494th Fighter Squadron

494th Fighter Squadron
A 494th FS F-15E Strike Eagle at RAF Lakenheath, 2015
Active15 Jan 1941 – 7 Nov 1945
10 July 1952 – present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
TypeFighter
Part ofUnited States Air Forces in Europe
Garrison/HQRAF Lakenheath
Nickname(s)Panthers[1]
EquipmentF-15E Strike Eagle
EngagementsEuropean Theater of Operations
Operation Desert Shield
Operation Desert Storm[2]
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Odyssey Dawn
Iraq War
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Inherent Resolve
April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Belgian Fourragère
Insignia
494th Fighter Squadron emblem (30 April 2007)[3]
494th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 6 December 1963)
57th Bombardment Squadron emblem (Approved 22 August 1942)[4]

The 494th Fighter Squadron[5] (494th FS), nicknamed the Panthers, is part of the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, where they operate the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle.

  1. ^ Nuñez, Emerson (15 September 2016). "Panthers on the prowl at TLP". Royal Air Force Lakenheath. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  2. ^ Dollman, TSG Davis (15 May 2017). "Factsheet 494 Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  3. ^ Dollman, TSG Davis (15 May 2017). "Factsheet 494 Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  4. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 596
  5. ^ Newdick, Thomas (28 April 2021). "F-15E Strike Eagle Smart-Bomb Transports Are Hauling Munitions Around The Middle East". The Drive. Retrieved 30 April 2021.