51st Fighter Wing

51st Fighter Wing
Active1948–1971; 1971–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Part ofPacific Air Forces
Garrison/HQOsan Air Base, South Korea
Motto(s)Leading the Charge (1993–present); Deftly and Swiftly (former motto)[1][2]
Engagements
  • World War II
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign (1941–1945)
  • Korean Service (1950–1954)
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award (15 Awards)
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (3 Awards)
Commanders
Current
commander
Colonel Joshua Wood
Notable
commanders
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski
John W. Mitchell

The 51st Fighter Wing (51 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force and the host unit at Osan Air Base, South Korea. The wing has been based entirely in the Far East during its entire existence, including its combat role as the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing during the Korean War.

The 51st Fighter Wing is under Pacific Air Forces' Seventh Air Force. The unit is the most forward deployed wing in the world, providing combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the Republic of Korea. The wing executes military operations to bed-down, maintain and employ follow-on forces for the combined arms base that includes three major flying tenants and large multi-service fighting units.

The wing is equipped with General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II squadrons and myriad base support agencies conducting the full spectrum of missions providing for the defense of the Republic of Korea.

  1. ^ Ravenstein, p. 85.
  2. ^ Okonski, John (26 July 2007). "Wing's shield preserves long heritage". 51st Fighter Wing History Office.