The 79th Fighter Squadron Took Home the Raytheon Trophy for 2020.
On 28 August 2021, the US Air Force’s 79th Fighter Squadron Tigers took home the 2020 Raytheon Trophy after they demonstrated air dominance during five combat operations and two exercises during fiscal year 2020. The Tigers are the first active duty F-16 Viper squadron to win the Raytheon Trophy, and one of only three F-16 squadrons to take the trophy home since its inception in 1953. Enjoy this video of the Tigers in action uploaded to YouTube by MPC Productions.
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From the Top Tiger
“Our squadron was tasked with some pretty extraordinary things in 2020 and our Tigers stepped up to the challenge and proved they can answer the call,” said Lt. Col. Adam Thornton, then 79th FS commander. “We took pride in integrating with our coalition and regional partners to enhance regional stability while never losing a line of combat air power.”
More Praise From the CO
“This is a Wing win; we could not have accomplished this on our own,” said Thornton. “I am thankful to the fantastic fighter generation squadron next door, along with logistics, medical, and the rest of Team Shaw Airmen who exemplify how a multi-role fighter platform brings the fight to America’s enemies in the truest sense of the Tigers’ battle cry: ‘All for Freedom!’”
According to the Man, Commander of the F-16 Tigers
“Our steadfast commitment to the defense of the United States, our partners and allies during unprecedented times showed how truly important our focus on innovation, training and support systems are to mission success.” said Lt. Col. Lawson Cass, current 79th FS commander.
“We are stronger, healthier and more capable because we work together to maximize our abilities for the betterment of the team, our families and the community we serve.”
Only the Best Take Home the Trophy
Originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, the Raytheon Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding air superiority squadron based on operational mission performance, exercise participation and inspection results, as well as unit and individual achievements.
Rich History of the Tigers
The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing based at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) in South Carolina. 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 later became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the Cold War.
What Haven’t They Flown? Not Much!
As you might expect the 79th has flown a plethora of aircraft, including Curtiss JN-4 and JN-6 Jennies, Boeing P-12 Peashooters, Curtiss P-36 Hawks, Curtiss P-40 Warhawks, Bell P-39 Airacobras, Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, North American P-51 Mustangs, Republic F-84 Thunderjets, North American F-100 Super Sabres, General Dynamics F-111 Aardvarks, and currently General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons.
