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Library > Factsheets > 95th Fighter Squadron
95TH FIGHTER SQUADRON
Mission
The 95th Fighter Squadron provides capable warriors for America's Air Dominance Force in the renown "world's greatest air superiority fighter," the F-15C Eagle. The 95th FS is one of two F-15C Fighter Training Units in the 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., providing initial qualification to pilots new to the F-15C, and re-qualification training for pilots returning to Eagle units. The squadron maintains readiness to augment forces in the strategic defense of the continental United States.
History
Known proudly as the "Boneheads," the 95th Fighter Squadron has a proud and distinguished history that began in 1942. The squadron first saw service flying the original twin-tailed fighter, the P-38 Lightning, serving in both North Africa and Italy.
Among the squadron's many notable accomplishments was its participation in the attacks on the Ploesti oil refineries. Each aircraft carried a 1,000-pound bomb and a 300-gallon gas tank. The unit was credited with delivering its bombs "right on target." In May of 1943, the 95th FS was tasked with bombing the Island of Pantellaria, a key stepping-stone to the Allied advance. The squadron accomplished the mission with perfection, causing the island's garrison to surrender just prior to the Allies landing on the Island. The squadron also took part in some of the first shuttle missions to Russia. At the end of World War II, the 95th FS tallied more than 400 total victories including 199 air-to-air kills and seven aces.
During the post-war period, the squadron was assigned to the Alaskan Air Command, flying the P-51 Mustang. In the fall of 1959, the 95th FS was tasked with defending Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area. With the initiation of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the threat of manned bomber attacks, the 95th FS was assigned to 24-hour alert status. Armed with the world's fastest interceptor, the F-106 Delta Dart, the squadron could be called to action and within minutes, be airborne fully loaded and armed with nuclear missiles.
The present squadron was activated at Tyndall on Aug. 15, 1974, as the 95th Interceptor Training Squadron, redesignated the 95th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on April 1, 1974, and finally as the 95th Fighter Squadron on Nov. 1, 1991. "Mr. Bones" is pictured on the unit patch on a blue disc with wide yellow border a white skull with black eye sockets, nose, teeth, wearing a high black silk hat and monocle with black ribbon. The patch signifies a death's head emanating from a cloud, with an arrogant expression-is symbolic of the squadron's dauntless capability to accomplish the mission in any weather, day or night; primarily stalking the enemy to destruction. The full dress, particularly the top hat, represents the squadron personnel's sentiments that the unit is "tops," hence the squadron motto, "Death with Finesse."
During the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., the 95th Fighter Squadron leapt into action generating combat-configured F-15C Eagles and flying combat air patrol missions over cities in the southeastern United States.
The "Boneheads" continue to provide air dominance training at Tyndall AFB along with one other F-15C Eagle squadron, 2nd Fighter squadron, and one F/A-22 Raptor squadron, the 43rd FS.
Commander
Lt. Col. Scott D. Yancy
 Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Tyndall AFB Arrival: Aug. 1, 2008
Graduate of: U.S. Air Force Academy, 1992
Significant Awards: Daedalian Award, 49th
Fighter Wing Instructor of the Year, Squadron
Overall Top Gun of the Year
Unique Hobbies: Youth Soccer Coach
Comm: (850)283-2121
DSN: 523-2121
For a closer look at Lt. Col. Yancy click here.
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