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20th Attack Squadron
20th Assault Squadron
20th Air Commando Squadron
"Firebirds"

The mission of the 20th Attack Squadron is to preform tactical air operations in support of AFP forces in its designated area of operations. Its specific functions include: Providing close air support to surface forces; conducting tactical air reconnaissance; performing airborne and strike control for air and surface forces; providing forward air control in support of other PAF aircraft; performing interdiction missions; providing limited air evacuation and relief operations in support of civil military operations; providing deployment of combat ready forces in areas of operations as required by higher headquarters; and performing other functions as directed by higher headquarters.

The 20th Attack Squadron was first activated on 1 October 1983 as the 20th Air Commando Squadron, pursuant to General Orders Number 426, Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, dated 13 September 1983. Its first home station was located at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. At that time, 12 Sikorsky AUH-76A helicopters were assigned to the squadron. Their mission was to serve primarily as close air support aircraft in support surface forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During the People Power Revolution in 1986, then Colonel Antonio Sotelo Sr, Wing Commander of 15th Strike Wing, led a flight of the 20th Air Commando Squadron's AUH-76A attack helicopters. Instead of conducting flights in support of troops loyal to the Marcos Regime, Colonel Sotelo led his flight to Camp Crame and landed there in support of the revolutionaries.

On 17 January 1989, the squadron was transferred to Sangley Air Base, Cavite City. In 1993, with the acquisition of the more agile MD-520MG helicopters, the unit recieved a number of helicopters of the type. On 15 December 1993, the 20th Air Commando Squadron was redesignated the 20th Assault Squadron. By April 1996, the remaining AUH-76A types had been dispersed to the 505th Search and Rescue Group and the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, leaving the 20th Assault Squadron with only MD-520s.

In April 2003, the squadron was once again redesignated the 20th Attack Squadron. The 20th Attack Squadron participated in numerous operations in Mindanao and Sulu including the capture of Camp Abubakar, the largest among MILF's camps.