The component squadrons of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (55th, 77th & 79th Tactical Fighter Squadrons) can claim lineage dating back to 1917 when three Aero units of the Aeronautical Division of the US Army Signal Corps were designated on formation at Kelly Field, Texas. None of these units saw active service.
The 20th Pursuit Group was formed in 1929 by re-naming the 20h Balloon Group. By 1943 the 20th Fighter Group consisted of the 55th, 77th and 79th Fighter Squadrons and in August travelled across the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Elizabeth to operate P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs from RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire, and RAF King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire.
The 20th Fighter Wing (20th FW) was reformed in 1947 and in 1950 the unit was renamed the 20th Fighter Bomber Wing (20th FBW) in preparation for a tactical nuclear-capable role. From 1952 the 20th FBW was based at RAF Wethersfield, Essex, and RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk, with the Bentwaters component (79th FBS) moving to RAF Woodbridge, Suffolk, in 1954.
The Blast Off (later Victor Alert) mission began in 1958 with F-100 Super Sabres of the renamed 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (20th TFW) armed with tactical nuclear weapons kept ready to respond to Soviet aggression. This mission capability was maintained until 1986, from 1970 at RAF Upper Heyford.
The 20th TFW became the 20th FW again on 1 October 1991. The newly renamed 79th, 77th and 55th Fighter Squadron de-activated in that order in 1993. The 20th FW de-activated at RAF Upper Heyford on 7 December 1993.
All through this period aircraft and airbase operations relied on a range of service personnel and civilians with specialist skills.
The 20th Avionics Maintenance Squadron was re-designated the 20th CRS on 31 October 1981.
The 20th CRS maintained and repaired all mission critical avionics for the 20th FW F-111E and the 42nd ECS EF-111A, including flight and navigation instruments, radar and Electronic Counter Measures.
The 20th CRS was redesignated the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron, as part of the 20th FW at Shaw AB, on 30 September 2002.
The 20th Periodic Armament and Electronics Squadron had existed 1958-1962 and 1964-1969 when it had been renamed the 20th Avionics Maintenance Squadron.
On 5 March 1973 the 20th TFW adopted a tri-deputy wing organization system. A new Deputy Commander for Maintenance post was created by splitting the responsibilities of the Deputy Commander of Materiel.
The 20th Avionics Maintenance Squadron (20th AMS) joined the 20th OMS, 20th FMS and 20th MMS under the Deputy Commander of Maintenance.
The 20th AMS maintained and repaired all mission critical avionics for the 20th FW F-111E and the 42nd ECS EF-111A, including flight and navigation instruments, radar and Electronic Counter Measures.
The 20th Avionic Maintenance Squadron was re-designated the 20th CRS on 31 October 1981.
The 20th Field Maintenance Squadron was redesignated the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron on 31 October 1981.
The 20th EMS continues to maintain aerospace ground equipment, armament systems and munitions, and undertakes Phase inspections, corrosion control, engine oil analysis, non-destructive inspections, munitions storage and accountability, parts and tool fabrication.
The 55th AMU was created in 1981 as part of the Combat Orientated Maintenance Organization to replace centralized 20th TFW aircraft maintenance with a new squadron based organization. The 55th AMU consisted of approximately 220 technicians. These included crew chiefs who were responsible for launching and recovering aircraft, general airframe repair, and engine and hydraulic systems maintenance; radar, electronic countermeasures, environmental control systems, electrical and weapons control systems, communications etc.; munitions loading and weapon release system maintenance; crew debriefing; aircraft scheduling; supply support; analysis of trends and aircraft generation (AGE) support.
The 77th AMU was created in 1981 as part of the Combat Orientated Maintenance Organization to replace centralized 20th TFW aircraft maintenance with a new squadron based organization. The 77th AMU consisted of approximately 220 technicians. These included crew chiefs who were responsible for launching and recovering aircraft, general airframe repair, and engine and hydraulic systems maintenance; radar, electronic countermeasures, environmental control systems, electrical and weapons control systems, communications etc.; munitions loading and weapon release system maintenance; crew debriefing; aircraft scheduling; supply support; analysis of trends and aircraft generation (AGE) support.
The 79th AMU was created in 1981 as part of the Combat Orientated Maintenance Organization to replace centralized 20th TFW aircraft maintenance with a new squadron based organization. The 79th AMU consisted of approximately 220 technicians. These included crew chiefs who were responsible for launching and recovering aircraft, general airframe repair, and engine and hydraulic systems maintenance; radar, electronic countermeasures, environmental control systems, electrical and weapons control systems, communications etc.; munitions loading and weapon release system maintenance; crew debriefing; aircraft scheduling; supply support; analysis of trends and aircraft generation (AGE) support.
The 42nd AMU was created in 1984 to bring the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron in to line with the 1981 Combat Orientated Maintenance Organization changes to replace centralized 20th TFW aircraft maintenance with a new squadron based organization. The 42nd AMU consisted of approximately 220 technicians. These included crew chiefs who were responsible for launching and recovering aircraft, general airframe repair, and engine and hydraulic systems maintenance; radar, electronic countermeasures, environmental control systems, electrical and weapons control systems, communications etc.; munitions loading and weapon release system maintenance; crew debriefing; aircraft scheduling; supply support; analysis of trends and aircraft generation (AGE) support.
The 42nd AMU deployed personnel to Saudi Arabia from December 1990 to May 1991 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and to Turkey to become part of the 7440th Wing (Provisional) for Operation Proven Force until 9 March 1991.
On 25 January 1991 the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron and 42nd AMU were reassigned to the 20th TFW.
In May 1991 42nd AMU personnel were deployed once more to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Provide Comfort over Northern Iraq.
On 5 March 1973 the 20th TFW adopted a tri-deputy wing organization system. A new Deputy Commander for Logistics post was created by splitting the responsibilities of the Deputy Commander of Materiel. The 20th Transportation Squadron and 20th Supply Squadron joined the procurement and comptroller offices in the new Logistics Organization. The Deputy Commander’s post was renamed Resources in 1974 and Resource Management in 1975.
On 5 March 1973 the 20th TFW adopted a tri-deputy wing organization system. A new Deputy Commander for Logistics post was created by splitting the responsibilities of the Deputy Commander of Materiel. The 20th Transportation Squadron and 20th Supply Squadron joined the procurement and comptroller offices in the new Logistics Organization. The Deputy Commander’s post was renamed Resources in 1974 and Resource Management in 1975.
The 20th Organizational Maintenance Squadron was activated on 14 May 1962 only to be deactivated in 1966 and reactivated on 1 February 1972.
The 20th OMS was responsible for flightline maintenance of 20th TFW aircraft.
The 20th Aircraft Generation Squadron was formed on 31 October 1981 by re-designating the 20th Organizational Maintenance Squadron.
The 20th Aircraft Generation Squadron (20th AGS) was formed on 31 October 1981 by re-designating the 20th Organizational Maintenance Squadron.
The 20th AGS was responsible for flightline maintenance of 20th TFW aircraft.
The 20th Security Police Squadron arrived with the 20th TFW (Tactical Fighter Wing) in 1970. In 1986 the 20th SPS was reorganized to form 7320 Security Police Group which controlled 20 Security Police Squadron (law enforcement) and 7320th Security Police Squadron (airbase security). In December 1988 the 7320th SPS was re-designated 620th SPS. The Squadron was deactivated at RAF Upper Heyford in December 1993 and re-established at Shaw AFB on 1 January 1994 and renamed the 20th Security Force Squadron on 1 July 1997
The 20th Security Police Squadron arrived with the 20th TFW (Tactical Fighter Wing) in 1970. In 1986 the 20th SPS was reorganized to form 7320 Security Police Group which controlled 20 Security Police Squadron (law enforcement) and 7320th Security Police Squadron (airbase security). In December 1988 the 7320th SPS was re-designated 620th SPS. The Squadron was deactivated at RAF Upper Heyford in December 1993 and re-established at Shaw AFB on 1 January 1994 and renamed the 20th Security Force Squadron on 1 July 1997.
The 520th AGS was activated on 31 October 1981.
The 520th AGS was responsible for flightline maintenance of 20th TFW aircraft.
The 20th Civil Engineering Squadron maintained and operated the airbase, administering the resources, environmental, housing, fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal, disaster preparedness, engineering and operations programmes.
The Base Engineer Emergency Force (Prime BEEF) trained to support aircraft operations during wartime, runway repairs, facility and utility maintenance support, air base recovery, construction management, crash rescue and fire suppression.
The 20th Munitions Maintenance Squadron was responsible for storing, maintaining and loading ordnance, as well as maintaining all test, handling and associated support equipment, including munitions trailers, and aircraft weapons release systems.
On 5 March 1973 the 20th TFW adopted a tri-deputy wing organization system. A new Deputy Commander for Maintenance post was created by splitting the responsibilities of the Deputy Commander of Materiel.
The 20th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (20th MMS) joined the 20th OMS, 20th AMS and 20th FMS under the Deputy Commander of Maintenance.
The 20th MMS was inactivated on 31 October 1981.
The 20th Comptroller Squadron was activated on 1 July 1985. A similar unit had existed as the 20th Finance Disbursing Unit (Fighter Jets) until deactivation in 1950.
The 20th Services Squadron, 20th Combat Group, was activated on 1 February 1982. A similar function unit had been activated in June 1948 as the 20th Food Services Squadron.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation covered “Everything from clubs to child development centres, picture frame making to auto hobby repair”.
Some MWR facilities, such as the bowling alley, were accessible to British civilians.
The Army Exchange Service was set up in 1941 to provide a co-ordinated worldwide chain store service to replace the existing unit-based canteen service (known as Post Exchanges – ‘PX’).
In 1948 the name was changed after the United States Air Force was formed. USAF AAFES facilities were known as Base Exchanges or ‘BX’.
The BX supported the idea that US service personnel serving overseas should have access to American goods at American prices. This included tobacco and gasoline (petrol) which was rationed as it was cheaper in the USA than in Britain.
AAFES employed USAF Dependents and British civilians.
Some AAFES facilities were operated by companies such as Texaco and Brown Derby.
The United States Air Force continues to promote sport both to improve physical fitness and to develop esprit de corps. RAF Upper Heyford was provided with a gymnasium, running track, baseball, softball and football pitches, athletics field and tennis court.
The 20th TFW Skykings American football team was very successful and the USAF Dependents High School had it own Cheerleaders and soccer team.
On 1 February 1972 the 20th Organizational Maintenance Squadron was reformed following a decision to move maintenance personnel and equipment from the three squadrons to become a 20th TFW Wing asset, joining the 20th MMS, 20th FMS and 20th AMS under the Deputy Commander for Maintenance.
This unit was renamed the 20th Generation Squadron on 31 October 1981.
320th Munitions Maintenance Squadron
The 320th Munitions Maintenance Squadron was responsible for storing, maintaining and loading ordnance, as well as maintaining all test, handling and associated support equipment, including munitions trailers, and aircraft weapons release systems.
320th Munitions Maintenance Squadron was redesignated the 20th Munitions Maintenance Squadron on 1 September 1972.
20th Avionics Maintenance Squadron
The 20th Avionic Maintenance Squadron (20th AMS) maintained and repaired all mission critical avionics for the 20th FW F-111E and the 42nd ECS EF-111A, including flight and navigation instruments, radar and Electronic Counter Measures.
The 20th AMS was re-designated the 20th Component Repair Squadron (20h CRS) on 31 October 1981.
The 20th FMS maintained aerospace ground equipment, armament systems and munitions, and undertook Phase inspections, corrosion control, engine oil analysis, non-destructive inspections, munitions storage and accountability, parts and tool fabrication.
On 5 March 1973 the 20th TFW adopted a tri-deputy wing organization system. A new Deputy Commander for Maintenance post was created by splitting the responsibilities of the Deputy Commander of Materiel.
The 20th Field Maintenance Squadron (20th FMS) joined the 20th OMS, 20th AMS and 20th MMS under the Deputy Commander of Maintenance.
The 20th FMS was redesignated the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron on 31 October 1981.
On 1 June 1989 the 20th Base Headquarters Squadron was deactivated to be replaced by the 20th Mission Support Squadron as part of the 20th Combat Support Group.
The 20th Airdrome Squadron had existed between February 1943 and April 1944 as part of the 20th Fighter Group.
A similar unit was activated on 31 March 1992 as the 20th Operations Support Squadron (20th OSS), part of the 20th Operations Group, and remained at RAF Upper Heyford until 1 January 1994 when it deactivated pending a move to Shaw AB.
The 20th OSS remains responsible for all airfield activities: Airfield Operations, Weapons and Training, Current Operations and Weather.
The 20th OSS are now nick-named ‘Mustangs’.
On 1 June 1989 the 20th Base Headquarters Squadron was deactivated to be replaced by the 20th Mission Support Squadron (20th MSS) as part of the 20th Combat Support Group.
The 20th MSS devolved base administration functions to squadron level. These included Military Personnel, Civilian Personnel, Information Management (formerly Base Administration), Education Services, Social Actions, Family Support, the Dependent School Office and the NCO Preparatory School.
The 20th MMS deactivated at RAF Upper Heyford on 1 January 1994 and was reactivated on the same day at Shaw Airbase.
The 20th Security Police Squadron arrived with the 20th TFW (Tactical Fighter Wing) in 1970. In 1986 the 20th SPS was reorganized to form 7320 Security Police Group which controlled 20 Security Police Squadron (law enforcement) and 7320th Security Police Squadron (airbase security). In December 1988 the 7320th SPS was re-designated 620th SPS. The Squadron was deactivated at RAF Upper Heyford in December 1993 and re-established at Shaw AFB on 1 January 1994 and renamed the 20th Security Force Squadron on 1 July 1997.
The 870th Contingency Hospital, at RAF Little Rissington, was assigned to the 20th TFW on 1 July 1990.
The 2168th Communications Squadron, at RAF Croughton, was assigned to the 20th TFW on 25 September 1990.
On 1 May 1991 the 2168th was redesignated the 620th Communications Squadron.
The 2168th Communications Squadron, at RAF Croughton, was assigned to the 20th TFW on 25 September 1990.
On 1 May 1991 the 2168th was redesignated the 620th Communications Squadron.
The 850th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, at RAF Welford, was attached to the 20th TFW on 16 July 1991.
The 7501st Air Base Squadron, at RAF Greenham Common, and Detachment 1, at RAF Welford, were both attached to the 20th TFW on 16 July 1991.
Visit the Upper Heyford Heritage Centre to discover the stories of the personnel of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing who maintained the aircraft and operated the airbase.