The CRC in conjunction with the 20th MDG is currently leading the wing in Project Brown Heron, an electronic surveillance program that is sent out to 400 members every two weeks. The 79th can trace its lineage all the way back to 22 February 1918, when they were organized as the 79th Aero Squadron at Rich Field in Waco Texas as a pilot training Squadron during World War I- making it one of the oldest squadrons in the United States Air Force. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the Cold War. The squadron was demobilized on March 16, 1919, following the war. Afterward, they headed to the 25th Attack Groups remotely piloted aircraft operations site and the 20th Medical Groups COVID-19 response cell, as well as the 79th Fighter Squadron and partnered 79th Fighter Generation Squadron. Type or paste contributions or comments below and click Send. Originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, the Raytheon Trophy is awarded to the most . One of those diverse mission sets is the reorganizing the 20th Maintenance Groups aircraft maintenance units into fighter generation squadrons that correspond with their respective fighter squadron brethren. Taken in 2002. Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through5 Nov 2007. None. David Salanitri) PRINT | E-MAIL This site is meant to honor and remember each of its members, not just for his service and sacrifice during the war but also his accomplishments throughout his life. Clay, p. vi. The squadron then moved to Langley Air Force Base, VA, transitioning to the jet age with the Republic F-84 Thunderjet. Afterward, they headed to the 25th Attack Groups remotely piloted aircraft operations site and the 20th Medical Groups COVID-19 response cell, as well as the 79th Fighter Squadron and partnered 79th Fighter Generation Squadron. 79th Fighter Squadron | NATO Tigers The airmen were from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Campaign Streamers. Kelly and Chief Master Sgt. Its very dynamic and very diverse--it spans the entire globe across every capability in ACC. MOTTO: "Shield the Enterprise". Approved on 31 Jan 1955; updated on 29 Mar 1996. Aircraft operated in 1918, particularly the S-4, are not certain. Thunderbirds Announce 2022 Officers - Air Force Sixty-nine members of the 79th FS were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in this terrorist attack and 12 members of the squadron were decorated for valour. Named the top air dominance squadron in the Air Force for their actions across five combat operations and two exercises in fiscal year 2020, the 79th Fighter Squadron received the Raytheon Trophy Aug. 28, 2021. Reconstituted, and consolidated (25 May 1933) with 79 Observation Squadron, which was constituted on 18 Oct 1927. Avionics technicians are responsible for testing and troubleshooting avionic components of aircraft systems at all levels of maintenance. The CRC meets multiple times every week to present data, recommendations and concerns to wing leadership, who are then able to make informed decisions on how best to take care of Airmen executing the mission amidst a global pandemic. The 79th FS started receiving the first F-16s in 1994 after departing RAF Upper Heyford in October of 1993. U.S. Air Force Capt. Demobilized on 15 Nov 1918. It was based on the earlier Curtiss P-36 Hawk, having the P-36s air-cooled radial engine replaced with a liquid-cooled inline engine. One year later the squadron was re-designated a tactical fighter squadron. Agile combat support is an Air Force distinctive capability that touches every functional area and is key to meeting the Air Force's mission to organize, train, equip and employ air and space power. Apparently a flying training unit, 1918. P-12, 1933-1935; P-26, 1935-1938; P-36, 1938-1940; P-40, 1940-1942; P-39, 1942-1943; P-38, 1943-1944; P-51, 1944-1945. Assignments. Copyright 1961-2023 NATO Tiger Association. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from Shaw Air Force Bases 79th Fighter Squadron The Tigers, Sumter, South Carolina, conducted joint integrated training at MacDill and Avon Park Air Force Range during exercise Raider Fires 21-12 Sept. 8-15, 2021. The squadron was in the area for Operation Southern Watch, a UN sanctioned patrol of a no-fly zone over Southern Iraq. The squadron moved again to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in November 1951. The squadron is one of three F-16 units assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., under the direction of Headquarters 9th Air Force/U.S. This joint training enhanced the exercise . The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany. MOS 79T Recruiting/Retention NCO (ARNG) MOS 79V Retention And Transition NCO. until 0400 est. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. The training at MacDill allowed Shaws F-16 fighter pilots to integrate into a joint training environment to practice dropping inert munitions from their aircraft instead of simulating the air-to-ground training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin), U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Our mission is to provide combat ready aircraft and aircrew to conduct operations as assigned by Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT and Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin), A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft sits parked on flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 8, 2021. WATCH: The Tigers Demonstrate Air Dominance in Their F-16s - Avgeekery.com The 20th OG has personnel assigned to the. - Captain Jack M. Ilfrey, one of the COs of the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, at Kings Cliffe air base. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. ),USAF Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995(Washington: USPGO, 1999). Please note that your data will be managed in the US by the American Air Museum in Britain charity. The unit was inactive from November 1918 until April 1933, when it became the 79th Pursuit Squadron, flying the Boeing P-12 at Barksdale Field, Louisiana. The 79th Fighter Squadron traces its history back to February 1918, when it was first organized as the 79th Aero Squadron. The 20th Operations Support Squadron traces its lineage back to Jan. 25, 1943, as the 20th Airdrome Squadron. (Used from Spring of 1944 until disbanded in 1947). Shaw AFB, SC, 1 Jan 1994-. The ACC command team began their immersion at the 15th Air Force Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Central headquarters and U.S. Army Central headquarters. This affected the 79th Fighter Squadron, with a reduction of its flying hours, placing it into a basic mission capable status from 5 April - 30 July, then returning it to combat mission ready through September 2013. From 1940 to 1942, the squadron trained combat pilots and flew the P-40 Warhawk from bases on the east coast. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from Shaw Air Force Base's 79th Fighter Squadron "The Tigers", Sumter, South Carolina, conducted joint integrated training at MacDill and Avon Park Air Force Range during exercise Raider Fires 21-12 Sept. 8-15, 2021. Not only do our Airmen provide lethal combat airpower in support of our national defense strategy, but they also provide services to major command functions like AFCENT, ARCENT and 15th AF so they can go on to successfully support their operations. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft sits parked on flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Sept. 8, 2021. On Aug. 7, 1941, with construction underway, Sumter Army Air Field became Shaw Army Air Field. Reviewed byDaniel Haulman, An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. With its robust airframe, powerful radial engine, and armament of eight .50 caliber machine guns, the P-47 was especially proficient in the ground-attack role. In January 1999, the 79th Fighter Squadron was awarded the South Carolina Air Force Association's Outstanding Air Force Unit of the Year award. Can you list the top facts and stats about 79th Fighter Squadron? 20th Fighter Group | American Air Museum Prepared byPatsy Robertson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, sits parked on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. David Wade, command chief of ACC, visited Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 4-5, 2020. The reason behind the reactivation was to keep the history alive of the 20th FW and its resident squadrons over those of the 363rd FW which deactivated and its squadrons as well. The reorganization to an FGS, provides better strategic oversight to higher headquarters by allowing leaders to better oversee manning and equipment capabilities while decision-making for the fight downrange. As part of 8th Air Force, the 79th, and its newly acquired P-38s, escorted medium and heavy bombers on strikes over Europe. The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Sgt. Inactivated on 30 Jun 1993. During that year, however, the squadron had several homes, The 55th Fighter Squadron's roots trace back to Aug. 9, 1917. 79 Fighter Squadron (ACC) By. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), A maintainer with the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, performs a preflight check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. The 79th was again brought to active service on 29 July 1946, at Biggs Field, Texas. Robertson. ACC command team empowers Airmen, envisions future at Shaw This joint training enhanced the exercise participants capabilities and qualifications, which included three pilot and two joint terminal air controller training Airmen upgrades, and 10 JTAC Airmen evaluations. The squadron was organized in February 1918, as the 79th Aero Service Squadron at Waco Field, Texas, with an aerial gunnery mission. 79th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia The . MOS 79S Career Counselor. Redesignated Squadron B, Taliaferro Field, TX, on 23 Jul 1918. In August 1943, the squadron moved to King's Cliffe, England, for the duration of the second World War. The 79th played an important role in the rescue efforts following the tragic terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in 1996. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez). In June 1999, the 79th deployed F-16CJs in support of Operation Allied Force to a bare base in Southwest Asia. Jessica Distefano, 20th Medical Group, noncommissioned officer in charge of laboratory, briefs U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, about COVID-19 efforts and future plans at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. . Avionics technicians are responsible for ensuring that all the electronics onboard an aircraft are in working order. "It is built like a tank," said Senior Airman Zion Hill, one of the airmen . 20 Pursuit (later, 20 Fighter) Group, 1 Apr 1933-18 Oct 1945. Also, in 1999, the squadron was honored with the Air Combat Command's Maintenance Effectiveness Award. From Sept. 1994 through Jan. 1995, and again in 1996, the squadron deployed to Southwest Asia (SWA) for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW). 20 Fighter (later, 20 Fighter-Bomber) Group, 29 Jul 1946 (attached to 20 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 15 Nov 1952-7 Feb 1955); 20 Fighter-Bomber (later, 20 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 8 Feb 1955 (attached to 39 Tactical Group, 23 Oct 1990-28 Feb 1991); 20 Operations Group, 31 Mar 1992-30 Jun 1993. Insignia ot the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Sign up now to receive news and communications from American Air Museum in Britain charity. It operates the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting air superiority missions. The 79th received the Commander in Chief's Trophy in 1981, as the best tactical fighter squadron in U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Organized as 79 Aero Squadron on 22 Feb 1918. In keeping pace with the restructuring, the squadron reorganized and incorporated maintainers from its aircraft generation, equipment maintenance and supply squadrons on Feb. 1, 1992. The squadron moved to Langley Air Force Base, Va., in November 1951, and in June 1952, trained to support North American Treaty Organization ground forces in conventional and nuclear roles. Pride. Jacob Impellizzeri, 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 8, the team's Advance Pilot and Narrator. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez), A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, sits parked on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021. Air Force kicks off Red Flag 16-3 It operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting air superiority missions. Also in 1999, the squadron was honored with Air Combat Command's Maintenance Effectiveness Award. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 79th began patrolling San Francisco Bay and the vicinity for detection of hostile aircraft or ships. Although they were not activated, they were organized with reserve personnel during the 1920s and early 1930s. It maintains jet engines; accessory; and avionics components and systems; and a test, measurement and diagnostic equipment laboratory in, The 20th Medical Group provides ambulatory medical and dental services to the 20th Fighter Wing, Headquarters 9th Air Force (U.S. Air Force Central) and associate units. In January 1943, the squadron moved to March Field, Calif., and completed intensive training in the P-39 aircraft. Shaw is a key contributor to every single thing ACC does, said Kelly. MOS 79R Recruiter. Crew chiefs are responsible for a variety of tasks, essential to mission readiness. U.S. Air Force Airman Rulby De La Cruz, 79th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks and communicates with the pilot of his aircraft prior to takeoff at Shaw Air Force . David Wade, command chief of Air Combat Command, fist bumps 79th Fighter Squadron and 79th Fighter Generation Squadron leadership at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. CMF 79 Recruiter, Counselor Duty Descriptions. David Wade, command chief of ACC, visited Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 4-5, 2020. 79th Fighter Squadron > Shaw Air Force Base > Display A terrorist attack was plotted and carried out against US forces stationed at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on June 25th, 1996. Take pride in the fact that we safeguard the freedom, security, and prosperity of our Nation. The F-16 is a single-engine, compact, multi-role fighter and is the worlds most prolific fighter, with the U.S. Air Force having over 2,000 in service. The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. [4], In 1943, the 79th converted to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, flying out of Northamptonshire, England, performing duties as bomber escorts and conducting fighter sweeps over Germany. Plan. Marie Carillo, the 79th Fighter Squadrons deputy director of operations, Executing tactically in the fog and friction of off-station operations helps prepare us for whenever and wherever we are called to serve next., https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/, https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/f16featurepage, An official website of the United States government, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. David Wade, ACC command chief, elbow-bump Airmen at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 5, 2020. None. The 79th FS traveled to MacDill from Shaw to conduct agile combat employment training. After coining them, he gave words of advice, encouragement and praise for the Airmen and their leadership. Evidently included JN-4, JN-6, and perhaps S-4 during 1918. Antisubmarine patrols, c. 8 Dec 1941-c. 8 Feb 1942. Getting to come down and work on a range where we can drop munitions and work with actual JTACs, this is the closest thing were going to get to a deployed location before we actually deploy, said Brady. Lt Col Thomas A. Gilkey III, 1 Jan 1994; Lt Col Jeffrey W. Eberhart, 8 Jul 1994; Lt Col Timothy J. Collins, 1 Apr 1996; Lt Col James W. Hyatt, 16 May 1997; Lt Col James Dodson, 14 Jun 1999-. The squadron returned to the states and was inactivated Oct. 19, 1945. CMF 79 Recruiter and Career Counselor Duty Descriptions - ArmyWriter.com The 49th Operations Support Squadron is made up of seven flights including Weather, Aircrew Flight Equipment, Airfield Operations, White Sands Radar, Intelligence, Current Operations and Weapons and Tactics. This was an incredibly difficult choice, but I'm confident we chose the right team to carry on the Thunderbird mission and showcase America's Air Force." Col. John Caldwell . 20th AF Mission Statement: Employ the world's finest nuclear deterrent force in the defense of U. S. interests and when directed, eliminate aggressors through decisive strike. The unit moved to Shaw Field, S.C., in October 1946. It conducts helicopter air refueling, airdrop and airland of pararescue personnel and/or equipment in support of combat personnel recovery. 79 Fighter Squadron (ACC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency Inspiring the force: New 20th AF vision and mission statements Aircraft is General Dynamics F-16C Block 50P serial 92-3923, taken on 11 August 2001. Since that time, the "Tigers" continuously supported Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia. F-16.net - The ultimate F-16, F-22, F-35 reference I got to talk with a lot of those Airmen, said Kelly. The 79th FS "Tigers" often show squadron pride prior to takeoff; this culture builds camaraderie between crew chiefs and pilots that both improves morale and ensures good work ethic, leading to. Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / Units in the UK from ETOUSA Station List, as transcribed by Lt. Col. Philip Grinton (US Army, Retired) and extracted by IWM; air division data from L.D. We had a bunch of JTACs out on the range and we came out here so we could practice dropping inert munitions while they practiced their tactics, said Maj. David Brady, 79th FS flight commander. The P-40 was the third most produced American fighter, with 13,738 being built, and was used by most Allied nations and remained in front-line service until the end of the war. In 1938, the squadron moved to Hamilton Field, Calif., after several stops in North Carolina, Florida and Washington, and was later re-designated the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron. The unit inactivated from November 1918 until April 1933, when it became the 79th Pursuit Squadron, flying the Boeing P-12 at Barksdale Field, La. Upon their arrival, the 79th joined the United States Air Forces in Europe, becoming an integral part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's air arm as one of its Tiger organizations. Shaw is a hub of strategic military power and our Airmen are the key to success.. We are the most flexible platform in the Air Wing and have the most diverse set of missions. In response to COVID-19, the 20th MDG has been selected to be part of Project Brown Herrin, an electronic surveillance program that is sent out to 400 members every two weeks. The Tigers brought four F-16 aircraft, seven pilots and maintenance support Airmen to conduct the vital joint training in ways that are impossible to accomplish at Shaw AFB. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1956-30 Sep 1957; 1 May 1963-31 Dec 1964; 1 Jan 1965-31 Mar 1966; 1 Jul 1968-31 Mar 1970; 1 Sep 1970-30 Jun 1972; 31 Mar 1973-30 Jun 1974; 1 Jul 1977-30 Jun 1979; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jul 1987-30 Jun 1989; 1 Jul 1990-30 Jun 1992; 1 Oct 1992-23 Apr 1993; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1994; 24 Mar-10 Jun 1999; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jun 1999-31 May 2001. The Gallant Unit Citation is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in . Afterward, they headed to the 25th Attack Groups remotely piloted aircraft operations site, the 20th Medical Groups COVID-19 response cell, as well as the 79th Fighter Squadron and partnered 79th Fighter Generation Squadron. Because they had no regular personnel they were still considered inactive in the regular army. Biggs Field, TX, 29 Jul 1946; Shaw Field, SC, c. 25 Oct 1946; Langley AFB, VA, 19 Nov 1951-22 May 1952; Woodbridge RAF, England, 1 Jun 1952; RAF Upper Heyford, England, c. 15 Jan 1970-30 Jun 1993 (deployed at Incirlik AB, Turkey, 23 Oct 1990-28 Feb 1991). The unit inactivated from November 1918 until April 1933, when it became the 79th Pursuit Squadron, flying the Boeing P-12 at Barksdale Field, La. The squadron returned to the states and was inactivated Oct. 19, 1945. The squadron flew more than 1,000 successful combat sorties with these dual operational requirements. Members of the 79th Fighter Squadron and 79th Fighter Generation Squadron under the 405th Expeditionary Group responded with an aggressive assault, providing superior airpower to defend American lives. In August 1943, the 20th Fighter Group arrived in Clyde, Scotland, before travelling to Kings Cliffe, Northamptonshire, which was to be their base for the rest of the war. The unit moved to Shaw Field, South Carolina, in October 1946. Sgt. Reconstituted, and consolidated (25 May 1933) with 79 Observation Squadron, which was constituted on 18 Oct 1927. Lineage. Southwest Asia:Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait; Southwest Asia Ceasefire. On 30 June 1993 the squadron was yet again inactivated. Service Streamers. Redesignated 79 Pursuit Squadron on 8 May 1929. The 99th Flying Training Squadron (99 FTS) is part of the 12th Flying Training Wing based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The 79th was again brought to active service on July 29, 1946, at Biggs Field, Texas. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. In July 1944, the squadron was flying the much faster P-51 Mustang while furnishing air support for the 3rd Army in the Battle of the Bulge and other strategic areas. Between 1946 and 1952, the squadron's history is filled with several moves and aircraft changes before the 79th moved to Shaw Field, S.C. Jan. 1, 1994, it was reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., transitioning to the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon and assuming the mission of suppression of enemy air defenses. In 1948, the 79th transitioned to the F-84 Thunderstreak. Shaw Air Force Base is a self-contained town, administered and maintained by the 20th Fighter Wing through the Mission Support Group. Combat in Southwest Asia, Jan-Feb 1991. Redesignated as the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the unit transitioned onto the North American F-100 Super Sabre in 1957 and shared RAF Woodbridge with the 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing and operated locally under the command of the 81st Wing which was based at nearby RAF Bentwaters. Category:79th Fighter Squadron (United States Air Force) Tasked with mission of suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses; rotated aircraft and personnel in support of operations in Southwest Asia, 1994-. The squadron was reactivated in November, The squadron was organized Feb. 20 1918, as the 77th Aero Squadron at Waco Field, Texas. Redesignated 79 Pursuit Squadron on 8 May 1929. 79th Fighter Generation Squadron maintains mission readiness Capt Roy W. Camblin, c. 1 Apr 1933; Capt Charles G. Pearcy, 15 Mar 1936; Maj Frank O'D Hunter, 17 Nov 1936; Maj Armin F. Herold, Sep 1937; Maj Thayer S. Olds, Jul 1938; Capt Jesse Auton, Feb 1941; 1 Lt James Ferguson, May 1941-unkn; Maj Nathaniel H. Blanton, by Aug 1943; Maj Richard L. Ott, 14 Nov 1943; Capt Jesse O. Yaryan, 30 Jan 1944; Capt Carl E. Jackson, 31 Jan 1944; Capt Robert J. Meyer, 20 Feb 1944; Maj R. C. Franklin Jr., 22 Feb 1944; Maj Delynn E. Anderson, 10 May 1944; Capt Jack M. Ilfrey, 27 Sep 1944; Maj Robert J. Meyer, 9 Dec 1944; Maj Walter R. Yarbrough, 4 Apr 1945-unkn. Redesignated: 79 Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) on 6 Dec 1939; 79 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 12 Mar 1941; 79 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942; 79 Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) on 30 Dec 1942; 79 Fighter Squadron, Twin Engine, on 20 Aug 1943; 79 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 5 Sep 1944. The 79th FS received the 3,500th F-16 Fighting Falcon produced by Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems on April 27, 1995. Combat in European Theater of Operations (ETO), 28 Dec 1943-25 Apr 1945. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. The vision of the group is to be the Department of Defense's premier and proactive Information Technology organization. From 1990 to 1991, the 79th deployed to Southwest Asia to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Stations. In addition to supporting more than 5,400 military and civilian employees and 11,000 family members, the 20th MSG is also responsible for thousands of acres of land, The 20th Operations Group employs approximately79 F-16C fighter aircraft in conventional and anti-radiation suppression of enemy air defenses, strategic attack, counter air, air interdiction, joint maritime operations and combat search-and-rescue missions. The 79th remained at English bases throughout the war, supporting both the Normandy invasion and the allied drive into Germany.