The 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron () is a squadron of the 9th Air Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. It is based at Naha Air Base, in

Okinawa Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan. Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, has a population of 1,457,162 (as of 2 February 2020) and a geographic area of 2,281 km2 (880 sq mi). Naha is the capital and largest city o ...

, Japan. It is equipped with Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ and Kawasaki T-4 aircraft. Thompson, Pau
JASDF – Squadron Histories
''J-HangarSpace'' Retrieved September 21, 2017

History

The squadron was founded on August 1, 1977 at Tsuiki Air Base in Fukuoka Prefecture flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ. A number of the early pilots had previously flown the North American F-86F Sabre with 10th Squadron, which had just been disbanded. During this period the JASDF still followed a system in which the numbering of a squadron was dependent on the type of aircraft it operated. Single digit squadrons operated the F-86F, 100-numbered squadrons operated the F-86D, 200-numbered squadrons operated the F-104J and the new squadrons operating the F-4 were numbered in the 300s. The pilots retrained on the F-4 and from 1978 were responsible for Quick Reaction Alert duties around Fukuoka. In January 2016, the squadron relocated to Naha Air Base in

as part of the newly-formed 9th Air Wing.F-15s transferred to Okinawa base to strengthen defense against China February 1, 2016
'' Mainichi Shimbun'' Retrieved September 21, 2017

Tail marking

The squadron's aircraft bear the likeness of a tengu on their tails. Tengu are goblin-like creatures from Japanese mythology. Known for their skill with swords and possession of mystical powers, they were said to inhabit

Mount Hiko , is a mountain on the border between Fukuoka Prefecture and Ōita Prefecture in Kyūshū, Japan. It has an elevation of 1,200 metres. It is an important site for Shugendo, and a famous place for rock climbing. It is supposed Miyamoto Musas ...

in Fukuoka, located near the squadron's original base at Tsuiki.

Aircraft operated

36-5696 Kawasaki T-4 of 304 Hikotai, Tsuiki AB (5229612186)

Fighter aircraft

* McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ (1977–1990) * Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ (1990–present)

Liaison aircraft

* Lockheed T-33A (1977–1993) * Kawasaki T-4 (1991–present)

References