67 Fighter Squadron

“Fighting Cocks”

Eagle History

The 67th Fighter Squadron is located at Kadena AB, Japan.

The 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron converted to the F-15 Eagle on 29 Sep 79, changing their mission to air superiority. The 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first squadron in Pacific Air Forces to fly the F-15.Since that time, the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron participated in major exercises throughout the Western Pacific and

An F-15C Eagle from the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, breaks away from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 185 Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, after being refuled during Red Flag 09-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Oct. 24, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh)

performed air defense alert duties in the Republic of Korea and Northern Japan. Members of the squadron were part of the Pacific Air Forces William Tell ’82 team which won the prestigious air-to-air gunnery competition after a record-setting 14.8 hour deployment from Kadena Air Base to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. In 1983, the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron was awarded the coveted Hughes Trophy for excellence in air superiority. This marked the third consecutive win for the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, a first in Air Force history. The 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron repeated as the Hughes Trophy winner in 1986 and 1989-the third win in the 1980’s thus garnering the title “Fighter Squadron of the Decade.” The 67th has continued that tradition into the 1990’s by taking 18th Wing Fighter Squadron of the Year honors in 1994, 1996, and 1998. Three more in the 21st century and counting..

group photo 67th TFS  1981

On F-15 from L to R. Sra Smick, Lt Crump, Capt. McCleary, Lt. Stedman, Lt. Hunsuck, Lt. Almand, Sgt Laysa, Lt. Adler, Capt Carrier, Capt Burke, Capt. Greene, Capt. Cardin, Capt Cloyd.  MIDDLE L to R. Capt Casey, Maj. Callen, Capt. Nacke, Capt. Dedrick, Capt. Cleaveland, Maj. Hallenbeck, Lt. Mitchell, Capt. Chilton, Mgst Hilburn, Lt. Sluder, Capt. Marshall, Maj. Taylor, Capt. Morrow, A1C Barnowski, Sgt Vellick, Sgt. Lovingood. KNEELING L to R. Lt. Col. Ridgeway, SrA Cook, Capt Wilson, Capt. Bumpas, Capt. Deptula, Capt. Schmidt. (photo donated by Wyatt Stedman)

On 1 Oct 91 the “Fighting Cocks” returned to their earlier designation as the 67th Fighter Squadron. The squadron has been a major contributor in the United States’ ability to achieve national military objectives in the Pacific. The “Fighting Cocks” regularly participate in bilateral and multilateral operations across the Pacific, which have significantly strengthened ties to regional allies. The 67th Fighter Squadron has helped keep the peace throughout the world with deployments to Japan, Australia, Alaska, Singapore, Thailand, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From October 1996 through January 1997, the 67th deployed to Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia in support of Joint Task Force-Southwest Asia. During this operation SOUTHERN WATCH deployment, the squadron flew over 1100 sorties and 3700 hours while enforcing United Nations resolutions and sanctions against Iraq. Most recently, the squadron returned from Incirlik AB, Turkey where it flew more than 140 sorties and 900 hours in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH, again enforcing United Nations resolutions and sanctions against Iraq.

Group photo 67th FS 1992

Any help with identifying is more than welcome

The 67th Fighter Squadron consists of a 380-plus person team that has continued to build on the tradition begun in January of 1941. The 67th Fighter Squadron has achieved a level of readiness and combat capability that is unsurpassed. “Fighting Cocks” are ready to fly and fight anywhere and anytime. . . now, and into the next century.

(I am looking for more information, any information like squadron rituals, flying anecdotes that you would like to donate please contact the webmaster using on the contact me page)

Squadron photos

67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 1986 Hughes Trophy winners.
67th TFS Tactical Callsigns overview in the Zipper Lounge at Kadena AB, mid 80’s era
Jere “Waldo” Wallace, Bill “Pops” Harwood (RIP), Ed “Easy” Allen, and Greg “Speedy” Marti” in the Zipper Lounge, where the Cocks hang out, circa 1983.

18 TFW Det, Alert facilities at Osan AB
67th Fighter Squadron Eagles, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J fighter aircraft, 7th Wing, parked on the flightline during exercise Keen Sword 05 at Hyakuri Japanese Air Base, Japan, on Nov. 17, 2004.(Photo by MASTER SGT. Val Gempis)

2020 marked the 60th anniversary of the Alliance between the United States and Japan, the 67th Fighter Squadron flew an F-15C Eagle with a custom heritage paint job to commemorate this milestone. The paint scheme was designed to pay homage to the F-100 that the 67th FS flew over 60 years ago, but adjusted to fit the F-15’s structure.

F-15 Eagles assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, prepare to take off during Exercise Cope North 20 (CN20) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 11, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)
U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, sit on the flightline during Exercise COPE North 20 (CN20) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 19, 2020.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Divine Cox)
U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from the 67th Fighter Squadron taxi down the flightline Feb. 20, 2017, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam during Cope North (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier/released)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Lance Coldren, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle pilot, secures his oxygen mask in preparation for a flight during annual exercise Cope North Feb. 20, 2017, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier/released)
67th Fighter Squadron crew chiefs stand ready to assist an F-15 Eagle as it prepares to park on Komatsu Air Base, Japan, Dec. 7, 2013. The 67th FS participated in a week-long bilateral Aviation Training Relocation Program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force 6th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber E. N. Jacobs)
Atushi Nerome, 67th Fighter Squadron honorary commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chris McFarland 67th FS commander, sit on top of an F-15 Eagle Oct. 21, 2015, on Kadena Air Base, Japan. Nerome observed a Designated Crew Chief Ceremony to congratulate the Airmen who have been recognized as maintenance experts for their respective aircraft. The honorary commander was presented with a flight suit and his name displayed on an F-15 Eagle as a token of appreciation for his support of the 67th FS mission. (Courtesy photo)
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jordan Carr, 67th Fighter Squadron pilot, gives a thumbs-up as he leaves refueling hot pits during a surge operation Jan. 11, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. During surge operations, pilots make stops at hot pits to have their aircraft refueled to continue sortie production. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lynette M. Rolen/Released)
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Alliance between the United States and Japan, the cornerstone of stability and security in the region. Yesterday, the 67th Fighter Squadron flew an F-15C Eagle with a custom heritage paint job to commemorate this milestone. The paint scheme was designed to pay homage to the F-100 that the 67th FS flew over 60 years ago, but adjusted to fit the F-15’s structure. Shout out to the 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and civilian corrosion control team for the awesome paint job! (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebeckah Medeiros)

67th Fighter Squadron returning to Kadena AB after Typhoon Evac to Yokota AB

Two F-15 Eagles assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron are ready to take off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 11, 2018, after declaring Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR) All Clear at Kadena Air Base. Eighteen F-15 Eagle fighters evacuated to Yokota due to Typhoon Maria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
F-15 Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 11, 2018(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
.(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
(U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
F-15 Eagles from the 67th Fighter Squadron perform an elephant walk during a no-notice readiness exercise April 12, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)
An F-15C Eagle takes off from the runway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2021. Kadena aircrews perform bilateral training in a joint environment with regional allies and partners to deter adversaries and ensure a free-and-open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Derek Kear, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, performs visual checks during aircraft launch procedures at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 26, 2021. Kadena fighter squadrons and maintenance personnel remain postured to contend with real-world scenarios through routine training and exercises that strengthen teamwork and rapid-response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte)
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. James Chambers, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15C pilot, poses in front of an F-15C Eagle, March 28, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 67th FS, known as the “Fighting Cocks”, operates out of Kadena Air Base, Japan, and provides air defense and air superiority in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. The squadron won the Raytheon Trophy for air-to-air excellence six times, more than any other squadron in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Naoto Anazawa/Released)
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, takes off on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace to help maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell)
U.S. Air Force Capt. James Gehring, 67th Fighter Squadron pilot, equips flight suit components at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. Kadena’s aircrew regularly train in a joint environment with regional Allies and partners to deter adversaries and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell)
A U.S. Air Force pilot, assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, conducts pre-flight checks on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. Kadena’s aircrew regularly train in a joint environment with regional Allies and partners to deter adversaries and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell)
A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, taxis toward the runway on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. Kadena’s aircrew regularly train in a joint environment with regional Allies and partners to deter adversaries and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell)
F-15C Eagle from the 67 Tactical Fighter Squadron are checked over and refueled during exercise COPE THUNDER 89-5 at Clark AB. The 67th TFS was based at Kadena AB, Okinawa. (poto made by SSGT Mark Allen)
An air-to-air left side view of an 67 TFS F-15 Eagle 78-0533 aircraft during a tactical reconnaissance exercise over the Sea of Japan (photo made by SSGT Glenn Lindsey).
F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron are parked on the flight line as another F-15 taxies down the runway beside them during Exercise COPE NORTH ’86-4. At Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan (Photo made by Tsgt James R. Ferguson)
An air-to-air left side view of an F-4 Phantom II and two F-15 Eagle aircraft flying over the Soviet aircraft carrier MINSK during a tactical reconnaissance exercise. The F-15s were assigned to the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Photo made by SSGT Steve Mcgill)
F-15 Eagles from the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron on the Kadena Flight Line prior to their departure to participate in Exercise William Tell.
Major Jim Shaw from the 67th Fighter Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, looks for the “blue” opposition aircraft while flying a training mission in a F-15D Eagle over the Pacific Ocean near Okinawa, Japan. (photo made by MSGT Marvin Krause)
Capt. Michael Love, 67th Fighter Squadron flies over the Western coast of Okinawa, Japan, during a training mission. (photo made by MSGT Marvin Krause)