43rd Fighter Squadron

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43rd Fighter Squadron
43rd Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptors[note 1]
Active	1917–1919; 1922–1936; 1940–1946; 1964–1994; 2002–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter Training
Part of	Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQ	Tyndall Air Force Base
Nickname(s)	Hornets
Motto(s)	Vespa Maculata
Engagements	World War I Vietnam War[1]
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1]
Insignia
43d Fighter Squadron emblem
43d School Squadron emblem (approved 22 May 1924)[1]

The 43rd Fighter Squadron is part of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. It conducts advanced fighter training for F-22 Raptor pilots.

The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 13 June 1917, when it was organized at Kelly Field, Texas as the 43d Aero Squadron. The squadron deployed to England as part of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, served in the Vietnam War and later became part of the Alaskan Air Command (AAC) during the Cold War.

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