563rd Flying Training Squadron

rdf:langString 563rd Flying Training Squadron

rdf:langString 563rd Flying Training Squadron

rdf:langString AF OUA

rdf:langString AF OUA w/ v

rdf:langString AF PUC

rdf:langString Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

rdf:langString Distinguished Unit Citation

rdf:langString Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device

rdf:langString Air Force Outstanding Unit Award] with Combat "V" Device

rdf:langString A T-43 Bobcat from Randolph AFB

rdf:langString Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

rdf:langString Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device

rdf:langString Flying Training

rdf:langString The 563rd Flying Training Squadron (also 563d Flying Training Squadron) is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was part of the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where it operated the Boeing T-43 Bobcat conducting navigator training until inactivating on 19 November 2010. The squadron was originally activated during World War II as the 563d Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. The squadron was twice awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its combat actions. Following V-E Day, it returned to the United States and was inactivated. The squadron was briefly active in the reserve in the late 1940s, but does not appear to have been fully manned or equipped. The squadron was redesignated the 563d Fighter-Bomber Squadron and activated in 1953. It moved to Europe, but was inactivated in 1957, when it was replaced by another unit. It was activated again as the 563d Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1962. It conducted frequent deployments, but focused on training pilots for operations in Southeast Asia. Elements of the squadron participated in combat there, although the squadron remained in the United States. From 1973, it conducted Wild Weasel training. It deployed elements for Desert Storm before inactivating in 1992.