Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. -- The Mitchell Trophy Air Race is returning this year, challenging some of the Air Force's oldest and premier squadrons in a competition that has not taken place since 1936. This historic event will test the readiness, planning, and operational skills of the entire 1st Fighter Wing, specifically testing the resilience and speed of the 27th Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadron, the 71st FS and FGS, and the 94th FS and FGS with direct support from the 1st Operations Support Squadron, the 1st Maintenance Squadron, and the 7th Fighter Training Squadron.
The 27th and 94th have participated in every iteration of the race since its inception, but this will be the first time for the 71st.
This race is not solely about speed; it’s a demonstration of innovation, teamwork, and precision—the same values the trophy’s namesake, 1st Lt. John Lendrum Mitchell Jr. embodied throughout his service.
Mitchell was a pilot in the 1st Pursuit Group during World War I and was tragically killed in a flying accident in 1918 in France. His brother, Col. Billy Mitchell, the country’s strongest advocate for airpower, introduced the Mitchell Trophy in 1922 in his brother’s honor to be awarded to the winner of an annual air race within the 1st Pursuit Group.
Designed by Adolph Weinman, the trophy titled “Rising Sun” depicts Helios, the Greek sun god.
The Mitchell Trophy Air Race was open only to 1st Pursuit Group pilots who met strict criteria, including having at least 1,000 flying hours and being a member of the group for at least a year. Lt. Donald Stace won the inaugural race in 1922, flying an MB-3 biplane with an average speed of 148.1 mph. The race was held twelve times between 1922 and 1936, with the final race marking the end of an era for the competition.
“The Mitchell Trophy Air Race was more than just a contest of skill; it was an embodiment of the 1st Pursuit Group’s commitment to excellence and innovation,” said the 1st FW historian. “The competition was fierce, and winning the race was one of the greatest honors a pilot could achieve.”
After 1936, the trophy was retired but made brief appearances in the 1960 and 1962 William Tell competitions. It was then forgotten until 1998, when it was rediscovered at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base.
In 2024, for the first time in 88 years, the Mitchell Trophy Air Race will resume to push today’s 1st FW pilots to their limits with higher altitudes, faster speeds, and the most advanced aerial platforms in existence.
“The race is more than just a competition,” said Col. Brandon Tellez, 1st FW commander. “It’s a way to honor our heritage as airpower pioneers, the legacy and sacrifices of those who came before us, and the enduring role of airpower in national defense that remains ahead.
"Our squadrons will be tested not only on their flying skills but also on their ability to adapt and execute complex missions under pressure—just as the race’s participants did nearly a century ago.”
The original races focused mainly on achieving the top speed, however, the upcoming race will feature a unique format based on ACE (ACE) tactics as the competitors race across the country.
“This is about replicating the logistical challenges we will face in a peer conflict, where our ability to move, adapt, and fight in the face of numerous maintenance, support, weather and intelligence challenges, may very well determine mission success,” explained Tellez.
The Mitchell Trophy Air Race is set for the 1st FW this Fall, reviving a tradition deeply rooted in airpower history and celebrating the legacy of the 1st FW predecessors who helped shape the U.S. Air Force. Those interested in following the ACE race can look forward to updates throughout the competition and a full recap once the event ends.