The 45th Fighter Squadron is an operational unit of the United States Air Force. Established on March 16, 1917, the squadron has a long history that spans over a century and includes service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and more recent conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Initially equipped with Curtiss JN-4 airplanes, the squadron has since operated various aircraft types, including P-40, P-51, F-86, F-100, F-15, and currently the F-35 Lightning II. The squadron is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida as part of the 33rd Fighter Wing, and its mission includes conducting air-to-air combat training for U.S. Air Force pilots and allied partners.
