7th Combat Training Squadron [7th CTS]
The mission of the 7th CTS is to prepare pilots to fly highly demanding, night, single-seat missions as tasked by the National Command Authorities and Joint Chiefs of Staff. The squadron is the only F-117A Training Squadron in the U.S. Air Force. It provides Initial Qualification Training for Pilots Entering the F-117A.
The 7th CTS, or "Screamin’ Demons," is currently the only unit in the world to provide initial qualification training for stealth fighter pilots. The unit’s Lockheed F-117A aircraft are often seen flying during the daytime, and are usually "tailed" by an instructor flying in a T-38. This configuration allows the instructor to observe the student’s performance in the single-seat F-117.
The 7th CTS also is responsible for ensuring pilots accepted in the F-117A program are instructed in all aspects of low observability aviation prior to their assignment to one of the operational stealth fighter squadrons. The squadron augments the operational squadrons during deployments.
The squadron was originally assigned on 25 May 1941 to the 49th Pursuit Group. On 4 March 1942, members of the 7th Squadron took part in the suqadron's first air engagement, downing five enemy aircraft, with no losses, over Horn Island. On 15 September 1942, the 7th arrived at Port Moresby, New Guinea, flying its initial mission on 19 September 1942. Nearly one month later, on 9 October 1942, 49th Group Headquarters and the 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron joined the 7th at Port Moresby. On 27 October 1944, Air echelons of the 7th, 8th, and 9th Squadrons landed at Leyte. The aircraft were the first American land-based fighter planes in the Philippines since early 1942.
On 11 Sep 1992, the 7th Fighter Squadron was reactivated and assigned the AT-38B aircraft. A year later, on 2 December 1993, the 417th Fighter Squadron was redesignated as the 7th Fighter Squadron.
On 17 June 1999, the 7th Fighter Squadron and the 49th Training Squadron combined to create the 7th Combat Training Squadron.
