88th Flying Training Squadron [88th FTS]
The 88th Flying Training Squadron was originally constituted as the 88th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 13 January 1942 and activated on 9 February 1942 at Selfridge Field, MI. 80th Pursuit (later, 80th Fighter) Group, it was redesignated as the 88th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942, and as the 88th Fighter Squadron (Single Engine) on 1 July 1942.
Flying P-47 (1942-1943), P-40 (1943-1944) and P-47 (1944-1945) aircraft, the 88th was stationed at locations in India and Burma, and saw combat in the CBI from 1 October 1943-28 April 1945. During that time, the unit was redesignated as the 88th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 28 February 1944. The squadron inactivated on 3 November 1945 at Camp Kilmer, NJ.
Redesignated as the 88th Flying Training Squadron on 25 May 1972, it reactivated on 1 January 1973 at Sheppard AFB, TX. It was assigned to the 80th Flying Training Wing, and began operating the T-37 in its mission of providing undergraduate pilot training for USAF and students from selected nations (1973-1981).
In 1981, the 88th FTS added the T-38 to its aircraft inventory and took on the mission of Euro-NATO joing pilot training, starting in October.
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