87th Flying Training Squadron

87th Flying Training Squadron
87th Flying Training Squadron T-38s flying over Laughlin AFB
Active1917-1918; 1935-1936; 1942-1947; 1952-1955; 1956-1985; 1990 – present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
RolePilot Training
Part ofAir Education and Training Command
19th Air Force
47th Flying Training Wing
47th Operations Group
Garrison/HQLaughlin Air Force Base
Nickname(s)Skeeters (World War II)[1]
Motto(s)Vigilantia est Pax Latin Vigilance is Peace
EngagementsWorld War II
*North African Campaign
*Operation Husky
* Operation Avalanche
*Italian Campaign
*Operation Dragoon[2]
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[2]
Insignia
87th Flying Training Squadron emblem (approved 12 February 1969)[2]
87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron emblem (approved 16 July 1956[3]
87th Fighter Squadron emblem[1]

The 87th Flying Training Squadron is part of the United States Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing based at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. It operates T-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.

The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 18 August 1917 when it was organized at Selfridge Field, Mount Clemens, Michigan as a pilot training Squadron during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of Air Defense Command, later Aerospace Defense Command and finally Tactical Air Command during the Cold War.

  1. ^ a b Watkins, pp.30-31
  2. ^ a b c Bailey, Carl E. (10 September 2008). "Factsheet 87 Flying Training Squadron (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  3. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 299-300