8th FS Assumption of Command
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Lt. Col. Craig Baker, 8th Fighter Squadron commander, salutes Col. Michael Stapleton, 49th Operations Group commander, after assuming the command of the 8th FS in a ceremony here Sept. 25. The 8th FS has a rich history beginning with its activation 1941. It was one of the original fighter squadrons assigned to the 49th Pursuit Group. Shortly thereafter, while performing its combat role in World War II, it acquired the title "The Black Sheep," a nickname widely used today. Previously, the 8 FS flew such diverse aircraft as the F-15, F-4, F-80, P-51 and P-38. Capt. John Fischer, one of the first pilots to be assigned to the reactivated 8th FS, said he is "excited to carry on the history and traditions of the 8th FS." (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca)