2 Fighter Squadron

Eagle history

The first of May 1984 saw the unit redesignated as the 2nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. The squadron was charged with training F-15 pilots for integration into Combat Air Forces (CAF) worldwide. The 2nd also maintained the capability to provide augmentation to NORAD for air defense.

Maj. Murray Nance, Jr., an F-15C Eagle instructor pilot assigned to the 2nd Fighter Squadron (FS), from Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, flies over the Gulf of Mexico after firing an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) at a sub-scale aerial target drone. His unit participated in an air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) known as Combat Archer.

In 17 Sept 1991, due to a major Air Force reorganization, the operations and maintenance functions of the 2nd joined to form one combined squadron. Finally the name was simplified to the 2nd Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991. The 2nd Fighter Squadron is proud of its long and distinguished 53 years of service and tradition in the defense of American freedoms and ideals!

The 29th of October 1999 marked the reactivation the the American Beagle Squadron.  The 2nd Fighter squadron change all patches and emblems to reflect this change.  In a ceremony to commemorate the reactivation, Dr. Fred Ohr, 2nd Fighter Squadron commander during World War II described the history behind the patch and the proud heritage it carries.

In 2001, the 2 FS won the 325th fighter wing operational squadron of the year.   Recently, in summer 2002,  due to a major Air Force reorganization, the operations and maintenance functions have separated once again.  Meanwhile the 2nd Fighter squadron continues to train the world’s best and most lethal fighter pilots.

Tyndall says farewell to the 2nd Fighter Squadron

by Senior Airman Veronica McMahon 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/11/2010 – TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  — Lieutenant Colonel Steven Burgh relinquished command of the 2nd Fighter Squadron in Hangar 2 during an inactivation event May 7.

The members of the 2nd Fighter Squadron complete their final mission April 2 at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Along with the inactivation event, the 2nd Fighter Squadron held an open house, allowed photographs with the F-15 Eagle and held a reception in honor of the American Beagles who have a 69-year Air Force history.
“Today we lay the foundation of the American Beagles of tomorrow,” said Col. Wesley Hallman, 325th Operations Group commander. “Today we pass the baton to the future because we know the American Beagles will be there.”
During the ceremony, Colonel Burgh passed the unit’s guidon to Colonel Hallman for the final time and relinquished command of the 2nd Fighter Squadron.

F-15s from the 2nd Fighter Squadron conduct a four-ship formation over Tyndall Air Force Base. (Courtesy photo)
Colonel Steven Burgh

“It’s tough to give up command of a great squadron,” said Colonel Burgh. “The American Beagle Squadron has such a rich and colorful heritage, it’s going to be impossible for my next assignment to compare. It’s a sad day, but I feel we have finished strong as a squadron and we are going out on top. I asked a lot of each person (and their family) over the past year. I could not be more proud of the level of effort and many sacrifices each Beagle has made for the squadron. I know each of us will look back on our time in the American Beagle Squadron with great pride and we’ll take with us memories that will last a lifetime.”  Colonel Burgh will attend Air War College at Maxwell, Ala. starting this summer.

Squadron photos

 

Major Mike Pantoni and Captain Jeff Gustafson, of the 2nd Fighter Squadron, Tyndall AFB, Florida, during a pre-flight brief time hack for a ROVING SANDS ’97 mission at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. ROVING SANDS is a multinational effort and is the largest military exercise on United States soil that allows training in a joint environment to hone command and control procedures and integrate new systems in Theater and Air Missile Defense.
US Air Force (USAF) Major (MAJ) Murray Nance, Jr., an F-15C Eagle instructor pilot assigned to the 2nd Fighter Squadron (FS), from Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, returning from an air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) mission known as Combat Archer.
F-15 Eagles, of the 2nd Fighter Squadron, Tyndall AFB, Florida, during a pre-flight inspection prior to a ROVING SANDS ’97 mission at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. ROVING SANDS is a multinational effort and is the largest military exercise on United States soil that allows training in a joint environment to hone command and control procedures and integrate new systems in Theater and Air Missile Defense.
Capt. OJ Sanchez, 2nd Fighter Squadron inspects his F-15 81-0024 before flight. Senior Airman Kevin Soucie, 2nd Fighter Squadron maintenance person, walks around the far side of the aircraft.
F-15D 82-0048 from the 2nd Fighter Squadron takes off during Exercise William Tell 2004 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., on Nov. 11, 2004. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Demetrius Lester
F-15B 75-0086 from the 2nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron taking off at Tyndall AF B on a training sortie.