The distinctive Flying Tigers artwork is displayed on the nose of a 23rd Fighter Group Flying Tigers' A-10. The Flying Tigers are the only Air Force unit authorized to display nose art on their aircraft, due to the history it symbolizes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Catie Hague)
One of the Flying Tigers' A-10s lands at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Catie Hague)
The 'Flying Tigers' of the 23rd Fighter Group prowl the sky over Afghanistan.
By U.S. Army Pfc. Cora Gerth - 20th Public Affairs Detachment
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, May 16, 2005 — The U.S. Air Force A-10s currently deployed at Bagram Airfield are part of the 23rd Fighter Group, the Flying Tigers, out of Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and are a unique group of aircraft - evident by just one look at their nose art.
The noses of these A-10s are emblazoned with an image of a shark's teeth and eyes. The Flying Tigers are the only Air Force unit authorized to display nose art on their aircraft, due to the history it symbolizes.
The Flying Tigers were first activated at Langley Field, Va., in 1941, and took over the tasks of the American Volunteer Group, fighting the Japanese military, in China during World War II. Twenty-nine of the original volunteers joined the 23rd, sharing their knowledge and expertise.
In their first day of combat, the Flying Tigers destroyed five enemy aircraft to help the Chinese fight the Japanese invaders. The original shark's teeth and eyes were designed to scare enemies during battle.
Throughout many inactivations and reactivations at different bases, the Flying Tigers have assisted in missions in China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kenya, Somalia, Bosnia, Haiti, Puerto Rico and now, Afghanistan, as the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.
The current mission of the Flying Tigers includes: close-air support, forward air control, interdiction and combat search and rescue operations.
"We fly in the close-in battles and put our noses in the fight," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ron Oliver, an A-10 pilot with the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.
The Flying Tigers enforce high standards that their airmen must uphold. Newly arriving airmen to this group are briefed on the legacy that has been carried on throughout the years. They are trained on the vision, mission and goals to keep the original Flying Tigers' heritage alive.
Col. Warren Henderson, commander of both the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group here and the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope, is honored to lead such a historic group.
"When I'm flying, it's a pretty humbling experience to know the legacy we are continuing,” said Henderson.
“We're still interacting with some of the original squadron commanders, and it's great to see the pride they continue to have in our organization."
All of the training and preparation the Flying Tigers complete when at their home station readies them to do their part in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Flying Tigers are scheduled to finish their year-long support of Operation Enduring Freedom in September.
