#1221 F-16C Fighting Falcon
Purchased products will not feature the Squadron Prints watermark
Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1221 - F-16C Fighting Falcon, 88-0421 \'421 FS\', 421st Fighter Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
The 421st Night Fighter Squadron activated on 1 May, 1943 in Orlando, Florida. After six months of training, they deployed to Milne Bay, New Guinea, and assumed Southwest Pacific duty under the Fifth Air Force. For the next 14 months, the squadron moved several times throughout New Guinea providing cover for US Army assault landings and shipping reconnaissance. By 1944, the squadron had scored aerial victories flying P-38 Lightnings, P-70 Havocs, and P-61 Black Widows. The squadron received P-61s, the first fighter designated for night fighting, in June 1944. For most of 1945, the 421st operated from Philippine bases, and after the Japanese surrender, served as part of occupation forces at Itazuke AB, Japan. On 20 February, 1947, the squadron deactivated with 16 aerial victories. Fifteen years later, on 8 July, 1962, the 421st reactivated as a Tactical Fighter Squadron flying F-105 Thunderchiefs at George AFB, California. From 1966 to 1973, the 421 TFS flew combat missions over Vietnam in F-105s from Korat Royal Thai AB, Thailand; and in F-4 Phantom IIs from Kunsan AB, Korea; Da Nang AB, Republic of Vietnam; and Udorn Royal Thai AB, Thailand. In 1973, the squadron continued to fly combat missions over Laos and Cambodia. In 1975, squadron pilots participated in the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Saigon, and flew missions enabling the recovery of the USS Mayaguez. For its tremendous efforts in Southeast Asia, the 421 TFS earned three Presidential Unit Citations, six Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with “V” devices, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Palm, and flies 12 campaign streamers for Southeast Asian duty. In December 1975, the squadron transferred to Hill AFB, Utah.In June 1980, the squadron received its first F-16A Fighting Falcon and was tasked to train Egyptian, Pakistani, British, and US pilots transitioning to the F-16. In 1990, the 421 TFS became the second squadron to fly the F-16CG Block 40. During DESERT STORM, the Black Widows flew more than 1,300 sorties (1,200 at night) without any losses or battle damage. Since then, the 421 FS has deployed around the world in support of various operations, to include Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, DESERT FOX, NORTHERN WATCH, and NOBLE EAGLE. Following 9/11, the Black Widows made multiple deployments to Balad AB, Iraq for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Bagram AF, Afghanistan for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The 421 FS was the first USAF F-16 unit stationed in Afghanistan. The Black Widows continue the legacy of sustained operations through Theater Security Protection packages and world-wide training events. Now fully qualified and equipped with night vision goggles, the 421 FS has once again returned to its proud combat heritage as the US Air Force’s premiere night fighter squadron. “BLACK WIDOWS -- KISS OF DEATH!!!”