52nd Fighter Wing

This article is about the 52nd Fighter Wing activated in 1948. For the New York Air National Guard unit, see 52nd Fighter Wing (Air National Guard).
52nd Fighter Wing
Active1948–present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Air Force
Part ofUnited States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Garrison/HQSpangdahlem Air Base, Germany
Nickname(s)Sabers
Motto(s)"Seek, Attack, Destroy"
Engagements
  • Southwest Asia (1990–1991)
  • Expeditionary Service
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Northern Watch
Operation Allied Force
Operation Decisive Forge
  • Global War on Terrorism
Afghanistan Campaign (TBD)
Iraqi Campaign (TBD)
Operation Inherent Resolve (TBD)
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V Device
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Kevin Crofton[1]
Notable
commanders		David L. Goldfein, Victor E. Renuart Jr.
Insignia
52nd Fighter Wing emblem (Approved 10 May 1951)[2][note 1]
General Dynamics F-16C Block 50D Fighting Falcon 91-0361 taxiing out from at Tab-Vee at Spangdahlem on 20 March 2011 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn

The 52nd Fighter Wing (52 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It flies the F-16CJ fighter aircraft. It was activated in 1948, but derives significant elements of its history from the predecessor Second World War 52nd Fighter Group, which is now the 52nd Operations Group, subordinate to the wing.

The wing provides United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa and/or the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems. The assigned F-16 aircraft can be tasked to suppress enemy air defenses, provide close air support, carry out air interdiction, counter-air, strategic attack, and combat search and rescue. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war as required.

In concert with USAFE wings at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the 52nd Fighter Wing directly supports the strategic mobility mission once conducted at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany. The wing provides logistics support for C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy aircraft, crew, passengers and cargo to sustain air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. The 52nd Fighter Wing also supports USAFE's Joint Fires Center of Excellence, whose mission is to conduct joint and combined training focused on the effective integration and application of tactical fires.

  1. ^ "Colonel Kevin M. Crofton". Spangdahlem Air Base. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  2. ^ Robertson, Patsy (7 May 2013). "Factsheet 52 Fighter Wing (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 2 May 2015.


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