555th Fighter Squadron

555th Fighter Squadron
555th Fighter Squadron
	Over Iraq, a Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon peels away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron
Active	1942–1945; 1964–1994; 1994–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter
Part of	United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Garrison/HQ	Aviano Air Base, Italy
Nickname(s)	Triple Nickel; World Famous Highly Respected
Motto(s)	Once Green, Always Green
Colors	Green
Engagements	European Theater of Operations; Vietnam War; *Operation Bolo; Operation Deny Flight; Operation Deliberate Force; Operation Deliberate Guard; Operation Allied Force; Operation Northern Watch; Operation Southern Watch; Operation Enduring Freedom; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Freedom's Sentinel; Operation Inherent Resolve
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation; Presidential Unit Citation; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Commanders
Current; commander	Lt Col Bryan Beals
Notable; commanders	Joseph Kittinger ; David L. Goldfein
Insignia
555th Fighter Squadron emblem
555th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem
555th Bombardment Squadron emblem

The 555th Fighter Squadron is part of the 31st Operations Group at Aviano Air Base, Italy. It operates General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting multirole air and ground missions.

The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 555th Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the campaign against Germany. It earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its missions flown in preparation for the invasion of France. It returned to the United States following V-E Day and was inactivated.