3D Fighter Training Squadron - History

History

The 3d was most likely an observer training unit during the First World War from, 1918–1919. The 3d participated in combat operations in the Philippines from, 8 December 1941-c. 1 May 1942. It was wiped out in the Battle of the Philippines (1941–42). The survivors fought as infantry during Battle of Bataan and after their surrender, were subjected to the Bataan Death March, although some did escape to Australia. The unit was never remanned or equipped. It was carried as an active unit until 2 April 1946.

Reactivated late in the Vietnam War, the 3d also flew combat missions in Southeast Asia from, 15 March – 15 August 1973. It supported the evacuation of U.S. personnel from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and from Saigon, South Vietnam in April 1975, and the recovery of the SS Mayagüez crew in May 1975. It provided primary flying training from, 1994–2000 and 2001–2007. The 3rd was moved to Vance AFB in 2007 to provide IFF training to fighter graduate students. The 3rd lost its IFF mission due to a lack of a relevancy in 2011. It was re-assigned to provide Advanced Phase Training in the T-1A Jayhawk, training future combat airlift and tanker pilots for the USAF.