21st Flight Training Squadron
第21飛行隊
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

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]}

History

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.

Aircraft operated

Trainer

• Mitsubishi T-2 (1976-2004)
• Mitsubishi F-2B (2002–present)

Liaison

• Lockheed T-33A (1976-1994)
• Kawasaki T-4 (1992–present)

See also

• Blue Impulse

References

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