48th Fighter Wing

Mission

Historically, the 48th Fighter Wing has been the foundation of USAFE's combat capability and remains so today. The Liberty Wing led the El Dorado Canyon raids into Libya in 1986 and was the first F-111 fighter unit to deploy to the Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The Liberty Wing also anchored NATO forces during Operations Deliberate Force and Allied Force. Since September 11, 2001, the 48th Fighter Wing has played a key role in antiterrorism operations, flying combat missions and providing combat support in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 48th Fighter Wing continues to provide responsive combat capability for our NATO allies and the U.S. military at every turn. In addition to supporting three combat-ready squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft, the 48th Fighter Wing houses the 56th Rescue Squadron's HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue helicopters. The 56th RQS provides worldwide rapidly deployable combat rescue and reaction force response utilizing HH-60G helicopters and pararescue specialists. They also provide long-range rescue, humanitarian assistance, non-combatant evacuation and disaster relief capability for U.S. European Command and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.