The award follows a year of sustained deployments and combat activity involving the F-35A Lightning II. The squadron and its associated Fighter Generation Squadron supported operations across U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command areas.
“This award recognizes more than just capability – it recognizes a warrior mindset,” said Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command. “The Airmen of the 34th have demonstrated an unwavering resolve to take the fight to the enemy, generating lethal effects under the most demanding conditions. That is the essence of readiness—not just being ready to deploy, but being ready to win.”
The squadron was deployed for 11 of 12 months in 2025 and flew thousands of combat hours. It contributed to two major operations in U.S. Central Command, known as Operation Rough Rider and Operation Midnight Hammer.
During Operation Rough Rider, the unit conducted strikes targeting the Houthi organization in Yemen. Pilots destroyed air defense systems, command and control facilities, weapons storage sites, surface-to-air missile systems and ballistic missile capabilities.
The operation also marked the first recorded air-to-air kills by an F-35A against one-way attack drones. These engagements highlighted the aircraft’s operational capabilities in contested environments.
“The 34th FS has set a standard for fighter squadrons,” said Col. Charles Fallon, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing. “Their achievements in combat and their dedication to advancing F-35A warfighting capabilities are a testament to the professionalism of our Airmen.”
On June 22, 2025, the squadron took part in Operation Midnight Hammer, escorting a strike package that included B-2 Spirit bombers. The mission targeted underground nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan in Iran.
F-35 aircraft from the 34th Fighter Squadron were the first to enter contested airspace, suppressing enemy air defenses and escorting the bombers to their targets. The mission required precise coordination between fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.
“To see the squadron grow and get to a spot where the Airmen are comfortable living and working in a place where they’re being shot at and still be experts…it was impressive to see,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Osborne, commander of the 34th Fighter Squadron. “It was the maintainers in the 34th FGS, who we deploy side-by-side with, that made all these sorties possible.”
In addition to combat operations, the squadron supported U.S. naval forces by providing defensive air cover for carrier strike groups transiting key maritime routes. It also conducted alert scrambles in the Indo-Pacific region to counter aggression and support regional stability.
The unit further contributed to homeland defense missions, including sorties flown in support of the President of the United States and Operation Noble Eagle. These activities formed part of its broader operational commitments during the year.
The 34th Fighter Squadron was the first combat-coded F-35A unit in the Air Force and is described as the most decorated F-35 unit to date. Its personnel received multiple nominations and awards for heroism and combat achievement, including recognition for the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.
