An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article Display
NEWS | Oct. 31, 2017

1FW celebrates centennial, unveils monument

By Airman 1st Class Alexandra Singer 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

As part of a centennial celebration, the 1st Fighter Wing unveiled a monument at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Oct. 27, 2017.

The monument was about 9 feet tall, gray marble and inscribed with significant dates in the 1st Fighter Wing’s history.

“This monument represents everything the men and women of the 1st Fighter Wing have accomplished over the past 100 years and what they continue to do on a daily basis,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Hinds, 1st FW commander. “We have a rich heritage and track record of excellence that our Airmen celebrate and strive to continue as they work around the clock to fulfill the nation’s Air Dominance needs mission.  This monument will help remind us how American airpower began, and how important the 1 FW is to that legacy as we continue to conduct combat operations and begin our next century of being First to the Fight."

With the monument unveiling, the 27th and 94th Fighter Squadrons were given combat streamers to put on their guide-on. The combat streamers were presented to recognize the two squadrons’ recent deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Though this ceremony celebrated the centennial of the 1st Fighter Wing, it represented something much bigger that applies to the whole of the United States Air Force — the beginning of American combat aviation,” said Joshua Lashley, 1st FW historian. “The organization of the 1st Pursuit Group is one of the most important actions in Air Force history.

According to Lashley, the heritage of the 1st Fighter Wing is extremely important to the Air Force and this monument displays that heritage and history for all to see.  The wing will never forget the hard work and sacrifices of those men and women of the wing for the past 100 years.

The unveiling was part of a 3-day celebration honoring 100 years of air dominance.  

The celebration began on Oct. 26, 2017, with a 1st FW centennial dinning out, and continued with an open house, monument dedication, family day and a 5k run.