100 years of the American combat fighter pilot

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael L. Alexander
  • 31st Operations Group chief enlisted manager
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  As Airmen we know, the United Stated Air Force was formally established as a separate military service under the Department of the Air Force, one of three military departments within the Department of Defense, with the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act of 1947. As such, on Sept. 18, 2016, the Air Force celebrated its 69th birthday. But that was not the beginning of our Proud Heritage, nor our Tradition of Honor, nor our Legacy of Valor. That year also marked the centennial anniversary of the establishment and employment of a fighter squadron comprised of American Airmen.

The history of organized airpower goes back to World War I and it was during this conflict the world first realized the impact the American Fighter Pilot could have on global events. As early as 1915, Americans flew combat missions in Europe, for the United Kingdom and France. But it was France who first openly recognized and took the initiative to exploit their impact on combat operations.

The words of an unknown French General eloquently express the impact American fighter pilots had on the war effort, “When men who have no obligation to fight, who could not possibly be criticized if they did not fight --- yet nevertheless decide upon their own individual merit to risk their lives in defense of a cause they hold dear --- then we are in the presence of true heroes”.

To support the contributions made by American volunteer fighter pilots, the French Air Service established the Escadrille Americaine, which was re-named the Lafayette Escadrille, March 21, 1916. This squadron of American Airmen flew French Nieuport 17s and provided invaluable expertise to the U.S. for war planning efforts.

Why is it important to think about the history of the fighter operations? Fighter operations are one of the core components of the Air Force; plus, it is the foundation of air operations. Additionally, through the execution of airpower, the Air Force provides the rapid, global means for the Department of Defense to achieve national objectives; the ability to deter and respond immediately to crises anywhere in the world.

But we did not develop this ability overnight. It took a century of continually building upon lessons learned, and although our fighter pilots, as stated by the 31st Operations Group commander, may not always fly the most technologically advanced aircraft. Our incomparable training programs combined with the invaluable expertise and experiences we have gained over the last one hundred years has allowed the Air Force to remain the most dominant air component in the world. It is this global dominance that is critical to the U.S. being able to achieve its’ national objectives. Finally, land and naval forces will not maneuver without air superiority; without the tactical air support from fighter pilots performing interdiction missions against enemy centers of gravity, defending allied forces against attack from foreign air forces and providing close air support to allied troops in contact.

But why is this important to us? It is necessary to know our role as an air component and be able to articulate and share our Air Force’s heritage to foster pride. This is especially true when you can correlate your job to the execution of Air Force mission sets, either for the benefit of yourself or more importantly as a leader for the benefit of your work center. At Aviano, we are not all fighter pilots, but we all have a critical role in the wing to meet the requirements outlined in the designed operational capability statement.

What is your role and how will you improve your combat skills to enhance the combat capability of the wing?