The 492d Tactical Fighter Squadron known as the "Madhatters" was originally constituted as the 55th Bombardment Squadron and activated in January 1941 then redesignated as the 492nd Fighter Bomber Squadron
in August 1943. The squadron flew B-18, A-20, P-35, P-39, P40, and P47 aircraft
during World War II and served with distinction.
After deactivation in November 1945, the squadron was reactivated at
Chaumont AB, France in July 1952, During this time, the squadron received
F-84G’s (Jul 52- Feb 54), F-86F’s (Nov 53- Nov 56), and F-100D’s (Sep 56- Apr
72), before transferring to RAF Lakenheath in 1960. The squadron later
transitioned to F-4D's in October 1971 then to F-111F's in March 1977 and to the
F-15E in May 1992.
Throughout its proud heritage and service, the 492nd has
significantly contributed to NATO and the United States Air Forces in Europe
(USAFE) in many combat and support roles.
Nicknamed the "Madhatters", the squadron is known for its
tradition of adopting the headgear unique to the country in which the squadron
is based. Accordingly, the aircrews wore berets in France, and now in the
United Kingdom, squadron aircrews wear the traditional British Bowler for formal events. The
squadron emblem is also noteworthy as it depicts the versatility of this
combat-proven unit. A fierce red Kestrel, a Falcon known for its tremendous
flying ability, dominates the emblem. Below the Kestrel is the torch of
freedom. Highlighting the 492nd's premier role in the Statue of Liberty Wing.
In November 1990, the squadron deployed to King Fahd Royal Air Base, Taif
Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Desert shield. On 17 January 1991, the
492nd was once again called into combat at the onset of Operation Desert Storm.
During the campaign, the squadron flew over 800 missions, delivering more than
2.5 million pounds of ordnance flying the F-111F.
In December 1991, the 492nd TFS deployed to Incirlik Air Base Turkey in
support of Operation Provide Comfort. The squadron flew over 560 missions
supporting United Nations inspection teams and the Kurdish relief effort. In
March 1992, the squadron returned to RAF Lakenheath and became USAFE's first
unit to transition to the F-15E Strike Eagle. The squadron was declared mission
ready on 1 July 1993.
In August 1993, the 492nd TFS again deployed to Incirlik Air Base in
support of Operation Provide Comfort flying over 460 missions in support of the
Kurdish relief effort. In February 1994, the 492nd then deployed to Aviano Air Base,
Italy in support of Operation Deny Flight.
In the summer of 1996 the 366th Wing from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, replaced the 492nd and 493rd Fighter Squadrons
from RAF Lakenheath, England.
Executing combat missions from RAF Lakenheath, the 492nd Fighter Squadron set
the standard for "Anywhere, Anytime". Between March and June of 1999. The Madhatters Flew 475 successful Combat
missions, deployed 400 tons of bombs in an unprecedented fashion - from the
deployed locale at Aviano, AB Italy, as well as from the United Kingdom. The
492nd played a pivotal role in stopping the Serb offensive in Kosovo, and
setting the foundation for the NATO-led international peacekeeping force into
Kosovo.
During the year 2000, the Madhatters experienced many successes. Faced with an extraordinarily high operations tempo, including training deployments, evaluations and inspections, operational training and
aircraft upgrades, and participation in public-relations events. The successes were
only possible through the teamwork among maintainers, aircrew and support
personnel. Throughout 2000, the squadron exceeded all mission expectations,
shattering Air Force maintenance records. The Madhatter maintainers achieved an
unprecedented F-15E mission-capable rate that proved to be the highest in the
Air Force for any Strike Eagle unit in 2000. The squadron to flew a total of
4,514 sorties in fiscal 2000, accruing more than 7,684 flying hours – the most
aggressive flying hour program seen to date at the 492nd TFS.
In addition to the training missions flown at home, the Madhatters deployed
to seven exercises in six countries during 2000. The 492nd FS started out the
year by deploying six aircraft to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in response to
Operations Deliberate Force and Joint Guard. It was here that the 492nd TFS
became the first F-15E unit to use night vision goggles in contingency
operations. Next they deployed 10 aircraft, 172 personnel and 117 tons of
equipment to bare-base operations in support of Major Manar. The 492nd TFS was
the first F-15 squadron to operate out of Sidi Ahmed Air Base, Tunisia. They
flew 144 sorties and exceeded all key maintenance indicators – standards set
for maintenance. The Madhatters were lauded by the American Embassy in Tunisia
for their dedication and professionalism.
Almost as soon as the 492nd TFS returned home, it was time to deploy again,
this time to Germany. They sent six aircraft and 68 personnel to Norvenich Air
Base, Germany, for the NATO Exercise Clean Hunter. This was an investment for
the future operations as the 493rd TFS joined them. This tradition of
cooperation continued, as both the 492nd TFS and the 493rd TFS have deployed
jointly for AEF 4. During the summer of 2000, the squadron deployed to Nellis
Air Force Base, Nevada, for Green Flag. The 492nd TFS took 12 aircraft and 169
personnel for the final Green Flag electronic warfare exercise. The F-16
aggressor squadron commander said the Madhatters’ performance was "the
best air-to-air performance seen to date by a multi-role fighter
squadron." Madhatter maintenance met the challenge of an aggressive flying
schedule combined with 136 degree Fahrenheit ramp with an astonishing 96
percent mission capable rate.
In addition to Green Flag, the 492nd TFS participated in the Secretary of
Defense-directed joint suppression of enemy air defenses exercise. Also on the deployment schedule was Karup,
Denmark, in support of the NATO Air Meet; Florrenes Air Base, Belgium, to
participate in Air North’s Tactical Leadership Programme; and RAF Leuchars
after a last minute cancellation of a long-range deployment.
In early 2001 the Squadron conducted contingency operations at their
deployed location in Kuwait. The unit welcomed back its deployed members in
June 2001.
