442d Fighter Wing

The 442nd Fighter Wing has a rich legacy of serving in the defense of the United States of America since World War II. The 442nd has been involved in the Berlin Crisis, the Cold War, Desert Storm, and Operations Deny Flight, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 442nd Fighter Wing came to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., in 1994 and looks toward tomorrow with confidence and proven combat capability. The mission of the 442nd is to train Air Force Reserve personnel, as well as operate, maintain and support the A-10 Thunderbolt II at the highest level of combat readiness. As the Air Force's only fighter plane designed for close-air support, the A-10 provides critical front-line support for U.S. and allied forces on the ground. The A-10 also conducts combat search and rescue missions and provides forward air control.