Designation: 494th Fighter Squadron
Tailcode: LN (with red stripe)
Mission: Operational Squadron
Homebase: RAF Lakenheath, UK

The 494th Fighter Squadron "Panthers" is based at RAF Lakenheath, UK, located between Cambridge and Norwich in South-Eastern Britain. Today's 494th Fighter Squadron is assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing "Liberty", which is part of USAFE's 3rd Air Force.

Commanded by Lt.Col John "Bugs" Bunnell, the 494th Fighter Squadron permanently trains for its mission as a combat-ready fighter squadron capable of executing strategic attack, interdiction, and counter air missions in support of USAFE, USEC and NATO operations. It employs the full array of air superiority and surface attack munitions to include the most advanced precision-guided weapons in the USAF inventory. The squadron is capable of deploying to any theater of operations in the world. Panthers consider themselves the "Finest, Baddest and Meanest" fighter squadron in the Air Force, with the motto of "Making Our Enemies Bleed Red".

The 494th Fighter Squadron was born during the darkest days of World War II. Constituted on 20 November 1940 and activated on 15 January 1941, the unit flew a variety of aircraft in preparation for combat operations. These aircraft included the A-20 Havoc, the A-35 Vengeance, the P-40 Warhawk and the P-39 Airacobra. During and after WW2 the squadron flew the P-47 Thunderbolt, the F-86 Sabre, the F-88 Thunderstreak, the F-100 Super Sabre, the F-4 Phantom, the F-111 Aardvark and currently the F-15E Strike Eagle.

Note: All aircraft currently assigned to the 494th FS are equipped with F100-PW-229 engines.

World War II

Entering the War

During the early period of the war the 494th received its first campaign streamer.  While serving as a training and operational unit in the United States, the 494th patrolled the American east and west coasts for enemy submarine activity.  For this action the squadron received the "Antisubmarine, American Theater" streamer.

In April 1944, the 494th deployed to Europe where nine battle honors were ultimately awarded to the squadron in recognition of combat service and sacrifice during World War II. The squadron arrived at RAF Ibsley in April 1944 and flew escort, dive-bombing, and fighter sweep combat missions to continental Europe, preparing the beaches and littoral regions for the approaching ground assault. In recognition for combat action against Germany prior to the Normandy Invasion, the 494th Fighter Squadron was awarded the "Air Offensive, Europe" campaign streamer.

Over the weeks after the Normandy invasion the Panthers continued to provide heavy support to Allied forces engaged in direct combat against the experienced German army. During one mission Capt Mozart Kaufman employed a creative bombing technique. He saw a truck of German soldiers but wanted to save his 500-pound bombs for his primary assigned target. According to Capt Kaufman

"I made a deck level pass, skip-bombed my auxiliary tank. When the tank hit the truck and burst, spreading gasoline over it, I fired my guns.  It was burning nicely when I flew away."

In recognition for heroic combat action against Germany forces during the invasion, the "Normandy" campaign streamer was awarded to the 494th Fighter Squadron.

After D-Day

During the month following D-Day the American Army bogged down in close fighting against the Germans in the hedgerows of Normandy. Concern grew among many leaders that the trench style of warfare, such as was seen during World War I, would return to Europe. Consequently, the Panthers, and other American squadrons, were called upon to break the stalemate. Here is an official account of Operation Cobra, the decisive battle for St. Lo during the attempt to break out of Normandy:

"On the morning of July 25th waves of American Thunderbolt fighter-bombers swept over the Panzer Lehr division, every two minutes, fifty at a time. They dropped high explosive bombs and napalm incendiaries. They were followed by four hundred medium-bombers carrying 500-pound bombs. Then from the north came the sound every German soldier dreaded, the heavy drone of the big bombers – 1,500 Flying Fortresses and Liberators. From their swollen bomb-bays 3,300 tons of bombs obliterated almost everything on the ground. Finally the German line, or what was left of it, was pounded by another three hundred Thunderbolts carrying fragmentation bombs and more of the new incendiaries. A German officer remembered that everything shook so much it was like being at sea in a force-10 gale."

In recognition for combat operations during the weeks after D-Day, the "Northern France" campaign streamer was conferred upon the 494th Fighter Squadron.

Towards the Heart of Germany

Although the 494th gained a very good reputation for effective close air support operations with their P-47s, they also conducted air interdiction missions against factories, bridges, and marshalling yards inside Germany, contributing to the attrition of the German war machine. In recognition for combat operations that helped destroy enemy forces and infrastructure in Germany, the "Rhineland" campaign streamer was conferred upon the 494th Fighter Squadron.

The 494th Fighter Squadron led the way in the relentless drive towards the heart of Germany during the winter of 1944. In recognition for combat operations on 6 December 1944, characterized by extraordinary heroism, the "Distinguished Unit Citation" (now called the Presidential Unit Citation) streamer was awarded to the 494th Fighter Squadron.

During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 the 494th participated in its heaviest and most important combat of the war. The campaign lasted six-weeks. Providing close air support, the 494th flew at treetop level to destroy enemy vehicles, trenches, buildings and roads. In total the 48th Fighter Group flew 1,429 sorties. What makes that number so impressive is that it was accomplished during awful winter weather conditions, and it was very common to see P-47s returning to base riddled with holes... if they returning at all. Of note, the Panthers achieved all eight of their air-to-air kills during the campaign. In recognition for combat operations during the Battle of the Bulge, the "Ardennes-Alsace" streamer was conferred upon the 494th Fighter Squadron.

As the Allied forces moved across Europe, liberating millions of people oppressed by the Nazis, the governments of several nations recognized certain advancing units with special awards. An example was Belgium, who officially commended units that had been "cited" at least twice in the Belgian Army Order of the Day. The 494 Fighter Squadron was cited on three occasions in the Order of the Day, for the periods 6 June to 30 September 1944, 1 October to 17 December 1944, and 18 December 1944 to 15 January 1945. Consequently, Belgium honored the 494th Fighter Squadron with a special award known as the Belgian Fourregere. This honor, originally created by Napoleon himself, recognizes highest valor in battle.

The Final of the War

German resources were exhausted following the Battle of the Bulge and by the spring of 1945 the war's outcome seemed inevitable. Nevertheless, German resistance remained strong as allied forces advanced through western Germany. In March the 494th Fighter Squadron played a key role in Operation Plunder Varsity, the combined land and airborne assault across the Rhine River. Flying from an occupied airfield at Kelz, Germany, pilots of the 48th Fighter Group launched 189 sorties, fired over 69,000 rounds of munitions and dropped more than 500 bombs. In recognition for combat operations supporting the advancing US Army across the heart of the continent, the "Central Europe" streamer was awarded to the 494th.

Air power served such a vital role in World War II that a special streamer, called the Air Combat Theater Campaign Streamer, was authorized to recognize its contributions. During the War, the 48th Fighter Group flew over 16,000 sorties, fired over three million rounds of ammunition, and dropped more than 5,000 tons of bombs. From the invasion of Normandy to the occupation of Germany, the 494th Fighter Squadron led the way in every major battle in Western Europe. Therefore, to recognize the heroic combat service in Europe during World War II, the "Air Combat, Europe Africa Mediterranean Theater" campaign streamer was awarded to the 494th Fighter Squadron.

Cold War and the Libya Raid

Finding Home in the UK

After achieving victory in Europe in 1945, the 494th returned to Seymour-Johnson Field, North Carolina. However, as tensions with the Soviet Union increased during the early 1950's, the Panthers received order to redeploy to Europe. On 25 June 1952 the squadron was assigned to Chaumont Air Base, France, flying the F-84 Thunderstreak, the F-86 Sabre and the F-100 Super Sabre.

On 1 January 1960, they made another move, this time to RAF Lakenheath, England. To this day, RAF Lakenheath serves as the home airbase for the Mighty Black Panthers.

Although active, from 1972 though 1974, the 494th was not operational and had no personnel, aircraft, or equipment assigned.  It returned to operational status when it began flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in 1974.  The F-4’s lasted until the wing transitioned to the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark in 1977.

Operation Eldorado Canyon

When the call again came to defeat a foreign threat, the Panthers were ready. During Operation Eldorado Canyon in April, 1986, 48th Fighter Wing F-111s attacked targets in Tripoli, Libya to eliminate that country's support and training of international terrorists. Colonel Michael Hoyes, who participated in the mission, recalled:

"A couple of years prior to Eldorado Canyon, while I was attending TLP, an old German Luftwaffe pilot came up to me and said, in reference to World War 2, 'We like it better now because we lost.' This comment will always remain with me.  Imagine years after a conflict being happier about losing rather than winning a war! This was not the sentiment going through our minds as we were briefed by General Gabriel, CSAF, and sent on our way. We knew we were doing the right thing. Nevertheless, my crewmate wondered throughout most of the mission when we would be recalled. He didn't think that we had "the nerve" as a nation to really say "No" to terrorism. Then we began our TFR [terrain following radar] descent over the Mediterranean. I know that this is hard for Strike Eagle crews to imagine, with the advantage of a FLIR enhanced HUD or NVGs, but think about descending to low level when you CANNOT "see" outside.  It was pitch black at low level over the water during our approach to Libya."

"Our mission became much more challenging when we lost our TFR and both radar altimeters. As we progressed over the Med, I "instructed" my crewmate on how to "hand-fly" the jet using the e-scope. To this day we each give credit to the other for staying alive. The missiles and AAA began their beautiful but deadly glow immediately after Lead's bombs struck. We were number 3, 60 seconds behind. Without an air-to-air radar, we accomplished spacing purely by timing. Once I had to remind my crewmate not to "tap burner", fearing that we would be helping the enemy guide their weapons towards us. Post-flight video review showed a missile "coming up" the Pave Tack line of sight during our target attack."

"It was eerie waiting to hear Nando's [Fernando Ribas-Dominicci] voice, and not hearing it. And we waited for quite some time. Later, we tuned the HF to the Armed Forces Network and heard President Reagan's announcement of our attack even though we were many hours away from England. We didn't know how we would be received. It seemed that, with the exception of Britain, world opinion was against the attack. After a while, prior to the Straits of Gibraltar, over the HF we heard the Navy and Marine Anthems then our USAF song... and we sang along with tears of pride. When we landed, the crew chiefs at our shelter were cheering, and we actually felt as if we had done something special. For a moment it felt like we were in a movie, where the warriors return as heroes."

"Then the news reports hit, questioning America's actions with concerns about reprisal. Suddenly we did not feel as if what we had done was appreciated, though in our hearts, we knew it was right. I lost two friends that night, Nando and Paul Lorrence, but the world gained peace from that particular breed of terrorist... and he has remained 'silent' to this day."

In recognition for combat in Operation Eldorado Canyon, the "Navy Meritorious Unit Citation" combat decoration was awarded to the 494th Fighter Squadron.

Gulf War and Afterwards

From Defense of Saudi Arabia to the Liberation of Kuwait

Iraq invaded Kuwait on 2 Aug 1990. What to many seemed to be just another localized squabble evolved into one of the United States' largest mobilizations since World War II. The United States, the United Kingdom, and a large coalition of other nations demanded the total withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwaiti territory. On 25 August 1990 the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed to Taif, Saudi Arabia. The initial purpose of this deployment was to serve as a defensive force for Saudi Arabia. In recognition for containing Iraqi aggression, the "Defense of Saudi Arabia" campaign streamer was awarded to the 494th Fighter Squadron.

After Iraq failed to comply with a United Nations demand to leave Kuwait, Iraq felt the brunt of a coalition military offensive. The purpose of this offensive, known as Operation Desert Storm, was to forcibly eject Iraq from Kuwait. Major Troy Stone (then 1Lt Stone) recalled:

"We were the first wave on the first night. As we 'fenced-out' crossing from Iraq into Saudi Arabia, I realized the success of my first mission in wartime had been the direct result of every debriefing admonishment, every check-ride critique, and every instructor rebuke I had ever hatefully endured in peacetime. Even though my mind had raced with concern, I had double-checked my target coordinates because I'd been admonished for not double-checking my target coordinated in peacetime. Even though my hands had shook with adrenaline, I had fine-tuned my pod because I'd been critiqued for not fine-tuning my pod in peacetime. And finally, even though my heart had pounded with fear I had updated my INS because I'd been rebuked for not updating my INS in peacetime. As we passed the Saudi-Iraqi border southbound, I realized peacetime lessons learned are truly the foundation of wartime successes."

Liberty Wing F-111s unleashed their lethality using precision-guided and optically guided munitions. Throughout the offensive, wing aircrews participated in a number of operations including bridge busting, airfield destruction, and tank killing. Liberty Wing crews also participated in a number of unique missions. In mid-January the Iraqis damaged an oil pumping station in Kuwait, resulting in thousand of barrels of oil being dumped into the Persian Gulf. This event was considered one of the worst ecological disasters on record. Using GBU-15 television guided munitions, Liberty Wing aircrews stopped the flow of oil by destroying the station's delivery mechanism.

On day 27 of the war the wing flew its only daytime mission. Five F-111Fs, employing GBU-24 bombs, struck five buildings in Kuwait City housing the Iraqi high command. This action severely disrupted Iraq's command and control over its military forces within Kuwait. Another unique mission occurred on 26 February when two F-111Fs dropped the newly developed GBU-28 4,500-pound bombs on the Taji command and control bunker outside of Baghdad. These laser guided weapons, literally made from the barrels of a 14-inch battleship gun and filled with over a ton of high explosive, severely damaged the Taji bunker and damaged Iraq's military machine.

In total, the Liberty Wing flew 1,919 combat sorties during Desert Storm, destroying 2,203 targets. In recognition for their contribution toward victory over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, "Liberation and Defense of Kuwait" streamer was awarded to the 494th Fighter Squadron.

The Panthers Receive the Strike Eagle

The unit received its current designation of 494th Fighter Squadron on 30 Nov 1991. It then transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle in 1992 during the midst of the objective wing restructure that reassigned the 494th from the wing to the 48th Operations Group on 31 Mar 1992, where it remains today.

On 3 Nov 1993, the 494th Fighter Squadron deployed back to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The mission of the 494th in Operation Provide Comfort expanded from its previous ground attack role to include defensive counter air and reconnaissance missions. The 494th Fighter Squadron employed their air-to-air capability of the Strike Eagle to enforce the “No-Fly” zone and protect high value assets by established air combat patrols in Northern Iraq. The 494th mission also included the protection of the mission coordination center in the town of Zahku in northwestern Iraq. The Strike Eagles were tasked to provide air power in the event of a limited ground threat. In the reconnaissance role, the 494th provided targeting pod video of target sites within the area of responsibility.

The Balkans

A Legacy of Outstanding Performance

The 494th deployed again to Operation Deny Flight in Jun 1995. On the night of 29 Aug, the 494th led NATO’s first and largest airstrike against Bosnian Serb Command and Control facilities. The next four weeks would include interdiction strikes against Bosnian Serb integrated air defenses, C3 facilities, ammunition storage sites and bridges. The 494th also were called upon to employ the GBU-15, the first time this weapon was employed in combat by the F-15E. By the end, the 494th achieved the highest success rate of any NATO unit.

In March, 1999, the Panthers deployed to Aviano AB, Italy, to participate in Operation Allied Force. The primary purpose for Operation ALLIED FORCE was to stop the Serbian military repression of Kosovo. During the conflict the 494th Fighter Squadron led 46 percent of all NATO strike missions. Moreover, the Panthers delivered 3.1 million pounds of munitions, and accounted for 38 percent of all NATO precision weapons expended. The 494th also led the way with the first combat use of the Rapid Targeting System, and the first F-15E employment of the GBU-28.

In recognition of service during the Noble Anvil campaign, the "Air Force Outstanding Unit Award" streamer was conferred upon the 494th Fighter Squadron.

Iraqi Freedom

New Weapons and the "Dirty Deid"

In sep 2006, the Panthers departed REF Lakenheath for the middle east in support of both OIF and OEF. However, this time the Panthers rode into war aboard a mighty warhorse on steroids, the upgraded F-15E Strike Eagle. Suite 5 and the GBU-39 small diameter bomb (SDB) were tactical capabilities brand new to the combat air forces of the world. For 4 months the Panthers flew out of Al Udeid (nicknamed by aircrew as the "Dirty Deid") providing continuous overwatch of coalition ground forces and the Iraqi government, as well as providing non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The enemy did not wait long to challenge the Panther prowess; and, true to the Panther tradition, the enemy did not live long either.

Continued action brought on the first combat drop of the GBU-39 SDB. On 11 nov 2006, veterans day, the Panthers released two GBU-39s on mortar positions. Although not their style of weapon since Panthers prefer lots of fire and flying hot steel, that precise, little bomb did just fine.

In addition to combat missions the Panthers were called upon to provide defensive counter air alert for the Doha Asian Games and to open F-15E ops in Afghanistan. With the completion of the Middle East’s largest games, the Panthers loaded a small contingent of aircrew, support personnel, and equipment onto C-17s and headed for the mountains of Afghanistan. The “Bagram Eagles”  validated Strike Eagle ops out of the Afghan air base. In Iraq, however, the work was far from over. Throughout the rest of the deployment, the Panthers vigilantly watched the skies over Baghdad. At the end of jan 2007, the Panthers waved goodbye to Al Udeid and returned to RAF Lakenheath having expended 19 GBU-12's, 6 GBU-38's, 3 GBU-39's and 2769 rounds of 20 mm ammo... making their enemies bleed red!

Afghanistan

Panthers Use Their Fangs Again

The demand for the Strike Eagle’s presence in Afghanistan continued to grow in 2008. For AEF 3/4, from May through Sep 2008, the Panthers deployed to Bagram AB, Afghanistan. With eighteen aircraft and well prepared meat-eating black Panthers it didn’t take long to draw enemy blood. The Panthers delivered over 540 weapons with an incredible 98.6 % overall hit rate. The Panthers set new AEF standards: flying 30% more sorties and hours, filling 30% more JSTARS, and supporting 30% more TIC's than any squadron previously or since.

On Christmas Eve 2009, the 494th EFS began their deployment again to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Equipped with 18 F-15E Strike Eagles otherwise known as the “Thunder” by the Taliban, the 494th deployed as part of AEF 03/04, covering 24 December 2009 to 6 May 2010. During this deployment the Panthers flew 1,980 combat sorties and 7,560 combat hours and expended 39 GBU-12's, 56 GBU-31's, 121 GBU-38's and 5,850 rounds of 20 mm ammo. The deployment was a great success and proved why the 494th will always be known as the Finest, Baddest, and Meanest.

Panther Lineage

Here is a short overview of the Panthers lineage with exact dates and proper names:

Sources

• 494th FS
• Global Security.org
• Special thanks to "Spread"

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