558th Flying Training Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1962–1970; 1992–1996; 2002–2006; 2010–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Flying Training |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Nickname(s) | Phantom Knights[citation needed] |
| Motto(s) | Semper Vigilamus (Latin for 'We are Always Vigilant') |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Vietnam War[1] |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 558th Flying Training Squadron emblem[b][1] |  |
| 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem[c][1] |  |
| Unofficial 558th Bombardment Squadron emblem[2][3] |  |
| World War II fuselage code[2] | KX |
The 558th Flying Training Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The squadron trains Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilots.
The first predecessor of the squadron is the 558th Bombardment Squadron, which was organized in 1942 as a Martin B-26 Marauder unit. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, operating from England, and later from Advanced Landing Grounds on the European continent. The squadron was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for supporting beleaguered ground troops during the Battle of the Bulge. After V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States and was inactivated at the port of embarkation, Camp Kilmer, New Jersey on 12 November 1945.
The squadron's other predecessor is the 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron organized as part of the Air Force's first McDonnell F-4 Phantom II wing. The squadron served in combat in the Vietnam War until its inactivation in 1970. The two squadrons were consolidated in 1985 and activated as a flying training unit in 1992.
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