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m Ktr101 moved page 497th Combat Training Squadron to 497th Combat Training Flight over redirect: Correct name of unit, sources online are rather sketchy
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{{refimprove|date=December 2012}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 497th Combat Training Flight
|unit_name= 497th Combat Training Flight
<center>[[File:Pacific Air Forces.png|60px]] </center>
[[File:Pacific Air Forces.png|60px|center]]
|image=[[File:F-4E 497th TFS over Korea 1986.JPEG|290px]]
| image=F-4E 497th TFS over Korea 1986.JPEG
| image_size = 290
|caption=A 497th TFS [[McDonnell F-4E]] over Korea in 1986
|caption=A 497th [[F-4E Phantom II]] over Korea in 1986
|dates= 1942-1944; 1953-1974; 1978-1988; 1991-present
|dates= 1942–1944; 1953–1974; 1978–1988; 1991–present
|country={{flag|United States|23px}}
|country={{flag|United States|23px}}
|allegiance=
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|type=
|type=
|role=Combat Training
|role=Combat Training
|size=
|size=
|command_structure=[[Pacific Air Forces]]
|command_structure=[[Pacific Air Forces]]
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|garrison=[[Paya Lebar Air Base]], Singapore
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname=
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto=
|motto=
|colors=
|colors=
Line 27: Line 25:
|notable_commanders=
|notable_commanders=
|anniversaries=
|anniversaries=
|decorations=[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] w/[[Combat "V" Device]] [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] [[Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)|Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm]]
|decorations=[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] with [[Combat "V" Device]] Air Force Outstanding Unit Award [[Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)|Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm]]<ref name=497CTSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432275/497-combat-training-flight-pacaf/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 497 Combat Training Flight (PACAF)|date=20 June 2011|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref>
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
<!-- Insignia -->
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:497th Combat Training Squadron.PNG|175px]]
|identification_symbol=[[File:497th Combat Training Squadron.PNG|150px]]
|identification_symbol_label=497th Combat Training Squadron emblem (approved 28 September 1971)<ref name=497CTSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=17523 |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 497 Combat Training Flight (PACAF)|date=2011-06-20|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|deadurl=no |accessdate=March 20, 2014}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_label=497th Combat Training Squadron emblem <small>(approved 28 September 1971)</small><ref name=497CTSfacts/>
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Emblem.jpg|150px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=Patch with 497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron emblem <small>(approved 11 October 1956)</small><ref name=Maurer497FS>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 599–600</ref>
|identification_symbol_2_label=
|identification_symbol_3=[[File:497 Fighter-Bomber Sq emblem.png|150px]]
|identification_symbol_3_label=497th Fighter-Bomber Squadron emblem
|identification_symbol_4=[[File:497th Combat Training Flight.jpg|150px]]
|identification_symbol_4_label=497th Combat Training Flight (Approved 18 February 2021)
}}
}}


The '''497th Combat Training Flight''' is a [[United States Air Force]] unit. Its present assignment is to [[Singapore]]'s [[Paya Lebar Air Base]], where its mission is to provides operational and logistical support to U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft deployed to Singapore for training exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The '''497th Combat Training Flight''' is a [[United States Air Force]] unit. Its present station is [[Singapore]]'s [[Paya Lebar Air Base]], where its mission is to provide operational and logistical support to U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft deployed to Singapore for training exercises with the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]].

==Overview==
⚫
Approximately three deployments of USAF F-15s and F-16s from both Active Duty and National Guard units from around the world are made each year to Singapore under the auspices of EXERCISE COMMANDO SLING. The squadron supports/participates in regional exercise and global contingencies, and provides housing; morale, recreation and welfare facilities and programs: medical services; force protection to resources and personnel; and legal, financial, communications, and contracting support to assigned and deployed personnel.

⚫
The 497th comprises the basic functional elements of a small-scale USAF fighter wing - fighter operations, flightline logistics, community and mission support, and medical services. With a permanently assigned staff of 37 personnel, the 497th CTS represents the entire USAF presence in Singapore. However, six times a year for up to four weeks the squadron "grows" to between 120 and 190 in strength, with the deployment of 6 to 12 F-15 and/or F-16 aircraft and the associated 75 to 150 support personnel. When so configured, the 497th "presence" is transformed into an operational role, to conduct an intense schedule of air-to-air combat training with the RSAF.

⚫
The 497th also supports USAF fighter rotations to Southwest Asia and several other regional exercises such as COPE TAUFAN, COPE TIGER, and COPE WEST. An example of the 497th CTS's "expanding capability" occurred in May 1998 during COMMANDO SLING 98-4 when they also supported the ordered departure of U.S. personnel from Indonesia. Paya Lebar Air Base ramp at that time had 28 USAF F-15s, four USAF C-130s, four USAF KC-135s, one C-141, one C-17, plus all the permanently based RSAF aircraft and aircraft from other nations. All were supported by squadron and RSAF personnel. Additionally, COMMANDO SLING 98-4 was the first time the normally bilateral exercise was expanded to include the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornets.

⚫
The commander is also the Designated Commanding Officer for legal jurisdiction over U.S. military personnel in nine Southeast Asian countries.<ref name="s.usemb.gov">http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html</ref> It is a tenant command under Naval Region Singapore and shares space at the Sembawang Terminal with [[Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific]] and a space a Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) .<ref name="s.usemb.gov" /><ref>http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Singapore/AboutUs/TenantCommands/497thCombatTrainingSquadron/index.htm</ref>


==History==
==History==

===World War II===
===World War II===
Operational training unit, June 1942 – October 1943; replacement training, October 1943 – April 1944.
Operational training unit, June 1942 – October 1943; replacement training, October 1943 – April 1944.


===Cold War===
===Cold War===
⚫
[[File:497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron North American F-86D-40-NA Sabre 52-3698 1955.jpg|thumb|North American F-86D Sabre 52–3698 at Geiger Field in 1955]]
[[File:497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Emblem.jpg|thumb|left|Patch with 497th FIS emblem(approved 11 October 1956)<ref name=Maurer497FS>{{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_sq_of_the_af_wwii.pdf |edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402|pages=599–600}}</ref>]]
⚫
[[File:497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron North American F-86D-40-NA Sabre 52-3698 1955.jpg|thumb|North American F-86D Sabre 52-3698 at Geiger Field in 1955]]
Air defense of West coast, 1953–1955.
Air defense of West coast, 1953–1955.


Air Defense of Southwest Europe, 1958–1964. In the early 1960s Headquarters, [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) implemented Project Clearwater. Clearwater was designed to return overseas [[Convair F-102]] squadrons stationed overseas to the United States to reduce "gold flow" (adverse balance of payments). This resulted in the 497th being reduced to a paper unit and its planes dispersed to [[Air Defense Command]] [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]] squadrons in the US.<ref>McMullen, Richard F. (1964) "The Fighter Interceptor Force 1962-1964" ADC Historical Study No. 27, Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, CO (Confidential, declassified 22 Mar 2000), pp. 59-62</ref> Although had originally intended to inactivate the unit, it was instead transferred to [[Tactical Air Command]] as a paper unit.
Air Defense of Southwest Europe, 1958–1964. In the early 1960s Headquarters, [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) implemented Project Clearwater. Clearwater was designed to return overseas [[Convair F-102 Delta Dagger]] squadrons stationed overseas to the United States to reduce "gold flow" (adverse balance of payments). This resulted in the 497th being reduced to a paper unit and its planes dispersed to [[Air Defense Command]] [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]] squadrons in the US.<ref>McMullen, pp. 59–62</ref> Although it had originally been intended to inactivate the unit, it was instead transferred to [[Tactical Air Command]] as a paper unit.


===Vietnam War===
===Vietnam War===
[[File:497th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4C Phantom II.jpg|thumb|497 TFS McDonnell F-4C Phantom II 63-7589 rolls out for takeoffat Ubon RTAFB<ref>The plane is configured for the "MiGCAP" escort role with Sparrow air-to-air missiles under the fuselage, and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and extra fuel tanks under the wings</ref>]]
[[File:497th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4C Phantom II.jpg|thumb|497 TFS McDonnell F-4C Phantom II 63-7589 rolls out for takeoffat Ubon RTAFB<ref group=note>The plane is configured for the [[MIGCAP]] escort role with [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] [[air-to-air missile]]s under the fuselage, and [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] air-to-air missiles and extra fuel tanks under the wings.</ref>]]
Combat in Southeast Asia, 1965–1974; Defense of South Korea, 1974–1988.<ref name=497CTSfacts/>
Combat in Southeast Asia, 1965–1974; Defense of South Korea, 1974–1988.<ref name=497CTSfacts/>


===Current mission===
===Current mission===
Combat training in Southeast Asia, 1991–present<ref name=497CTSfacts/>
Combat training in Southeast Asia, 1991–present<ref name=497CTSfacts/>
⚫
Approximately three deployments of USAF [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle]]s and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]]s from both active duty and [[Air National Guard]] units from around the world are made each year to Singapore under the auspices of Exercise Commando Sling. The squadron supports/participates in regional exercise and global contingencies, and provides housing; morale, recreation and welfare facilities and programs: medical services; force protection to resources and personnel; and legal, financial, communications, and contracting support to assigned and deployed personnel.

⚫
The 497th comprises the basic functional elements of a small-scale USAF fighter wing – fighter operations, flightline logistics, community and mission support, and medical services. With a permanently assigned staff of 37 personnel, the 497th represents the entire USAF presence in Singapore. However, six times a year for up to four weeks the unit grows to between 120 and 190 in strength, with the deployment of 6 to 12 F-15 and/or F-16 aircraft and the associated 75 to 150 support personnel. When so configured, the 497th "presence" is transformed into an operational role, to conduct an intense schedule of air-to-air combat training with the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] (RSAF).

⚫
The 497th also supports USAF fighter rotations to Southwest Asia and several other regional exercises such as Cope Taufan, Cope Tiger, and Cope West. An example of the 497th's "expanding capability" occurred in May 1998 during COMMANDO SLING 98-4 when they also supported the ordered departure of U.S. personnel from Indonesia. [[Paya Lebar Air Base]] ramp at that time had 28 USAF F-15s, four USAF [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]es, four USAF [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]]s, one [[Lockheed C-141 Starlifter]], one [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]], plus all the permanently based RSAF aircraft and aircraft from other nations. All were supported by squadron and RSAF personnel. Additionally, COMMANDO SLING 98-4 was the first time the normally bilateral exercise was expanded to include the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] [[F/A-18 Hornet]]s.

⚫
The 497th commander is also the designated commanding officer for legal jurisdiction over U.S. military personnel in nine Southeast Asian countries.<ref name="s.usemb.gov">{{cite web|url= http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html |title=About Us: 497th Combat Training Squadron (497th CTS)|publisher=Embassy of the United States, Singapore|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110726014008/http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html |archive-date=26 July 2011|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref> It is a tenant command under Naval Region Singapore and shares space at the Sembawang Terminal with [[Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific]] and a space at Paya Lebar Air Base.<ref name="s.usemb.gov" /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/sac/about/tenant_commands/497th_combat_training_squadron.html |title=Tenant Commands: 497th Combat Training Squadron|publisher=CNIC Singapore Area Coordinator|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref>


==Lineage==
==Lineage==
* Constituted as the '''302d Bombardment Squadron''' (Light) on 13 January 1942
* Constituted as the '''302d Bombardment Squadron''' (Light) on 13 January 1942
* Activated on 10 February 1942
* Activated on 10 February 1942
: Redesignated '''302d Bombardment Squadron''' (Dive) on 27 July 1942
: Redesignated '''302d Bombardment Squadron''' (Dive) on 27 July 1942
Line 74: Line 72:
* Reconstituted on 3 February 1953 and redesignated '''497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron'''
* Reconstituted on 3 February 1953 and redesignated '''497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron'''
* Activated on 18 February 1953
* Activated on 18 February 1953
: Redesignated '''497th Tactical Fighter Squadron''' 25 on July 1964
: Redesignated '''497th Tactical Fighter Squadron''' on 25 July 1964
* Inactivated on 16 September 1974
* Inactivated on 16 September 1974
* Activated on 1 October 1978
* Activated on 1 October 1978
Line 90: Line 88:
* [[United States Air Forces Europe]] (attached to 65th Air Division), 1 July 1960
* [[United States Air Forces Europe]] (attached to 65th Air Division), 1 July 1960
* [[32d Tactical Fighter Wing]]. 18 June 1964
* [[32d Tactical Fighter Wing]]. 18 June 1964
* [[8th Tactical Fighter Wing]], 25 July 1964
* [[8th Tactical Fighter Wing]], 25 July 1964
* [[831st Air Division]], 6 December 1965 (attached to [[479th Tactical Fighter Wing]])
* [[831st Air Division]], 6 December 1965 (attached to [[479th Tactical Fighter Wing]])
* 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 December 1965 – 16 September 1974
* 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 December 1965 – 16 September 1974
* 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 October 1978
* 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 October 1978
: 51st Composite Wing (later [[51st Tactical Fighter Wing]]), 1 January 1982 – 1 January 1988
: 51st Composite Wing (later [[51st Tactical Fighter Wing]]), 1 January 1982 – 1 January 1988
* [[Thirteenth Air Force]], 31 October 1991
* [[Thirteenth Air Force]], 31 October 1991
* [[36th Air Base Wing]], 30 June 2005
* [[36th Air Base Wing]], 30 June 2005
* [[36th Operations Group]], 15 March 2006 – present<ref name=497CTSfacts2/>
* [[36th Operations Group]], 15 March 2006 – present<ref name=497CTSfacts2/>
Line 116: Line 114:


===Aircraft===
===Aircraft===
{{div col|3}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[V-72 Vengeance]], 1942
* [[V-72 Vengeance]], 1942
* [[A-24 Banshee]], 1942–1943
* [[A-24 Banshee]], 1942–1943
* [[P-39 Airacobra]], 1943
* [[P-39 Airacobra]], 1943
Line 124: Line 122:
* [[F-89D Scorpion]], 1954–1955
* [[F-89D Scorpion]], 1954–1955
* [[F-86D Sabre Interceptor]], 1955–1960
* [[F-86D Sabre Interceptor]], 1955–1960
* [[F-102 Delta Dagger]], 1960–1964
* Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, 1960–1964<ref name=497CTSfacts/>
* [[F-4 Phantom II]], 1964–1988<ref name=497CTSfacts2/>
* [[F-4 Phantom II]], 1964–1988<ref name=497CTSfacts2/>
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{Portal|United States Air Force|Military of the United States|World War II}}


==References==
==References==



===Notes===
===Notes===
; Explanatory notes
⚫
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|group=note}}

; Citations
⚫
{{Reflist|40em}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|last1=Cornett|first1=Lloyd H.|last2=Johnson|first2=Mildred W.|title=A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980|url= http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf |year=1980|publisher=Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center|location=Peterson AFB, CO|page= }}
* {{cite book|last1=Cornett|first1=Lloyd H.|last2=Johnson|first2=Mildred W.|title=A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980|url=http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf|year=1980|publisher=Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center|location=Peterson AFB, CO|access-date=20 March 2014|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213173347/http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_sq_of_the_af_wwii.pdf |edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402|pages= }}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|orig-year=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf |edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}
* McMullen, Richard F. (1964) "The Fighter Interceptor Force 1962-1964" ADC Historical Study No. 27, Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, CO (Confidential, declassified 22 Mar 2000)
* McMullen, Richard F. (1964) "The Fighter Interceptor Force 1962–1964" ADC Historical Study No. 27, Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, CO (Confidential, declassified 22 March 2000)
* "ADCOM's Fighter Interceptor Squadrons". ''The Interceptor'' (January 1979) Aerospace Defense Command, (Volume 21, Number 1)
* {{cite journal |title=ADCOM's Fighter Interceptor Squadrons|journal=The Interceptor |date= January 1979|publisher=Aerospace Defense Command |volume=21|issue=1 |pages=5–11, 26–31, 40–45, 54–59}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Singapore/AboutUs/TenantCommands/497thCombatTrainingSquadron/index.htm 497th Combat Training Squadron on the NRCS website]
*[http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Singapore/AboutUs/TenantCommands/497thCombatTrainingSquadron/index.htm 497th Combat Training Squadron on the NRCS website]
*[http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html 497th Combat Training Squadron on the US Embassy in Singapore website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110726014008/http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html 497th Combat Training Squadron on the US Embassy in Singapore website]


{{USAF Pacific Air Forces}}
{{USAF Pacific Air Forces}}
Line 152: Line 152:
{{Aerospace Defense Command}}
{{Aerospace Defense Command}}


[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States in World War II]]
[[Category:Flights of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Training squadrons of the United States Air Force|Combat Training 0497]]
[[Category:Training units of the United States Air Force|Combat Training 0497]]
[[Category:Singapore–United States military relations]]

Latest revision as of 07:51, 10 February 2024

497th Combat Training Flight
A 497th F-4E Phantom II over Korea in 1986
Active1942–1944; 1953–1974; 1978–1988; 1991–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleCombat Training
Part ofPacific Air Forces
Garrison/HQPaya Lebar Air Base, Singapore
DecorationsPresidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm[1]
Insignia
497th Combat Training Squadron emblem (approved 28 September 1971)[1]
Patch with 497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron emblem (approved 11 October 1956)[2]
497th Fighter-Bomber Squadron emblem
497th Combat Training Flight (Approved 18 February 2021)

The 497th Combat Training Flight is a United States Air Force unit. Its present station is Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base, where its mission is to provide operational and logistical support to U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft deployed to Singapore for training exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]

Operational training unit, June 1942 – October 1943; replacement training, October 1943 – April 1944.

Cold War

[edit]
North American F-86D Sabre 52–3698 at Geiger Field in 1955

Air defense of West coast, 1953–1955.

Air Defense of Southwest Europe, 1958–1964. In the early 1960s Headquarters, United States Air Force (USAF) implemented Project Clearwater. Clearwater was designed to return overseas Convair F-102 Delta Dagger squadrons stationed overseas to the United States to reduce "gold flow" (adverse balance of payments). This resulted in the 497th being reduced to a paper unit and its planes dispersed to Air Defense Command interceptor squadrons in the US.[3] Although it had originally been intended to inactivate the unit, it was instead transferred to Tactical Air Command as a paper unit.

Vietnam War

[edit]
497 TFS McDonnell F-4C Phantom II 63-7589 rolls out for takeoffat Ubon RTAFB[note 1]

Combat in Southeast Asia, 1965–1974; Defense of South Korea, 1974–1988.[1]

Current mission

[edit]

Combat training in Southeast Asia, 1991–present[1] Approximately three deployments of USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagles and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons from both active duty and Air National Guard units from around the world are made each year to Singapore under the auspices of Exercise Commando Sling. The squadron supports/participates in regional exercise and global contingencies, and provides housing; morale, recreation and welfare facilities and programs: medical services; force protection to resources and personnel; and legal, financial, communications, and contracting support to assigned and deployed personnel.

The 497th comprises the basic functional elements of a small-scale USAF fighter wing – fighter operations, flightline logistics, community and mission support, and medical services. With a permanently assigned staff of 37 personnel, the 497th represents the entire USAF presence in Singapore. However, six times a year for up to four weeks the unit grows to between 120 and 190 in strength, with the deployment of 6 to 12 F-15 and/or F-16 aircraft and the associated 75 to 150 support personnel. When so configured, the 497th "presence" is transformed into an operational role, to conduct an intense schedule of air-to-air combat training with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The 497th also supports USAF fighter rotations to Southwest Asia and several other regional exercises such as Cope Taufan, Cope Tiger, and Cope West. An example of the 497th's "expanding capability" occurred in May 1998 during COMMANDO SLING 98-4 when they also supported the ordered departure of U.S. personnel from Indonesia. Paya Lebar Air Base ramp at that time had 28 USAF F-15s, four USAF Lockheed C-130 Herculeses, four USAF Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers, one Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, one Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, plus all the permanently based RSAF aircraft and aircraft from other nations. All were supported by squadron and RSAF personnel. Additionally, COMMANDO SLING 98-4 was the first time the normally bilateral exercise was expanded to include the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets.

The 497th commander is also the designated commanding officer for legal jurisdiction over U.S. military personnel in nine Southeast Asian countries.[4] It is a tenant command under Naval Region Singapore and shares space at the Sembawang Terminal with Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific and a space at Paya Lebar Air Base.[4][5]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Constituted as the 302d Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 13 January 1942
  • Activated on 10 February 1942
Redesignated 302d Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 27 July 1942
Redesignated 497th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 10 August 1943
  • Disbanded on 1 April 1944
  • Reconstituted on 3 February 1953 and redesignated 497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
  • Activated on 18 February 1953
Redesignated 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 25 July 1964
  • Inactivated on 16 September 1974
  • Activated on 1 October 1978
  • Inactivated on 24 January 1989
Redesignated 497th Fighter Training Squadron on 28 October 1991
  • Activated on 31 October 1991
Redesignated 497th Combat Training Squadron on 1 August 1994
Redesignated 497th Combat Training Flight on 26 October 2006[6]

Assignments

[edit]
51st Composite Wing (later 51st Tactical Fighter Wing), 1 January 1982 – 1 January 1988

Stations

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
Explanatory notes
  1. ^ The plane is configured for the MIGCAP escort role with AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles under the fuselage, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and extra fuel tanks under the wings.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e Robertson, Patsy (20 June 2011). "Factsheet 497 Combat Training Flight (PACAF)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  2. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 599–600
  3. ^ McMullen, pp. 59–62
  4. ^ a b "About Us: 497th Combat Training Squadron (497th CTS)". Embassy of the United States, Singapore. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  5. ^ "Tenant Commands: 497th Combat Training Squadron". CNIC Singapore Area Coordinator. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d Lineage, including assignments, stations and aircraft in Robertson, AFHRA Factsheet

Bibliography

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

  • Cornett, Lloyd H.; Johnson, Mildred W. (1980). A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980 (PDF). Peterson AFB, CO: Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  • 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.
  • McMullen, Richard F. (1964) "The Fighter Interceptor Force 1962–1964" ADC Historical Study No. 27, Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, CO (Confidential, declassified 22 March 2000)
  • "ADCOM's Fighter Interceptor Squadrons". The Interceptor. 21 (1). Aerospace Defense Command: 5–11, 26–31, 40–45, 54–59. January 1979.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=497th_Combat_Training_Flight&oldid=1205712314"