493rd Fighter Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 The 493rd's markings on the tail of the first F-35A to be delivered to the squadron in 2022 | |
| Active | 15 Jan 1941 – 7 Nov 1945 10 July 1952 – 18 Dec 1992 1 Jan 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 | RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom |
| Nickname(s) | The Grim Reapers[1] The Roosters (1956–1992)[2] |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Mors Inimicis ("Death to the Enemy") |
| Colors | Black/Gold |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations War in Kosovo Global War on Terror[3] |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Belgian Fourragère[3] |
| Insignia | |
| 493d Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 20 August 2003)[3] |  |
| 493d Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem |  |
| 56th Bombardment Squadron emblem (approved 24 December 1941)[4] |  |
| Squadron tail codes | I7 (Jan 1941 – Nov 1945) LS (Mar 1970 – Dec 1971) LK (Dec 1971 – July 1972) LN (July 1972 – present) |
The 493rd Fighter Squadron (493rd FS), nicknamed the Grim Reapers, is part of the United States Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing located at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, United Kingdom. The 493rd FS operates the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. The squadron has earned multiple commendations and awards, including the Air Force Association's Hughes Trophy in 1997 and 1999[5] and the 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2019 Raytheon Trophies, for being recognized as the top fighter squadron in the United States Air Force.
- ^ Bradley, Capt Kevin (19 June 2008). "493rd FS awarded Raytheon Trophy". U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
- ^ "48th Fighter Bomber Wing 1956-1958 / 48th Tactical Fighter Wing 1956-1972". North American F-100 Super Sabre. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Dollman, TSG David (21 October 2016). "Factsheet 493 Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 594-595
- ^ No byline (7 May 2011). "493rd Fighter Squadron (493rd FS)". globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 24 November 2018.