Based out of Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. the 39th Fighter Squadron "Gators" is one of the last remaining dedicated Fighter Squadrons within the Air Force Reserve Command. Operating the venerable F-16, the Gators have been deployed all over the world, including supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009.
In 2012 when it became obvious about shortcomings with F-35A Procurement, the Air Force pivoted to obtaining Block 70 F-16's as a stop-gap measure, which the Gators were one of the first squadrons to achieve IOC with the type, replacing their older Block 42 F-16Cs.
The Squadron was briefly the subject of internet conspiracy theories in 2012 when one of their jets was lost in a training mishap off the coast of Florida. Rumors of a possible defection were dispelled however when the wreckage was recovered a week later.
Today the Gators still operate from Homestead AFRB, helping ensure the safety and security of the United States.
