, the squadron conducted air superiority patrols, fighter sweeps, and close air support missions over New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago, contributing to campaigns such as Papua and the defense against Japanese invasions at Milne Bay.[7] Equipped initially with Bell P-39 Airacobra and P-400 variants from 1941 to 1943, the unit transitioned to Republic P-47 Thunderbolts in 1943 for enhanced ground attack capabilities during operations like the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.[1] Notable engagements included intense dogfights and strafing runs supporting Allied ground forces, though the squadron suffered losses, including several aircraft during severe weather events such as "Black Sunday" on 16 April 1944 over New Guinea.[8] By late 1943, bases shifted to Nadzab and other forward strips in New Guinea, enabling strikes against Japanese supply lines and airfields in the East Indies.[1] In 1944, the squadron advanced to the Philippines following the Allied invasion of Leyte, operating from Dulag Airfield starting 5 November 1944 and later San Jose on Mindoro from 20 December 1944.[1] Flying Lockheed P-38 Lightnings from mid-1944 onward, pilots escorted bombers on long-range missions, such as the 15 October 1944 raid on Balikpapan oil refineries in Borneo, and provided ground support during the Luzon campaign against entrenched Japanese positions.[8] These efforts targeted enemy shipping, troop concentrations, and fortifications, earning the squadron a Distinguished Unit Citation for actions over the Philippine Islands from 26 December 1944.[7] Combat operations continued until 16 August 1945, after which the unit relocated to Ie Shima on 6 August 1945 and then Fukuoka, Japan, on 24 November 1945, for occupation duties patrolling airspace and supporting demobilization efforts.[1] The squadron's Pacific Theater service included participation in nine campaigns: East Indies, Air Offensive Japan, Papua, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Western Pacific, Leyte, Luzon, and Southern Philippines.[7] It received two additional Distinguished Unit Citations—for Papua from September 1942 to 23 January 1943 and New Britain on 26 December 1943—along with the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its overall wartime contributions.[1]Korean War
The 36th Fighter Squadron was redesignated as the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 20 January 1950 and activated on 11 August 1950 at Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, in response to the escalating conflict on the Korean Peninsula.[1] Initially equipped with F-51 Mustangs and transitioning to F-80 Shooting Stars, the squadron rapidly deployed for combat operations beginning 27 June 1950, supporting United Nations forces during the early defensive phases of the war.[4] By late 1950, it had relocated to forward bases including Suwon and Kimpo in South Korea before returning to Itazuke Air Base, Japan, on 10 December 1950, from where it conducted the majority of its subsequent missions.[1] From Itazuke, the squadron flew interdiction and close air support missions, targeting enemy supply lines, bridges, and troop concentrations across North Korea.[4] In key engagements, such as the 3 October 1951 battle in MiG Alley, pilots destroyed two MiG-15s and damaged a third without squadron losses, marking significant air-to-air successes in the northwestern theater.[4] Ground attack operations were equally intense; on 11 March 1952, the squadron launched 254 sorties, delivering 153 tons of bombs, 124 tons of napalm, and over 46,000 rounds of ammunition against North Korean targets.[4] Earlier, on 30 June 1950, squadron pilots achieved the unit's first aerial victory of the war, downing a North Korean Yak-9, though one F-80 sustained heavy antiaircraft damage.[4] The squadron suffered notable losses during these operations, including the death of 1st Lt. Eugene R. Hansen on 7 July 1950 when his F-80C was hit during a strafing run near Ansong, South Korea, and his parachute failed to deploy.[9] Other casualties included Maj. Richard A. McNees, killed on 18 July 1950, and Lt. Rafael Du Breuil, missing in action on 26 November 1951.[9] By February 1953, the unit transitioned to F-86 Sabres, enhancing its capabilities for the final push toward armistice.[4] Combat operations ceased with the Korean Armistice Agreement on 27 July 1953, after which the squadron maintained an alert status at Suwon Air Base, South Korea, focusing on fighter-bomber training and readiness against potential renewed threats.[1] It returned to Itazuke on 19 October 1954, continuing its post-war role in the region.[4] For its actions, the squadron earned the Distinguished Unit Citation (now Presidential Unit Citation) for service from 16 September to 2 November 1950, recognizing extraordinary heroism in supporting UN advances, along with two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations for the periods 27 June 1950–31 January 1951 and 1 February 1951–31 March 1953.[1]Vietnam War
During the mid-1960s, the 36th Fighter Squadron deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, from 9 August to 5 October 1964, operating F-105D Thunderchief aircraft on strike missions in support of U.S. operations following the Gulf of Tonkin incident.[1] These missions included interdiction and armed reconnaissance over Laos and North Vietnam, marking the squadron's initial combat involvement in Southeast Asia.[4] In 1965, the squadron conducted two further deployments to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base—from 6 March to 4 May and from 26 August to 28 October—flying F-105Ds on close air support and bombing sorties as part of Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained U.S. aerial campaign against North Vietnamese targets.[1] For its actions during the August–October 1965 period, the squadron earned a Presidential Unit Citation.[1] In December 1967, the squadron transitioned from the F-105 to the F-4C Phantom II while based at Yokota Air Base, Japan, enhancing its versatility for air-to-air and air-to-ground roles amid ongoing Vietnam commitments.[7] From Yokota, the 36th executed regular rotations to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and Thai bases such as Korat and Ubon, supporting combat operations through 1970 with missions focused on tactical strikes and escort duties.[7] This shift to the F-4 facilitated adaptations in tactics, including greater emphasis on suppressing enemy air defenses during strike packages, drawing on the squadron's prior jet combat experience from the Korean War.[1] In response to the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive in spring 1972, the squadron deployed its F-4Ds from Osan to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, on 30 March, joining the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing to conduct urgent close air support and interdiction missions against invading forces.[10] This deployment positioned the 36th to participate in Operation Linebacker, the May–October 1972 bombing campaign that targeted North Vietnamese supply lines and infrastructure to halt the offensive.[10] In November 1971, the 36th had relocated to Osan Air Base under the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, upgrading to F-4Ds in 1972 for improved ordnance delivery.[4] By September 1974, it transferred to the 51st Composite Wing (Tactical) at Osan, reflecting post-combat realignments.[7] As the Vietnam War concluded in 1975, the squadron withdrew from Southeast Asia combat operations, transitioning to peacetime alert duties and regional deterrence in Korea while maintaining F-4 proficiency.[1] This period involved realignments under Pacific Air Forces to address post-war force structure changes, including integration into composite wing operations for multi-role readiness.[7]Post-Cold War
Following the end of the Cold War, the 36th Fighter Squadron transitioned to the multirole F-16 Fighting Falcon, receiving its first Block 30 aircraft in 1988 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to replace the aging F-4E Phantom II fleet.[11] On August 10, 1988, Lt. Col. Al Spitzer, the squadron commander, landed the inaugural F-16C, marking the unit's shift toward enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities in the Pacific theater.[12] The squadron underwent significant upgrades to maintain combat effectiveness, converting to Block 40 F-16C/D variants equipped with Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods in 1990, enabling precision strikes in low-light conditions.[13] Subsequent enhancements included integration of GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) for all-weather precision bombing, adoption of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for advanced air-to-air engagements, and installation of the AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System (HTS) in 2012 for suppression of enemy air defenses. These modifications expanded the squadron's versatility for interdiction, close air support, and counter-air missions.[14] Squadron personnel and assets provided critical support roles during major post-Cold War operations, including rotations and tactical contributions to Operation Desert Storm in 1991, enforcement patrols under Operation Southern Watch in the 1990s, and logistical backing for Operation Enduring Freedom in the early 2000s.[15] These efforts underscored the unit's role in regional deterrence and global power projection from its Osan base.[16] In recent years, the 36th Fighter Squadron has expanded as part of the U.S. Air Force's "super squadron" initiative to bolster combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Phase I of the test, launched in October 2024, added nine F-16s and approximately 150 Airmen from Kunsan Air Base to the squadron, bringing its assigned aircraft to 31 F-16s as the first super squadron.[17] Relocations for Phase II began in July 2025, with the phase starting in October 2025 and relocating approximately 31 additional F-16s and over 1,000 personnel from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan to Osan Air Base to form a second super squadron within the 51st Fighter Wing, continuing through October 2026 as of November 2025.[18] The squadron maintained operational tempo through key exercises, deploying F-16s to Red Flag-Alaska 25-2 from June 12 to 27, 2025, at Eielson Air Force Base to hone joint tactics with U.S. and allied forces in large-scale combat scenarios.[19] It also participated in Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025, a multinational exercise emphasizing agile combat employment and interoperability across Pacific bases.[20] Leadership transitions reinforced squadron continuity, with Lt. Col. Eric Foster assuming command on June 24, 2024, from Col. Kathryn Gaetke during a ceremony at Osan Air Base.[5] In 2025, Maj. Richard Ryland took command of the supporting 36th Fighter Generation Squadron on May 15, enhancing maintenance and generation capabilities amid the super squadron expansion; earlier commanders like Lt. Col. Nicholas Haussler (2020–2022) had laid groundwork for these modernizations.[21][22]Lineage and Honors
Lineage
The 36th Fighter Squadron traces its formal lineage to its organization as the 36th Aero Squadron on 12 June 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas, during the United States' entry into World War I.[1] The unit was demobilized on 7 April 1919 following the armistice, entering an inactive status that lasted until its reconstitution and redesignation as the 36th Pursuit Squadron on 24 March 1923.[1] The squadron was activated on 2 October 1930 at Selfridge Field, Michigan, marking the end of its post-World War I inactivation period.[1] It underwent subsequent redesignations reflecting evolving Air Force roles and technology: to 36th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) on 6 December 1939; to 36th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 12 March 1941; and to 36th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942.[1] Further changes included redesignation to 36th Fighter Squadron, Two Engine, on 19 February 1944; to 36th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 1 April 1946; to 36th Fighter Squadron, Jet, on 1 January 1950; to 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 20 January 1950; and to 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 July 1958.[1] The squadron received its current designation as the 36th Fighter Squadron on 7 February 1992, aligning with post-Cold War Air Force restructuring.[1] It remains active as of 2025, assigned to the 51st Operations Group under Pacific Air Forces at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.[1][7]Assignments
The 36th Fighter Squadron's assignments have evolved through various attachments to pursuit groups, fighter groups, wings, and operational groups, reflecting its roles in training, combat, and forward deployment. Initially, following reconstitution as the 36th Pursuit Squadron on 24 March 1923, it was assigned to the 8th Pursuit Group. On 2 October 1930, it was activated and assigned to the 2nd Bombardment Wing while attached to the 1st Pursuit Group. This attachment to the 1st Pursuit Group continued when it was reassigned to the 8th Pursuit Group on 1 April 1931 and briefly to the 18th Pursuit Group on 30 June 1931. By 15 June 1932, it received a permanent assignment to the 8th Pursuit Group, later redesignated as the 8th Fighter Group during World War II, under which it served through the war's end in 1945.[1] Post-World War II, the squadron was inactivated on 31 March 1946 but reactivated on 15 October 1946 and assigned to the 8th Fighter Group. It was redesignated as the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 20 January 1950 and assigned to the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group in preparation for the Korean War. From 1 October 1957, it fell under the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing, later redesignated the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, marking a shift to wing-level organization. During the Vietnam War era, the squadron experienced temporary rotations, including attachment to the 2nd Air Division from 9 August to 5 October 1964 and again from 6 March to 4 May 1965 for operations in Southeast Asia, before formal assignment to the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing on 15 January 1968 and the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing on 15 May 1971.[1] Following assignment to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing on 15 May 1971, the squadron was assigned to the 51st Composite Wing (later the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing) on 13 November 1971, where it has remained based at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Since 1 October 1990, it has been assigned to the 51st Operations Group, supporting combat readiness and regional defense missions. These assignments underscore the squadron's integration into larger tactical and operational frameworks, with occasional temporary deployments aligning with station changes for expeditionary operations.[1]Stations
During World War I, the 36th Aero Squadron (later redesignated the 36th Fighter Squadron) was organized at Kelly Field, Texas, on 12 June 1917. It deployed overseas to France on 11 August 1917, operating from various airfields including Etampes (arriving 19 September 1917), Issoudun (24 September 1917), Cazaux (21 February 1918), St. Jean-de-Monts (5 November 1918), and St. Nazaire (16 February 1919), before returning to the United States at Garden City, New York, on 25 March 1919.[4] In the interwar period, the squadron was reconstituted and activated at Selfridge Field, Michigan, on 2 October 1930, as part of the 8th Pursuit Group. It relocated to Langley Field, Virginia, on 13 June 1932, and then to Mitchel Field, New York, on 15 November 1940, where it remained until early 1942.[7][4] During World War II, the squadron operated from multiple bases across the Pacific theater, beginning with Brisbane, Australia (6 March 1942), followed by locations in New Guinea such as Port Moresby (26 April 1942), Milne Bay (18 September 1942), Nadzab (22 December 1943), and Finschhafen (9 January 1944); it also served at Owi in the Schouten Islands (17 June 1944), Morotai (19 September 1944), Dulag on Leyte in the Philippines (5 November 1944), San Jose on Mindoro (20 December 1944), Ie Shima (6 August 1945), and finally Fukuoka, Japan (24 November 1945).[4] In the Korean War and Vietnam War eras (1950–1975), the squadron was based primarily at Itazuke Air Base, Japan, with temporary forward locations in South Korea including Suwon Air Base (5 October 1950), Kimpo Air Base (29 October 1950), and Pyongyang Air Base (25 November 1950). It later operated from Yokota Air Base, Japan (13 May 1964–March 1971), with deployments to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand (9 August 1964–5 October 1964, and subsequent rotations through 1965). Additional deployments included Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand (6 March 1965–4 May 1965 and 26 August 1965–28 October 1965), and multiple rotations to Osan Air Base, South Korea (starting 1 October 1968). By May 1971, it relocated to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. On 13 November 1971, the squadron permanently relocated to Osan Air Base, South Korea, under the 51st Fighter Wing, maintaining a continuous presence there.[7][4] In 2025, as part of the U.S. Air Force's Super Squadron test extension, the 36th Fighter Squadron integrated additional F-16 aircraft and approximately 1,000 Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base as part of the Super Squadron test, which was completed in October 2025, enhancing its operational capacity at Osan. The Super Squadron test aims to consolidate F-16 resources from Kunsan and Misawa to Osan for improved combat readiness and efficiency.[7][23][18][17]Aircraft
The 36th Fighter Squadron has operated more than 20 distinct aircraft types since its activation as a pursuit unit in 1930, transitioning from biplane fighters and observation aircraft in the interwar period to advanced jet fighters in subsequent conflicts and peacetime operations.[1] These aircraft supported roles ranging from aerial pursuit and reconnaissance to fighter-bombing, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and multirole missions including air interdiction, close air support, and counter-air operations.[7] The squadron's early aircraft were primarily biplanes used for pursuit and observation duties during the interwar years, evolving into more capable monoplanes by the late 1930s. During World War II, it flew a mix of fighters for air superiority and ground attack in the Pacific Theater. In the Korean War era, jet aircraft enabled high-speed interception and bombing, while Vietnam War assignments emphasized SEAD and escort missions with the F-105 Thunderchief in the Wild Weasel role and the F-4 Phantom II for multirole combat, including SEAD capabilities.[1][7] Post-Vietnam, the squadron adopted the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1988, equipping it with specialized upgrades for precision strikes.| Aircraft Type | Operational Period | Primary Roles |
|---|---|---|
| P-1 | 1930–1932 | Pursuit and training |
| P-6 | 1930–1937 | Pursuit and fighter |
| O-2 | 1930–1932 | Observation and reconnaissance |
| P-12 | 1932–1936 | Pursuit and air defense |
| P-16 | 1932–1936 | Pursuit |
| O-27 | 1932–1936 | Observation |
| PB-2 | 1937–1939 | Pursuit-bomber |
| P-36 | 1939–1940 | Pursuit |
| YP-37 | 1939–1940 | Pursuit (prototype evaluation) |
| A-17 | 1939–1940 | Light attack and reconnaissance |
| P-40 | 1940–1941 | Pursuit and fighter |
| P-39 Airacobra | 1941–1943 | Pursuit and ground attack |
| P-400 | 1942–1943 | Pursuit (export variant of P-39) |
| P-47 Thunderbolt | 1943–1944 | Fighter-bomber and air superiority |
| P-38 Lightning | 1944–1946 | Pursuit, reconnaissance, and fighter-bomber |
| P-51/F-51 Mustang | 1946–1950 | Pursuit and fighter |
| F-80 Shooting Star | 1949–1953 | Fighter and ground attack |
| F-86 Sabre | 1953–1957 | Air superiority and interception |
| F-100 Super Sabre | 1957–1963 | Fighter-bomber |
| F-105 Thunderchief | 1963–1966 | Fighter-bomber and SEAD (Wild Weasel) |
| F-4 Phantom II | 1967–1989 | Multirole fighter, including SEAD (Wild Weasel) |
| F-16C/D Fighting Falcon | 1988–present | Multirole: air interdiction, close air support, counter-air |
Decorations
The 36th Fighter Squadron has earned 22 unit citations for its service in various conflicts and operations.[7] These include four Distinguished Unit Citations: for Papua from September 1942 to 23 January 1943, New Britain on 26 December 1943, the Philippine Islands on 26 December 1944, and Korea from 16 September to 2 November 1950.[1] Additionally, the squadron received one Presidential Unit Citation for Vietnam from 26 August to 28 October 1965, one Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for World War II service, three Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations covering 27 June 1950 to 31 January 1951, 1 February 1951 to 31 March 1953, and 19–20 August 1972, and one Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm for 1 April 1966 to 14 May 1971.[7] The squadron also holds 12 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for periods including 12 May 1963–21 May 1964, 1 April–30 June 1965, 15 April 1969–15 April 1971, 1 July 1972–31 December 1973, 30 September 1974–31 March 1976, 1 April 1983–20 April 1984, 1 May 1984–30 April 1985, 1 July 1985–30 June 1987, 1 July 1987–30 June 1989, 1 October 1992–30 September 1994, 1 November 1995–31 May 1997, and 1 October 2002–30 September 2004.[1] The squadron is authorized 24 campaign and service streamers reflecting its participation in major theaters and operations.[7] Service Streamers:- World War I Theater of Operations.[1]
- East Indies
- Air Offensive, Japan
- China Defensive
- Papua
- New Guinea
- Bismarck Archipelago
- Western Pacific
- Leyte
- Luzon (with Arrowhead)
- Southern Philippines
- China Offensive[7]
- UN Defensive
- UN Offensive
- CCF Intervention
- First UN Counteroffensive
- CCF Spring Offensive
- UN Summer-Fall Offensive
- Second Korean Winter
- Korea, Summer-Fall, 1952
- Third Korean Winter
- Korea, Summer 1953[1]
- Vietnam Advisory
- Vietnam Defensive[7]