13th Fighter Squadron
SquadronF-16 Fighting Falcon departs for the Fort Irwin ranges[a]
Active	1942–1943; 1966–1975; 1976–1982; 1985–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter
Part of	Pacific Air Forces
Garrison/HQ	Misawa Air Base, Japan
Nickname	Panther Pack[1]
Motto	Cave Putorium (Latin for 'Beware the Weasel [sic]')[b].[2]
Mascot	Eldridge (1971-1973)[3]
Engagements	Antisubmarine campaign Vietnam War Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Inherent Resolve
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award withCombat "V" Device Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Insignia
13th Fighter Squadron emblem[c][4]
13th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem[d][5]
313th Bombardment Squadron emblem
WW(1996-present)[e][6] MJ (1985-1996)[f][6] MC (1976-1982)[g][7] OC (1967-1975)[8]	Tail Codes

The13th Fighter Squadron is an activesquadron of theUnited States Air Force. The squadron flies theGeneral Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and is part of the35th Fighter Wing atMisawa Air Base, Japan.

Thesquadron's first predecessor is the313th Bombardment Squadron, which was activated in 1942. The squadron served in the continental United States as a training unit until its 1943 disbanding, also participating inantisubmarine warfare in 1942.

The13th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated in 1966, fighting in theVietnam War. The squadron flewWild Weasel anti-surface-to-air missile missions with theRepublic F-105 Thunderchief andMcDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, operating out ofKorat Royal Thai Air Force Base. It moved toUdorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in October 1967, flying F-4s in combat air patrols against North Vietnamese MiGs and ground strike missions. The squadron was inactivated with the end of the war in 1975. The squadron was reactivated in 1976 as the13th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, a training squadron, atMacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and inactivated again in 1982. The squadron was reactivated as the13th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1985 at Misawa, flying the F-16. Shortly thereafter, it was consolidated with the 313th Squadron. It was redesignated the13th Fighter Squadron in 1991.

The 13th Fighter Squadron, "Panther Pack" operates theGeneral Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon CM/DM Block 50 aircraft conducting air superiority missions. The Panthers provide offensive and defensive counter-air capabilities, and specialize in the role ofSuppression of Enemy Air Defenses.^[6]

Thesquadron's first predecessor was constituted as the313th Bombardment Squadron and activated on 1 February 1942 atBowman Field, Kentucky, one of the original three squadrons of the21st Bombardment Group. It moved a week later toJackson Army Air Base, Mississippi, where it began to organize withNorth American B-25 Mitchells.^[9][10] The squadron moved toColumbia Army Air Base, South Carolina on 24 April. At Columbia, the unit became amedium bomberOperational Training Unit (OTU).^[9] The OTU program involved the use of an oversized parent unit to providecadres to "satellite groups"^[11] The program was patterned after the unit training system of theRoyal Air Force. It assumed responsibility for training the satellite groups and oversaw their expansion with graduates ofArmy Air Forces Training Command schools to become effective combat units.^[12][13] Phase I training concentrated on individual training increwmember specialties. Phase II training emphasized the coordination for the crew to act as a team. The final phase concentrated on operation as a unit.^[14]

On 26 May the 313th Squadron moved toKey Field, Mississippi. The squadron interrupted its training mission on 8 June to fly anantisubmarine warfare mission fromHattiesburg Army Air Field, Mississippi, returning to Key Field a few days later. It moved toMacDill Field, Florida on 26 June 1942. At MacDill, the squadron converted toMartin B-26 Marauders. It again flew antisubmarine missions between 31 July and 8 August 1942. The 313th beganreplacement training operations from May to July 1943, but resumed its OTU mission at MacDill until it was disbanded on 10 October 1943,^[9] as MacDill prepared to transition toBoeing B-17 Flying Fortress training.^[15]

On 2 May 1966, the13th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated atKorat Royal Thai Air Force Base. Although nominally assigned to the18th Tactical Fighter Wing atKadena Air Base, Okinawa, the squadron was operationally controlled by the388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat. The squadron was initially equipped withRepublic F-105 Thunderchiefs modified to theWild Weasel III configuration for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission.^{[citation needed]} On 3 June 1967 Major Ralph L. Kuster, Jr. of the squadron shot down aMiG-17 with his F-105D's 20-millimeter cannon. This was the first aerial victory of the squadron.^[16]

In October 1967, the squadron moved toUdorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, where it become part of the432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing and began flying theMcDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II. The 13th remained at Udorn for the remainder of the war. In 1971, the squadron adopted apanther named "Eldridge" as amascot^[h][3] In 1972, CaptJeffrey Feinstein, a squadronweapon systems officer, flying cannon-armed F-4Es became the last USAF ace of the war, recording five victories over enemyMiG-21 fighters.^[17] The victory that made him an ace came on 13 October 1972 and was the squadron's last aerial victory of the war.^[18] In May 1975, the squadron flew its last combat missions in Southeast Asia during theMayaguez incident.^[19]

During the war, the squadron compiled 21 aerial victories, including 11 MiG kills, and flew more than 30,000 combat sorties. The squadron was inactivated in June 1975 as the United States withdrew its operational forces from Thailand.^[6]

The squadron was activated on 15 January 1976 atMacDill Air Force Base as the13th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron and assigned to the56th Tactical Fighter Wing. The squadron conducted F-4E aircraft pilot and weapon systems officer replacement training at MacDill. The squadron was inactivated on 1 July 1982.^[4]

The squadron was again designated the13th Tactical Fighter Squadron and activated atMisawa Air Base, Japan in June 1985, where it was once more assigned to the 432d Fighter Wing flying theGeneral Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 13th became the first permanent fighter squadron stationed on thehome islands of Japan since 1972. On 19 September, the 313th Bombardment Squadron was consolidated with the squadron. On 31 May 1991, the 13th was redesignated the13th Fighter Squadron and assigned to the432nd Operations Group as part of the Air Force's Objective Wing reorganization. The squadron deployed aircraft and personnel to southwest and central Asia, where the participated in operations over Iraq and Afghanistan.^[4] It was transferred to the35th Operations Group on 1 October 1994, part of an organizational realignment to ensure wings with rich heritages remained active.^[6]

The squadron achieved initial operational capability in F-16CJs in 1996. On 8 July of that year, the squadron became the firstPacific Air Forces F-16 unit to deploy in support ofOperation Southern Watch,^[6] enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq, as a result of a policy change allowing all units the opportunity to deploy.^{[citation needed]} In August 1996, Iraqi forces struck Kurds inIrbil. The United States responded withOperation Desert Strike. Deployed squadron elements destroyed an IraqiSA-8 site andRoland missile system withAGM-88 HARM missiles.^[19] Again, in July 1998, squadron members were protecting coalition aircraft when British pilots operating nearBasra found that Iraqi radar had locked onto them and were preparing to fire. Squadron aircraft launched an AGM-88 at the Iraqi radar, forcing the Iraqi missile battery to turn off its radar.^[16]

From 1996 to 2020, the 13th deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Jordan, including in 2014 to Jordan where the Panthers opened the US air campaign against theIslamic State in what would become known asOperation Inherent Resolve.^{[citation needed]} It has participated in Commando Sling exercises with theRoyal Malaysian Air Force and Commando West exercises with theSingapore Air Force.^[20]

In 2025, the 35th Wing began to retire its F-16s, while the Air Force would begin temporarily deployingLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs to Misawa. Rotations will continue until Misawa upgrades its fighter fleet to the F-35 in 2026.^[21]

313th Bombardment Squadron

• Constituted as the313th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 13 January 1942

Activated on 1 February 1942

Disbanded on 10 October 1943

• Reconstituted and consolidated with the13th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 19 September 1985^[4]

13th Fighter Squadron

• Constituted as the13th Tactical Fighter Squadron and activated on 2 May 1966 (not organized)

Organized on 15 May 1966

Inactivated on 30 June 1975

• Redesignated13th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 18 December 1975

Activated on 15 January 1976

Inactivated on 1 July 1982

• Redesignated13th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 5 June 1984

Activated on 1 June 1985

• Consolidated with the313th Bombardment Squadron on 19 September 1985

Redesignated as13th Fighter Squadron on 31 May 1991^[4]

• 21st Bombardment Group, 1 February 1942 – 10 October 1943
• Pacific Air Forces, 2 May 1966 (not organized)
• 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, 15 May 1966 (attached to 388th Tactical Fighter Wing until 17 October 1967)
• 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (later 432d Tactical Fighter Wing), 15 November 1967 – 30 June 1975
• 56th Tactical Fighter Wing (later 56th Tactical Training Wing), 15 January 1976 – 1 July 1982
• 432d Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 June 1985
• 432d Operations Group, 31 May 1991
• 35th Operations Group, 1 October 1994 – present^[4]

Award streamer	Award	Dates	Notes
	Presidential Unit Citation	10 March 1967–1 May 1967	Southeast Asia 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Presidential Unit Citation	19 September 1967–1 November 1968	Southeast Asia 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Presidential Unit Citation	1 November 1968–31 October 1969	Southeast Asia 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award withCombat "V" Device	29–30 June 1966	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device	1 July 1966–30 June 1967	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device	1 July 1967–30 June 1968	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device	21 November 1969–20 November 1970	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device	21 November 1970–6 April 1971	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device	18 December 1972–27 January 1973	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 January 1977–1 January 1979	13th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 July 1980–30 June 1982	13th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 January 1991-31 December 1991	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron (later 13th Fighter Squadron)[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 October 1992-30 September 1994	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 October 1995-30 September 1996	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 October 1997-30 September 1999	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 October 1999-30 September 2001	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 October 2001-30 September 2003	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 July 2004-31 May 2006	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 October 2008-30 September 2010	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award	1 March 2011-28 February 2013	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm	15 May 1966–28 Jan 1973	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4][i]

Campaign Streamer	Campaign	Dates	Notes
	American Campaign Antisubmarine	1 February 1942–10 October 1943[j]	313th Bombardment Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Air	15 May 1966–28 June 1966	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Air Offensive	29 June 1966–8 March 1967	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II	9 March 1967–31 March 1968	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Air/Ground	22 January 1968–7 July 1968	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III	1 April 1968–31 October 1968	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV	1 November 1968–22 February 1969	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Tet 1969/Counteroffensive	23 February 1969–8 June 1969	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969	9 June 1969–31 October 1969	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970	3 November 1969–30 April 1970	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Sanctuary Counteroffensive	1 May 1970–30 June 1970	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Southwest Monsoon	1 July 1970–30 November 1970	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Commando Hunt V	1 December 1970–14 May 1971	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Commando Hunt VI	15 May 1971–31 July 1971	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Commando Hunt VII	1 November 1971–29 March 1972	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Vietnam Ceasefire Campaign	29 March 1972–28 January 1973	13th Tactical Fighter Squadron[4]
	Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal		13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Liberation of Iraq	19 March 2003–1 May 2003	13th Fighter Squadron[4]
	Iraqi Surge	10 January 2007–31 December 2008	13th Fighter Squadron[4]

• List of United States Air Force fighter squadrons
• List of Douglas A-20 Havoc operators
• List of Martin B-26 Marauder operators
• List of F-105 units of the United States Air Force
• List of F-4 Phantom II operators
• General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon operators

Explanatory notes

Notes

 This article incorporatespublic domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

• Craven, Wesley F.; Cate, James L, eds. (1955).The Army Air Forces in World War II(PDF). Vol. VI, Men & Planes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.LCCN 48003657.OCLC 704158. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 20 December 2016. Retrieved17 December 2016.
  • Goss, William A. (1955). "The Organization and its Responsibilities, Chapter 2 The AAF". In Craven, Wesley F.; Cate, James L. (eds.).The Army Air Forces in World War II(PDF). Vol. VI, Men & Planes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.LCCN 48003657.OCLC 704158. Retrieved17 December 2016.
  • Greer, Thomas H. (1955). "Recruitment and Training, Chapter 18 Combat Crew and Unit Training". In Craven, Wesley F.; Cate, James L. (eds.).The Army Air Forces in World War II(PDF). Vol. VI, Men & Planes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.LCCN 48003657.OCLC 704158. Retrieved17 December 2016.
• Endicott, Judy G. (1998).Active Air Force Wings as of 1 October 1995 and USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995(PDF). Air Force History and Museums Program. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ASIN B000113MB2. Retrieved2 July 2014.
• Hagdedorn, Dan (1995).Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal. Nashville, TN: Turner Publishing.ISBN 1-56311-153-5.
• Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1983) [1961].Air Force Combat Units of World War II(PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN 0-912799-02-1.LCCN 61060979. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 20 December 2016. Retrieved17 December 2016.
• Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969].Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II(PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN 0-405-12194-6.LCCN 70605402.OCLC 72556. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 20 December 2016. Retrieved17 December 2016.
• Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984).Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History.ISBN 0-912799-12-9. Retrieved17 December 2016.

• Jackson, Kenna (26 January 2012)."Wing AMUs keep the Falcon soaring". 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs.Archived from the original on 20 February 2017. Retrieved19 February 2017.
• Norville, John (7 January 2015)."Letters from the War – Thailand 1". An American Family. Archived fromthe original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved28 August 2025.
• No byline."Hall of Valor: Jeffrey S. Feinstein". Military Times. Archived fromthe original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved29 August 2025.
• "Wild Weasel Mission Video". 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved29 August 2025.
• Misawa Air Base Facebook page. Retrieved 29 August 2025

• Fighter squadrons of the United States Air Force
• 1942 establishments in Kentucky

• Source attribution
• Articles with short description
• Short description matches Wikidata
• Use dmy dates from October 2019
• Use American English from November 2020
• All Wikipedia articles written in American English
• Articles containing Latin-language text
• Short description is different from Wikidata
• All articles with unsourced statements
• Articles with unsourced statements from August 2025
• Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
• CS1: long volume value