88th Fighter Training Squadron explained

Unit Name:	88th Fighter Training Squadron
Dates:	1942–1945; 1973-present
Branch:	United States Air Force
Role:	Pilot Training
Command Structure:	Air Education and Training Command
Garrison:	Sheppard Air Force Base
Battles:	China-Burma-India Theater
Decorations:	Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Identification Symbol Label:	88th Flying Training Squadron emblem (approved 18 July 1995)^[1]

The 88th Fighter Training Squadron is part of the 80th Flying Training Wing based at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. It operates Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.

History

World War II

The 88th flew combat missions in the China Burma India Theater from, 1 October 1943 – 28 April 1945.^[1]

Flying training

It conducted undergraduate pilot training for US and allied students from, 1973–1981 and has been part of the Euro-NATO Joint Pilot Training Program since October 1981.^[1]

Operations

• World War II^[1]
• Constituted as the 88th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 13 January 1942

Activated on 9 February 1942

Redesignated 88th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942

Redesignated 88th Fighter Squadron (Single Engine) on 1 July 1942

Redesignated 88th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine on 28 February 1944

Inactivated on 3 November 1945

• Redesignated 88th Flying Training Squadron on 25 May 1972

Activated on 1 Jan 1973

Redesignated 88th Fighter Training Squadron on 18 October 2007^[1]

Assignments

• 80th Fighter Group, 9 February 1942 – 3 November 1945
• 80th Flying Training Wing, 1 January 1973
• 80th Operations Group, 2 January 1988 – present^[1]

Stations

• Selfridge Field, Michigan, 9 February 1942
• Bridgeport Army Air Field, Connecticut, 25 June 1942
• Farmingdale, New York, 2 September 1942
• Mitchel Field, New York, 9 March – 30 April 1943
• Karachi, India, 28 June 1943
• Guskhara Airfield, India, c. 16 August 1943
• Nagaghuli Airfield, India, 15 October 1943

• Mokelbari, India, c. October 1943
• Shingbwiyang, Burma, 3 May 1944 (detachment operated from Myitkyina, Burma, May – 20 August 1944)
• Myitkyina, Burma, c. 23 January 1945
• Moran, India, 3 May 1945
• Dudhkundi Airfield, India, 29 May – 6 October 1945
• Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, 1 – 3 November 1945
• Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, 1 January 1973 – present)^[1]

Aircraft

• Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (1942–1943, 1944–1945)
• Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (1943–1944)
• Cessna T-37 Tweet (1973–1993)
• Northrop T-38 Talon (1981 – present)^[1]

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Book: Maurer, Maurer. Air Force Combat Units of World War II. 1961. reprint. 1983. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC. 0-912799-02-1. 61060979.
• Book: Maurer, Maurer. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II. 1969. reprint. 1982. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC. 0-405-12194-6. 72556. 70605402.
• Book: Ravenstein, Charles A.. Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977. 1984. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC. 0-912799-12-9. registration.

External links

• 80th Flying Training Wing Heritage Pamphlet
• Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) Program Fact Sheet

Notes and References

1. Web site: Factsheet 88 Fighter Training Squadron (AETC). Kane. Robert B.. 11 June 2009. Air Force Historical Research Agency. 15 October 2016.