73rd Tactical Air Force Wing "Steinhoff", German Air Force
73RD TACTICAL AIR FORCE WING "STEINHOFF", GERMAN AIR FORCE
| German | blazon wanted |
| English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
The Wing was formed on 1 April 1959 as 73rd Fighter Wing. Becoming in 1963 42nd Fighter-Bomber Wing and in 1967 42nd Light Combat Wing. Renamed as 35th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 1 April 1975. Following German Unification the Wing took over MiG-29 from the GDR Air Force and in February 1993 was again renamed 73rd Fighter Wing. A unique Unite in the NATO flying at one time MiG-29 and F-4 Phantoms. On 18 September 1997 the Wing recived the honourary name "Steinhoff" in memory of General Johannes Steinhoff (1913-1994) a World War II Fighter Ace (176 Victories), later in Service of the Federal German Air Force. Inspector of the Air Force 1966-1970 and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee 1971-1974.