555th Fighter Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 Over Iraq, a Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon peels away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1964–1994; 1994–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Fighter |
| Part of | United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa |
| Garrison/HQ | Aviano Air Base, Italy |
| Nickname(s) | Triple Nickel[1] World Famous Highly Respected[2] |
| Motto(s) | Once Green, Always Green[1] |
| Colors | Green |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Vietnam War Operation Bolo |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Eric Kitaif |
| Notable commanders | Joseph Kittinger David L. Goldfein |
| Insignia | |
| 555th Fighter Squadron emblem[a][3] |  |
| 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem[b][3] |  |
| 555th Bombardment Squadron emblem[4] |  |
The 555th Fighter Squadron is part of the 31st Operations Group at Aviano Air Base, Italy. It operates General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting multirole air and ground missions.
The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 555th Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the campaign against Germany. It earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its missions flown in preparation for the invasion of France. It returned to the United States following V-E Day and was inactivated.
- ^ a b "F-16 Units - USAFE 555th Fighter Squadron". F-16.net. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ McCool, Michael (31 December 2018). The World Famous Highly Respected Triple Nickel.
- ^ a b Dollman, TSG David (16 October 2016). "Factsheet 555 Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ Watkins 2008, pp. 72–73.
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