Past, present 'Shooters' unite

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Emily Chilson
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  "Do you remember when..."

That was the beginning of countless stories of flying and fighting as remembered by 55th Fighter Squadron "Shooters" alumni who joined current squadron members at a reunion in Las Vegas.

Nearly 20 pilots from every decade since World War II, many of them former squadron commanders, spent the weekend reflecting on the Shooter heritage. The reunion began March 5 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where the squadron was participating in Red Flag, a realistic combat training exercise.

Retired Air Force Col. James Hare, who was with the 55th FS from 1946 to 1951, and was the commander in 1947, attended the March 5 reunion events. Mr. Hare flew P-51s, and also flew P-40s and P-47s with the 65th FS during World War II.

As such, he was invited to a tour and briefing at the 65th Aggressor Squadron by Lt. Col. Murray Nance, 65th AS commander. Mr. Hare was accompanied by his son, J.C. Hare, and five alumni of the 55th FS. Lt. Col. Kevin Oliver, U.S. Air Force Weapons School deputy commandant, briefed alumni as well.

Mr. Hare was commandant of the Fighter Weapons School from 1964 to 1965. Shooter alumni discussed how big today's weapons school program is -- compared to the fighter weapons school they knew in their days on active duty.

"We're definitely standing on the shoulders of you gentlemen who came before us," Colonel Oliver said, after he presented the commandant's and 60th anniversary coins to Mr. Hare. "Heritage keeps us going out here."

"Hot dog!" Mr. Hare exclaimed. "I sure appreciate this, and I wouldn't have missed it. I'm glad to see the younger generation taking up the history of this unit."

The reunion picked up March 6 when squadron members and alumni met for breakfast and a recap of the squadron's history as told by retired Air Force Lt. Col. Denny Schaan, F-100 pilot, Shooter alum and secretary of the 20th Fighter Wing Association.

The squadron's 92-year history is a diverse one, including missions flown in World War II, stories of evasion and escape, aces and prisoners of war. While many of the pilots flew in Korea and Vietnam in other squadrons, the 55th as a unit did not participate in either conflict.

However, the 55th was a big player in the Cold War with an alert commitment that started with the F-84 and continued through the F-100 and F111 -- more than 40 years.

"For those of us who participated, it was a real war, and I lost more comrades in that war than I did in Vietnam" Mr. Schaan said. "The enemy was real, the mission was real."

The Shooters got their start at Kelly Field, Texas, in 1917, and were relocated 25 times including to France and England before coming to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., where the unit is currently one of three F-16 fighter squadrons in the 20th Fighter Wing.

Since its beginning, the 55th FS has flown P-12s, P-51s, F-84s, F-100s and A-10s, to name a few. The squadron also flew the P-26 Peashooters, hence the name "Shooters."

"A special thanks to everyone for being here," said Lt. Col. Doug DeMaio, 55th FS commander, as he greeted attendees. "We are truly honored by your presence."

Lauretta Little, whose husband Ian passed away seven years ago, proudly shared a photo of her husband when he was assigned to the 55th from 1958 to 1961.

"It's good to see everyone," Ms. Little said. "It's great they do this and keep track of old friends."

After breakfast, the group listened to a briefing on the 98th Range Wing and visited the Threat Training Facility and the Thunderbird Museum at Nellis. Col. John Montgomery, 98th RW commander, was the 55th FS commander from 2003 to 2005.

Colonel Montgomery briefed alumni and squadron members on the range mission, and how it's essential to aircrew training. At the threat facility, the reunion attendees had free reign of the museum, including static displays of the MiG-29 Fulcrum C and MiG-23 Flogger F.

Reunion events March 6 led up to a banquet that evening at the Gold Coast hotel in downtown Las Vegas. Alumni and current squadron members exchanged stories and memories as they looked at Shooter history displays.

"It's really enjoyable to come out here and see the young bucks and their enthusiasm," said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Elwood Sanders. He was the last F-100 squadron commander, and was such from December 1969 to January 1971.

Colonel DeMaio gave a briefing on the squadron's current operations, including photos from their most recent deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq, and explained how they are preparing for another upcoming Iraq deployment.

"I'm really looking forward to taking these guys back overseas," Colonel DeMaio said. "After Green Flag, we should be ready to go to Iraq, Afghanistan ... -- you name it."

At the end of the banquet, the microphone was open for alumni to offer advice and lend words of encouragement to the younger generation of Shooters as they prepare to deploy.

"I'm humbled to be here," said retired Air Force Col. James Savage, who commanded the 55th from 1986 to 1988. "I feel fortunate in getting to be a part of what you guys are doing. Our country is in good hands with you guys, and I'll sleep well at night for that, so I thank you for what you do."

Fellow alumni echoed those words and emphasized to current squadron members that their time in the squadron is precious.

"I would remind you guys that you are professionals, and you're well-trained," said retired Air Force Col. Bob Harvey, who commanded the 55th from 1998 to 2000. "Enjoy every flight you have in the Viper, because any one of us would trade places with you in a heartbeat. We're all proud of you."

"We have ladies, gentlemen and warriors here from every era," Colonel DeMaio said. "I wanted our young fighter pilots to meet those who fought in World War II and Korea.

"I couldn't be prouder of these guys than if they were my own kids," he added. "It's been my honor."

In another seven years, the Shooters will celebrate their 100th birthday.

"We look forward to another "Shooter Saturday," Mr. Schaan said, "and a really big one as we celebrate in 2017."

For more information on the Shooter history, visit http://www.shaw.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3468 and www.20FWA.org.