Flying Tigers to leave Peterson Published Sept. 19, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- An important piece of World War II heritage will be flying away - literally - from Peterson this week. The 76th Space Control Squadron is transferring its Flying Tigers heritage to the new 76th Fighter Squadron this week. The 76th FS is a Reserve associate unit from the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., which will fly A-10s out of the active-duty 23rd Wing at Moody AFB, Ga. Representatives from Whiteman and Moody will fly in on four A-10s Sept. 21 for a transfer ceremony with the 76th SPCS. The new 76th will gain Peterson's share of Flying Tiger memorabilia, such as original bomber jackets from World War II. Lt. Col. Jennifer Moore, commander of the 76th SPCS, said the unit's members will be sorry to see the heritage go but are looking forward to forging a new identity for themselves. "We found out in July, and, I think it's safe to say, we were all pretty disappointed," she said. "It's been great to be a part of a legacy like the Flying Tigers, but we see a lot of positives in the chance to establish our own heritage." The Flying Tigers heritage dates back to 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II, when retired Army Capt. Claire Chennault created the American Volunteer Group under secret presidential sanction. A small squadron of American pilots who had previously served with the Army, Navy and Marines, the unit's goal was to defend China and the Burmese supply line from Japanese attack. The motley group soon gained international recognition for its combat successes in the air, often achieved while flying greatly outnumbered and with few replacement pilots or spare parts. Recognized by its distinctive Curtiss P-40 airplanes with shark faces, the unit was nicknamed the Flying Tigers. In 1942, the group was re-designated as the 74th, 75th and 76th Fighter Squadrons and fought the remainder of the war as part of the 23rd Fighter Group. Once the war ended, the 76th was deactivated and reactivated several times over the years to conduct various flying operations, eventually separating from the 23rd Fighter Group. The latest reactivation occurred in 1995, when the 76th Space Operation Squadron, which later changed its name to the 76th Space Control Squadron, stood up at Peterson. Now that the 76th Fighter Squadron is standing up, though, Air Force officials decided it would be appropriate for the Flying Tigers heritage to return to an aviation unit under the 23rd Wing - reuniting the 74th, 75th and 76th Fighter Squadrons for the first time since World War II. Occurring during the Air Force's 60th birthday celebration, the heritage transfer fits in nicely with the celebration's theme of "Heritage to Horizons," Colonel Moore said. "We're recognizing our past and our future with this," she said. "Giving back that legacy is part of the past, and starting a new heritage for the 76th SPCS is looking toward the future." What the 76th SPCS' new heritage will be isn't quite clear yet. The unit is still waiting to hear if the new name it has requested - the "Lobos" - has been approved. A fierce gray wolf that runs in small packs and was once indigenous to Colorado, the mascot jibes with how the 76th SPCS conducts itself, members said. But, whatever happens, members of the 76th SPCS said they're looking forward to creating their own heritage, even if it means they have to lose their old one. "At first, I was a little apprehensive," said Master Sgt. Ken Hall, another member of the 76th SPCS. "But I think it'll be a good transition. We'll make our own history."