The 1st Fighter Squadron "Miss
Fury" is stationed at Tyndall AFB, Florida and is one of the Three Fighter
Squadrons that form up the 325th Fighter Wing. The 1st FS is one of the last
active duty F-15 training units. The 1st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
started receiving the first F-15 in 1983....
(I am looking
for more information of the 1 FS, like squadron
rituals, history, personal stories related to the 1 FS etc) Any
information that you would like to donate to this website can be sent to
eagle@skytrailer.com
From talons to Miss
Fury's skull - 1st FS accomplishes
by Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
22 December 2006 -- With the rise of new fighter aircraft and decrease in
the number of F-15 Eagles flown in the active Air Force, the 1st Fighter
Squadron and its maintaining force, the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Unit, were
inactivated 11:01 a.m. Dec. 15 after 22 years of Eagle pilot training.
The 1st FS has been inactivated and reactivated on two other occasions to
meet the changing needs of the Air Force. The most recent reactivation took
place in 1984 when the squadron opened as the 1st Tactical Fighter Training
Squadron and has served the same mission under its current title since 1991.
During those years, an estimated 670 pilots have been trained and countless
others affected by the legacy the two units leave behind.
"I have mixed emotions about our closing," said Lt. Col. Tom Menker, 1st FS
commander. "On a personal note, I am saddened. Being the 1st FS commander
has been a great opportunity. It has been rewarding and challenging at the
same time, but I recognize the Air Force's need to evolve."
"Thousands of members have worked in the 1st AMU over the years. I think
most would remember it as one of their best assignments," said Capt. Robert
Anson, 1st AMU officer in charge.
As the squadron's doors close, most Airmen from both units will remain part
of Team Tyndall. Members of the 1st FS will be transferring to the 2nd FS
and 95th FS, 325th Operations Support Squadron and Operations Group staff,
while members of the 1st AMU will go to the 2nd, 43rd and 95th AMUs with a
small number going to 325th MXS and other assignments.
Due to the local transition, the "red" team camaraderie will remain and
intergrate into the other squadrons.
"We have had a great working relationship with the 1st AMU ... which leads
to better student training and students graduating early, " said Colonel
Menker. "We recognized that give and take on both ends works well."
The units made an impact on national and joint multi-national security
measures by participating in large force employments such as exercise
"Trident Fury" in Victoria, Canada earlier this year, where their mission
was preparing security measures for the 2010 Olympics.
The units' impact on the Air Force mission has given many of its members
fond memories and sense of pride.
"It's hard to put into words how rewarding being a commander of a fighter
squadron is," said Colonel Menker. "There are so many moving parts and
people that make it come together at the end of the day. It's amazing to see
it all come together and produce a qualified pilot five and a half months
after he arrives."
"It's rare that so many personalities and capabilities come together to form
such a great team," said Captain Anson. "I have thoroughly enjoyed being on
the 'red' team. Although it's sad we're closing, we'll take that pride with
us."
