The 179th Fighter Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force (USAF) that falls under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia Air National Guard. Established in 1946, its primary mission is air defense and homeland security for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The squadron operates the F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighter aircraft, providing both air superiority and close air support capabilities. Additionally, the 179th FS also conducts aerial refueling missions with its KC-135R Stratotanker fleet. The squadron’s home base is Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.