 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2012) |
| 494th Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A 494th FS F-15E Strike Eagle at RAF Lakenheath, 2015 | |
| Active | 15 Jan 1941 – 7 Nov 1945 10 July 1952 – present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Fighter |
| Part of | United States Air Forces in Europe |
| Garrison/HQ | RAF Lakenheath |
| Nickname(s) | Panthers[1] |
| Equipment | F-15E Strike Eagle |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm[citation needed] Operation Southern Watch Operation Odyssey Dawn Iraq War Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Inherent Resolve 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Belgian Fourragère |
| Insignia | |
| 494th Fighter Squadron emblem (30 April 2007)[2] |  |
| 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 6 December 1963) |  |
| 57th Bombardment Squadron emblem (Approved 22 August 1942)[3] |  |
The 494th Fighter Squadron[4] (494th FS), nicknamed the Panthers, is part of the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, where they operate the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle.
- ^ Nuñez, Emerson (15 September 2016). "Panthers on the prowl at TLP". Royal Air Force Lakenheath. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ Dollman, TSG Davis (15 May 2017). "Factsheet 494 Fighter Squadron (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 596
- ^ Newdick, Thomas. "F-15E Strike Eagle Smart-Bomb Transports Are Hauling Munitions Around The Middle East". The Drive. Retrieved 30 April 2021.