The 303rd Fighter Squadron is a military aviation unit within the United States Air Force (USAF). Established on September 1, 1946, as the 51st Fighter Group, it was redesignated as the 303rd in 1962. The squadron operates out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is currently equipped with the F-35 Lightning II multi-role fighter aircraft. Throughout its history, the 303rd has seen service during significant conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron’s mission includes providing air defense, close air support, and offensive counterair operations to joint force commanders. It is part of the 58th Fighter Squadron (58 FS) and the 33rd Fighter Wing, both under the Air Combat Command (ACC).