<p>Originally established as the 3rd Bombardment Wing (Light) in August 1948 at Yokota AB, Japan, the wing became a Bombardment Wing (Tactical) and later a Tactical Fighter Wing. The wing has been located in the Far East for virtually all of its operational career and moved to Clark AB in September 1974, replacing the 405th FW. Aircraft types operated include the F-4 Phantom from 1971, with the F-4E and G models assigned in recent years. The unit was due to deactivate by September 1992 as part of an agreement to vacate the Philippines, although the eruption from Mount Pinatubo pre-empted the rundown of Clark AB. Instead, the unit relocated to Elmendorf AFB in December 1991, replacing the 21st FW and adopting two of its F-15C squadrons. The 90th Fighter Squadron was subsequently activated with the F-15E, and the 962nd AACS with E-3 Sentries rotated from the 552nd ACW at Tinker AFB.
