562nd Flying Training Squadron

562nd Flying Training Squadron
Boeing T-43 operated by the 562nd at RAF Fairford[a]
Active	1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1953-1957 1962-1972; 1974-1992; 1993-2010
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Navigator Training
Part of	Air Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQ	Randolph Air Force Base
Engagements	European Theater of Operations Vietnam War
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
562nd Flying Training Squadron emblem[b][1]
562nd Bombardment Squadron emblem[c][2]

The 562nd Flying Training Squadron (officially, the 562d Flying Training Squadron) is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was part of the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where it operated the Boeing T-43 Bobcat conducting navigator training from 1993 until inactivating on 19 November 2010.

The squadron was originally activated during World War II as the 562d 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 562d 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 562d 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 elements for Desert Storm before inactivating in 1992.

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