61st Fighter Squadron
| 61st Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
A 61st Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II arrives at Luke AFB, April 2014 | |
| Active | 1941–1945; 1946–1960; 1975–1993; 1994–2010; 2013–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Fighter Training |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Luke Air Force Base |
| Nickname(s) | Top Dogs |
| Engagements | |
| Decorations | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Loren G. McCollom Gabby Gabreski Michael Ryan Donavon F. Smith |
| Insignia | |
| 61st Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 15 September 1943) | |
The 61st Fighter Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit, assigned to the 56th Operations Group, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. It operates the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, conducting Pilot training.
The 61st, known as the 'Top Dogs', fly F-35A aircraft, to train instructor pilots and initial qualification pilots for Air Combat Command assignments.