21st Fighter Training Squadron (JASDF)
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| 21st Flight Training Squadron | |
|---|---|
| 第21飛行隊 | |
.jpg) Mitsubishi F-2B of 21st Squadron (2010) | |
| Active | March 31, 1975–present |
| Country | Japan |
| Allegiance | 4th Air Wing |
| Branch | Japan Air Self-Defense Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Matsushima Air Base |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | = |
The 21st Fighter Training Squadron (第21飛行隊, Dainiichi Hikōtai) is a squadron of the 4th Air Wing of Air Training Command of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. It is based at Matsushima Air Base in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.[1][2]
The predecessor to the squadron was formed on March 31, 1975, and it formally became the 21st squadron on October 1, 1976.
After retiring their original North American F-86F Sabres, from January 12, 1982 to December 22, 1995 the JASDF aerobatics team Blue Impulse flew Mitsubishi T-2 aircraft as part of the squadron.
During the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Matsushima Air Field was flooded with seawater, and eighteen Mitsubishi F-2B's belonging to 21st Squadron, as well as other aircraft, were damaged or destroyed.[3][4]
In the aftermath of this event, the 21st was relocated to Misawa Air Base where it conducted a reduced schedule of training while both the airfield and its damaged aircraft were repaired. A ceremony marking the 21st's return to Matsushima was held on March 28, 2016.[5]
Tail marking
The squadron has a unique tail marking.
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