58th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

58th Fighter Squadron
Eric Smith of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the first Air Force pilot qualified on an F-35, pilots the military's first F-35.
Active	1941–1945; 1946–1960; 1970–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter Training
Part of	Air Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQ	Eglin Air Force Base
Nickname(s)	Gorillas
Engagements	EAME Theater World War II Asia-Pacific Theater World War II Vietnam War 1991 Gulf War
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (5x) Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Insignia
58th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 18 January 1944, reinstated 14 July 1971)
Patch with 58th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron emblem approved 30 March 1951)

The 58th Fighter Squadron is part of the 33d Fighter Wing, a joint graduate flying and maintenance training wing for the F-35A, B, and C, organized under Air Education and Training Command's 19th Air Force, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Its mission is to train US Air Force operators and maintainers on employment and maintenance of the F-35 Lightning II "A" model, as part of the overall 33d FW mission of training American and international aircrews and maintainers of US Air Force, Us Navy, US Marine Corps, and international Air Forces.

Activated as the 58th Pursuit Squadron (part of the 33d Pursuit Group) stationed at Mitchel Field, New York, the squadron was charged with the ongoing mission of aerial defense of the United States. When the United States entered World War II, the 58th took an active role in the war effort by participating in several operations during a three-year overseas tour. These operations include the invasion of Morocco in November 1942, combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater from November 1942 to February 1944, and operations in the China-Burma-India campaign, April 1944 to August 1945. During the operations in the Mediterranean Theater, the 58th earned the nickname "Gorillas" for the guerrilla warfare-like techniques it utilized. While operating in the various theaters, the 58th flew the P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, and P-38 Lightning. As a result of its superior performance, the 58th received the Distinguished Unit Citation for combat operations conducted in central Tunisia.