435th Flying Training Squadron [435th FTS]
The 435th Flying Training Squadron activated at Moody AFB, GA, in September of 2001. It is assigned to the 479th FTG and tasked with training the group's instructor pilots, operating the AT-38 aircraft.
Prior to its activation at Moody AFB, the 435th FTS was stationed at Randolph AFB and assigned to the 12th FTW. There, the squadron was tasked with training instructor pilots which included air-to-air basic fighter maneuvers and air-to-ground munitions delivery. Twenty-eight AT-38 aircraft were then assigned to the 435th FTS.
The 435th FTS traces its lineage to the 435th Fighter Squadron (Two Engine) which was constituted on 12 October 1943 and activated on 15 October 1943 at Glendale, CA. Assigned to the 479th Fighter Group, it operated the P-38 aircraft and was tasked with providing air defense.
Relocating to England on 15 May, 1944, it was redesignated as the 435th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 5 September 1944. There, the squadron saw combat in the European Theater of Operations from 26 May 1944 until 25 April 1945. The squadron converted to the P-51 in 1944 and the P-47 in 1945. Reassigned to the VIII Fighter Command on 1 December 1945, it inactivated on 15 December 1945 at Camp Kilmer, NJ.
Redesignated as the 435th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 15 October 1952, it reactivated on 1 December 1952 at George AFB, CA, assigned to the 479th Fighter-Bomber (later, 479th Fighter) Group (though attached to Icelandic Defense Forces, 1 December 1952-27 March 1953; Air Proving Ground Command, 26 Jul-6 September 1955), and operating the F-51 aircraft. It transitioned to the F-86 in 1953.
Redesignated as the 435th Fighter-Day Squadron on 15 February 1954, it was reassigned to the 479th Fighter-Day (later, 479th Tactical Fighter) Wing, on 8 October 1957, though attached to Sixteenth Air Force(7 December 1960-ca. 15 April 1961); 86th Air Division(19 September 1961-22 January 1962 and 17 October-ca. 30 November 1962); 65th Air Division(3 August-17 October 1962; ca. 30 november-19 December 1962; 30 March-23 June 1964); 2nd Air Division(12 October-20 December 1965); detachment operated under 8th Tactical Fighter Wing(5 June-ca. 23 July 1966); 8th Tactical Fighter Wing(24 July 1966-8 August 1974). It was redesignated as the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 July 1958. It inactivated on 8 August 1974 at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The 435th provided Air Defense in Southeast Asia, from 12 October-20 December 1965. It saw combat in Southeast Asia, from July 1966 to 15 August 1973. Aircraft operated by the squadron during that time were the F-100(1954-1959); the F-104(1959-1967); and the F-4(1967-1974).
Redesignated as the 435th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 22 October 1976, it activated on 1 January 1977 at Holloman AFB, NM. Assigned to the 479th Tactical Training Wing, it flew the T-38 and was tasked with training fighter pilots and weapon systems officers. It inactivated on 19 February 1991.
Redesignated as the 435th Fighter Squadron on 1 May 1993, it reactivated on 12 May 1993 at Holloman AFB. Assigned to the 49th Operations Group and operating the AT-38, the unit began at taht time training Taiwan Air Force pilots. It inactivated again on 1 April 1997.
Redesignated as the 435th Flying Training Squadron on 2 April 1998, it reactivated on 14 May 1998 at Randolph AFB, TX, assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing's Operations Group.
The squadron's AT-38Bs are scheduled to be converted to the "C" model, through an upgrade of the aircraft's avionics system that closely mirrors what the pilots will see in their follow on fighter training, such as a modern glass cockpit and a Heads Up Display (HUD), as well as, taking advantage of the Global Positioning System satellite. Eventually, all AT-38B models at Moody AFB are scheduled to be replaced with "T-38C" aircraft.
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