USAF's Madhatters: history and current deployment amid Middle East tensions

The history of the 492nd dates back to its activation on January 15, 1941. Initially assigned Douglas A-20 Havoc bombers as part of the Army Air Corps training squadron, it became known as the 55th Bombardment Squadron. During World War II, it operated various fighter planes and participated in the Normandy invasion supporting D-Day landings.

The squadron was inactive post-war but reactivated during the Korean War in 1952. It transferred to RAF Lakenheath in England on January 15, 1960. Over time it transitioned through different aircraft models including F-4 Phantom IIs and F-111 Aardvarks before adopting the F-15E Strike Eagle post Operation Desert Storm.

Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya marked another significant mission for the squadron in 2011. Today they continue their legacy by wearing bowler hats—a nod to their nickname origin—though there are no official regulations for this practice.

In November 2024, amid tensions involving potential Iranian attacks on Israel, "the work of an Air Force squadron is never done." The Madhatters were deployed alongside B-52 Stratofortress bombers to reinforce US presence following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.

"Should Iran attack Israel," it's uncertain if US jets will engage again or how such conflicts might unfold; however, "the US hopes that its presence in the region will be enough to deter Iran from retaliating against Israel."