19th Aero Squadron
19th Fighter Squadron
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F-22A Raptor arriving at Hickam Field
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| Active | 1917–1919; 1921–1922; 1923–1946; 1982–1993; 1994-present |
| Country |
 United States
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| Branch |
 United States Air Force
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| Role | Fighter |
| Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam |
| Nickname(s) | Gamecocks |
| Engagements |
Pearl Harbor Battle of Saipan Battle of Tinian Battle of Guam Operation Southern Watch |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lieutenant Colonel Philip "Butcher" Lancaster |
| Insignia | |
| 19th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 12 November 1993) |  |
| 19th Pursuit Squadron emblem (approved 20 April 1928) |  |
The 19th Fighter Squadron is part of the 15th Wing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 14 June 1917, being organized at Kelly Field, Texas. It served overseas in France as part of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and became part of the Tactical Air Command during the Cold War.
The 19th FS operates the F-22 Raptor aircraft conducting strategic attack, interdiction, offensive counterair (air-to-surface), suppression of enemy air defenses, as well as offensive and defensive counterair (air-to-air) missions.
Originally established as an Army Flying School Squadron, the 19th was based in Texas, Ohio, and New York for short periods. After a few weeks at the Air Service Replacement Concentration Barracks in St. Maixent, from 1 Jan 1918, the squadron moved for Seventh Aviation Instruction Center (repair) at Aulnat Aerodrome, east of Clermont-Ferrand, France, to train and observe the French company Michelin's airplane manufacture and assembly procedures. It stayed with 7th AIC until the end of 1918. Moving for Cenac, near Bordeaux on 29 December, the squadron left France on 18 March, 1919.
Renamed the 19th Pursuit Squadron, the squadron flew from various locations in the Hawaiian Islands beginning in 1923.
The squadron suffered six casualties as a result of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on 7 December 1941, but no fatalities.
The squadron was then stationed aboard the USS Natoma Bay, off Saipan. Upon arriving, the 19th flew night and day missions, strafing and using general purpose bombs and rockets in support of advancing U.S. ground troops. Using homemade napalm bombs made out of napalm, gasoline, and oil placed inside fuel tanks, the 19th helped U.S. forces successfully invade and capture Saipan, Tinian, and Guam islands in only three months. The squadron's mission then changed to long-range bomber escort missions with occasional strike missions to nearby Pagan Island and Iwo Jima. The squadron then relocated to Okinawa, where the first 19 FS pilots were awarded their 'ace' rating. Later, in August 1945, after numerous aerial victories and assorted bombing missions, it participated in the Japanese surrender.
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Wikipedia