USAF Patch Fighter USAFE c 614 TFS Tactical Fighter Squadron F 4 Phantom a4sa

USAF Patch USAFE 614 TFS Tactical Fighter Squadron Lucky Devils Phantom F 4 Torrejon AB Spain 1970s subdued fully embroidered cut edge large 98mm by 105mm three and seven eighths inches by four inches.

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Squadron History

614 Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated on 25 September 1957 at England AFB Louisiana with the F 100 Super Sabre fighters under 401 Tactical Fighter Wing. The Squadron participated in numerous firepower demonstrations tactical exercises and maneuvers in the US and overseas with rotational TDY deployments to Europe and the Middle East in support of NATO and deploying to Homestead AFB Florida during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis for possible tactical airstrikes.

From February 1964 to November 1965 the Squadron TDY deployments shifted to the Far East and Southeast Asia returning to support operations in Europe and the Middle East. As part of the buildup of US Forces for the Vietnam War 614 TFS was reassigned to 366 Tactical Fighter Wing at Phan Rang AB with its F 100 Super Sabre fighter carrying out tactical fighter and bomber operations. In 1972 following the withdrawal the USAF from South Vietnam 614 TFS was reassigned to 401 Tactical Fighter Wing at Torrejon AB converting to Phantom F 4Es. In September 1973 Phantom F 4C were received and replaced in 1978 with the Phantom F 4D.

In 1983 the Squadron upgraded to F 16AB Fighting Falcons which were replaced F 16C D in July 1988. With the Spanish Governments demands for the USAF withdrawal from Spain a new agreement was reached in January 1988 for an initial term of eight years with F 16 aircraft to be removed from Torrejon AB by mid 1991 however implementation was delayed by the 1990 91 crisis in Kuwait when 401 TFW was one of the first US fighter Wings to respond with 614 TFS Lucky Devils deploying to Doha Qatar as the 401 Tactical Fight Wing Provisional. The first ever USAF unit to deploy to Qatar the Squadron carried out 1303 sorties delivering 3.7 million pounds of munitions into Iraq and Kuwait. Following the 1991 ceasefire in Iraq plans to close Torrejon Air Base proceeded. On 1 October 1991 the Squadron was assigned to 401 Operations Group on its activation at Torrejon AB and was de-activated on 1 January 1992.

This patch dates from the 1970s.