In July 1975, the TFW transferred from MacDill to Langley and the 27th TFS became the first combat ready F-15 Eagle squadron in the Air Force. Since 1975, the squadron has been deployed to many locations throughout the world including Canada, Egypt, and the Netherlands including support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm. The squadron spent seven months and successfully flew over 750 combat missions before returning home in March 1991.
Lt. Jason Trew, foreground and Lt John Echols, in the distance, with the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS), Langley AFB, VA simultaneously fire AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles at a target during an Air-to-Air Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP), or Combat Archer mission.
In June of 1993 the squadron returned to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch for a three-month rotation. In October of 1994, the 27th FS was the only air superiority squadron mobilized for Operation Vigilant Warrior, deploying its F-15s to Saudi Arabia in under 24 hours to counter potential Iraqi aggression. Such operations were instrumental in the 27 FS being named the 1995 Hughes Trophy winner as the best air-to-air squadron in the United States Air Force.
This tradition of excellence continues with the 27th’s frequent AEF deployments to the Middle East. On Sep 11th, 2001, the 27th was called into action less than 48 hours after returning from the Saudi Arabian desert to defend the President of the United States, the nation’s capital and our most senior leaders. In what would eventually be called Operation Noble Eagle, the 27th Fighting’ Eagles provided the core for the 1 FW efforts to maintain combat aircraft in the skies over Washington D.C. 24 hours a day.
In 2003, the 27th Fighter Squadron was announced as the first operational squadron to fly the Raptor — a continuation of the squadron’s historical legacy. The first F-22A arrived in late 2004 the squadron continues to grow as more Raptors arrive each month. The 27th Fighter Squadron today stands as a cohesive combat experienced team ready for any call to support our nation’s security requirements. Air dominance — anytime, anywhere!
Squadron photos
27 Fighter Squadron during Operations Southern watch 2001
Pilots from the 27th Fighter Squadron celebrate after completing the final F-15 Eagle sortie of the 27th Fighter Squadron on Sept. 25, 2004, at Langley AFB, Va. As of Oct. 1, 2004, (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Tanika Bell) (Released)
U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Tinsley (left), Commander, 1st Operations Group, USAF Lt. Col. James Hecker, Director of Operations, 27th Fighter Squadron, USASF Lt. Col. Stuart Nichols, Commander, 27th Fighter Squadron, and USAF 1st Lt. Michael Hiatt (right), Pilot, 27th Fighter Squadron, step to their jets for the final flight of USAF F-15C Eagle fighters assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Sept. 24, 2004. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker) (Released) OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – Maj. Peter Milohnic, Capt. Jonathan Gration and Lt. Col. John Saghere fly an F-15 Eagle’s final training mission in the 27th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)
Eagle Drivers from the 27th Fighter Squadron pose before an Eagle fighter after completing the final F-15 sortie in Squadron on Sept. 25, 2004, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. After Oct. 1, 2004, (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Samuel Rogers) (Released)
27th Tactical Fighter Squadron group photo after completion of Operation Desert Storm
F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft, 27th Fighter Squadron (FS), 1st Fighter Wing (FW), taxies down the flight line at Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia (VA), during a Phase 1 Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI).
Two US Air Force (USAF) F-15C Eagle fighters, 27th Fighter Squadron (FS), Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia (VA), prepare for takeoff. This is their final mission from their forward operating base in Southwest Asia. Their mission, to fly back to their home station, their part of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM was concluded for now.
US Air Force (USAF) F-15C Eagle fighter Pilots from the 27th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia (VA), returning from a mandatory evacuation to Grissom Air Reserve Base (ARB), Indiana (IN). Langley evacuated all flyable aircraft parked on their runway before Hurricane Isabel made landfall.
Captain Adrian Spain, left, 27th Fighter Squadron F-15 Pilot, and Lieutenant Colonel (ret) Francis Horne give a thumbs up prior to their flight. Horne is one of the original Tuskegee Airman.
A F-15C Eagle aircraft assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, is used to test the Expeditionary Barrier Arresting Kit-12 (BAK-12) installed on the runway at Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia (VA).
Capt. Jason “Scooby” Stinchcomb, an F-15C Eagle pilot with the 27th Fighter Squadron (FS), Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia, banks right prior to firing an AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) at a sub-scale drone.
Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor assigned to the 27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMXU), reports for his shift, inside the aircraft hangar, during Phase 1 of the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), at Langley AFB, VA
Entrance to the 27th Fighter Squadron (FS) in front of the maintenance hangar, at Langley AFB, VA
F-15C (82-0025)27 Fighter Squadron,taxies at Prince Sultan AB for another Southern Watch sortie. September 1996 photo made by SRA Richard M. Heileman
A 27th AMU weapons loading team arms F-15C 81-0036 with an AIM-7 Sparrow missile. An MJ-1 weapons loader is in the foreground.
