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History of the 27th Fighter Squadron "The Fighting Eagles" (a.k.a. "Black Falcons") . Updated 19 Mar 06

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The 27th Fighter Squadron is the oldest fighter squadron in the U.S. Air Force. As one of three fighter squadrons of the 1st Fighter Wing, the 27th is tasked to provide air superiority for United States or allied forces by engaging and destroying enemy forces, equipment, defenses or installations for global deployment. The unit is equipped with the F-15 Eagle, an advanced air-superiority fighter. Originally organized as the 21st Aero Squadron June 15, 1917, the 27th was redesignated as the 27th Aero Squadron June 23, 1917, and assigned to the 1st Pursuit Group in early 1918. The 27th entered World War I in the European theater where it served with distinction from March 1918 until the Armistice in November of that year. Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., known as the "Arizona Balloon Buster," for his daring feats against German observation balloons, was the squadron's most colorful ace. His 18 victories cost him his life, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Aircraft flown by the 27th during World War I include the Nieuport 28, Spad XIII and Sopwith F-1 Camel.

In the period between the world wars, the 27th Pursuit Squadron, redesignated Jan. 25, 1923, was stationed primarily at Selfridge Field, Mich., with the 1st Fighter Group. During these years, the unit flew various aircraft, including the Fokker D-7, PW-8, P-12, P-26, P-35, P- 36 and the YP-43. At the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II, the 27th Fighter Squadron, redesignated May 15, 1942, briefly served in anti-submarine duty at San Diego Naval Air Station and in air defense duty at Reykjavik, Iceland. From October 1942 until May 1945, the 27th participated in the European and Mediterranean theaters of operation, flying Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. The squadron won three Distinguished Unit Citations in Italy Aug. 25, 1943, and Aug. 30, 1943; and at Ploesti, Romania, May 18, 1944.

Following World War II, the 27th was stationed at March Field, Calif., flying P-80 Shooting Stars, the United States' first operational jet aircraft. Upon the unit's redesignation as the 27th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, it moved to Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y., flying the F-86, F-89 and F-94 until receiving the F-102 Delta Dagger in 1957. In October 1959, the 27th was transferred to Loring Air Force Base, Maine, where it assumed an air defense role flying F-106 Delta Darts in the Bangor Air Defense Sector.

The redesignated 27th Tactical Fighter Squadron was assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., July 2, 1971, as part of the reorganized 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. While at MacDill, the 27th trained aircrews in the F-4E Phantom II. In June 1975, the 27th Tactical Fighter Squadron was moved to Langley Air Force Base, Va., becoming the first operational squadron to fly the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter in 1976. The 27th TFS deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield in August of 1990 as part of the first U.S. Air Force contingent in Saudi Arabia. The squadron was integral in establishing allied air superiority during Operation Desert Shield, January-February, 1991. After returning from the 1st Gulf War, the unit was redesignated the 27th Fighter Squadron on Sept.1, 1991.

The 27th FS has deployed worldwide to support the 1st FW's commitments. The 27th Fighter Squadron deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch, and to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch, flying F-15Cs in both operations enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq until 2003. The 27th also routinely deployed to NAS Keflavik in support of treaty obligations.

On September 11th, 1991, the 27th was the first active duty fighter squadron to launch armed jets into the skies of America's east coast, shortly after the terrorist attacks on America. The 27th, along with the Wing's other squadrons, flew combat air patrols 24/7 over the US east coast for the next six months in Operation Noble Eagle, until relieved by other units.

The squadron is now equipped with the F-22A Raptor, having transitioned from the F-15 in 2005 to become the world's first operational F-22 squadron.