The 132nd Fighter Wing, located at the Des Moines International Airport, can trace its roots back to February, 1941 with the establishment of the 124th Observation Squadron. The unit at that time had 110 men, 27 officers (15 pilots), and 5 aircraft.

Over the last 68 years, the 132d Fighter Wing has participated in numerous actions including World War II, the Korean Conflict, and many of the support functions of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom.

The unit first entered the jet age in 1953 with the F-80. Several conversions followed with the unit flying the F-84, F-86, F-89, F-100, and the A-7 aircraft. The latest conversion to the F-16C aircraft occurred in 1992.

For over six decades, the 132d Fighter Wing has demonstrated its dedication to excellence and professionalism. The unit has received numerous awards, including eight Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, and has participated in exercises and deployments worldwide.

The 132nd also played a key role in the recovery efforts during the 1993 and 2008 flooding in the Des Moines area, providing logistics and personnel support to the relief operations. With over 900 enlisted personnel and 100 officers, the 132nd Fighter Wing is ready to meet the challenges of a changing world, well into the century.  Read More....