Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Ingold | Members of the 77th and 79th Fighter Squadrons stand together at Shaw Air Force Base,...... read more read more
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The 77th and 79th Fighter Squadrons celebrated their 100 year anniversaries together with squadron tours, the sharing of old stories and a show by the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team.
“This is such a big deal because we are celebrating 100 years of commitment to a greater cause,” said Capt. Aaron Gibson, 79th Fighter Squadron pilot.
The 79th FS formed in Waco, Texas in 1918 as the 79th Aero Squadron. The squadron has since taken part in many major campaigns launched by the Air Force and has flown multiple aircraft. The 79th FS, also known as the “Tigers,” started flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon at Shaw in 1994.
The 79 FS, also known as the Gamblers, like the Tigers, were formed in Waco, Texas in 1918 and joined their neighbor on the Shaw flight line in 1994.
“Being part of the fighter pilot heritage is something very special to me,” said Capt. Brian Tomlin, 77th Fighter Squadron chief of training. “My uncle was a Gambler and being able to share the history and heritage is something I’m unable to put in words.”
Former members of the Tigers and the Gamblers were invited to partake in the celebration, see their respective units’ updated facilities and to visit the F-111 Aardvark static display near the front gate. Before flying the F-16CM Fighting Falcon, the Tigers and Gamblers flew the F-111.
Tomlin said he thinks getting everyone together and celebrating fighter squadron heritage is really important and he was proud to have been part of it.
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2018 13:57 |
| Story ID: | 283429 |
| Location: | SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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