San Francisco Fighter Wing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Francisco Fighter Wing |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1942–1944 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army United States Air Force |
| Role | Air defense and fighter training |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
General Dean C. Strother |
| Insignia | |
| Patch with San Francisco Fighter Wing emblem</ref> |  |
The San Francisco Fighter Wing was a special unit of the United States Air Force that no longer exists. During World War II, its main jobs were to protect the central Pacific coast from air attacks and to train pilots and units that flew fighter planes. This wing was based in San Francisco, California, and it was officially closed down on June 7, 1944.
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What the San Francisco Fighter Wing Did
During World War II, the United States needed to protect its coasts. The Western Defense Command created a "vital air defense zone" along the Pacific coast. This zone stretched about 150 miles (240 km) inland and 200 miles (320 km) out to sea.
To help with this important job, the Fourth Air Force created regional air defense wings in August 1942. The San Francisco Air Defense Wing was formed to protect the central Pacific coast. It also trained groups of fighter planes and their pilots.
Changes to the Wing
Later, the United States Army Air Forces found that their standard military units, like wings, were not the best for training new soldiers and pilots. Their rules for how many people and how much equipment a unit should have were too strict.
So, the Army Air Forces changed their system. They decided to organize each base into its own special unit. This new way of organizing was more flexible, especially for training.
Because of these changes, the San Francisco Fighter Wing's mission, equipment, and people were moved to a new unit called the 411th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Wing) on April 1, 1944. The wing itself officially closed down on June 7, 1944. The 411th unit later changed its name and was finally stopped on January 1, 1947.
How the Wing Was Formed
- The unit was first named the San Francisco Air Defense Wing on August 6, 1942.
- It officially started its work on August 11, 1942.
- It was renamed the San Francisco Fighter Wing around July 2, 1943.
- The unit was officially closed down on June 7, 1944.
Where the Wing Was Stationed
- The San Francisco Fighter Wing was based in San Francisco, California, from August 20, 1942, until it closed on June 7, 1944.
Who the Wing Reported To
- IV Fighter Command, from August 11, 1942
- Fourth Air Force, from March 31, 1944, until June 7, 1944
