188th Fighter Wing (U.S. Air Force) Accent Coffee Mug

The 188th Fighter Wing is a unit of the United States Air Force, falling under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Air National Guard. Stationed at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, this wing operates primarily as an air defense unit, employing the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The 188th Fighter Wing's mission encompasses homeland defense and protection of U.S. airspace from potential aerial threats. The wing also provides combat-ready forces in support of combatant commanders and performs domestic operations as required by civil authorities. The unit was first established in 1946, initially serving as the 188th Fighter Group flying P-51 Mustang aircraft. Over the years, it has undergone multiple redesignations and transformations, transitioning to the F-100 Super Sabre, the F-106 Delta Dart, and finally the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1984. The 188th Fighter Wing is a key component of the U.S. Air Force's defensive structure, ensuring the security of Arizona and the nation as a whole.