561st Weapons Squadron
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|---|---|
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| Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1953–1957; 1962–1992; 1993–1996; 2007–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Tactics development |
| Part of | Air Combat Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Nellis Air Force Base |
| Nickname(s) | Smug Tigers (1953–1957) Black Knights |
| Engagements | World War II Desert Storm[1] |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit AwardAir Force Meritorious Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 561st Weapons Squadron emblem[b][1] |  |
| 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem[c] |  |
| 561st Fighter-Bomber Squadron emblem[d][2] |  |
| 561st Bombardment Squadron emblem[3] |  |
The 561st Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force squadron assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The squadron was the last United States Air Force unit to fly the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II on operational missions. The last Republic F-105 Thunderchief shot down in the Vietnam War was from the 561st.
The squadron was originally activated during World War II as the 561st Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. The squadron was twice awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its combat actions. Following V-E Day, it returned to the United States and was inactivated. The squadron was briefly active in the reserve in the late 1940s, but does not appear to have been fully manned or equipped.
The squadron was redesignated the 561st Fighter-Bomber Squadron and activated in 1953. It moved to Europe, but was inactivated in 1957, when it was replaced by another unit. It was activated again as the 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1962. It conducted frequent deployments, but focused on training pilots for operations in Southeast Asia. Elements of the squadron participated in combat there, although the squadron remained in the United States. From 1973, it conducted Wild Weasel training. It deployed crews and planes to Southwest Asia during Desert Storm and maintained elements there until inactivating in 1996. It was activated in its current role in 2007.
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