Hounds inactivated

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — More than 66 years of history were put on hold as the 524th Fighter Squadron, ‘Hounds of Heaven,’ inactivated here during a ceremony at The Landing on Aug. 30.

At exactly 5:24 p.m., Capt. Jason Bell, the 524 FS flight commander, roared, “Hounds of Heaven!,” from a microphone at a podium and the crowd responded with “Dogs of War!,” for the final time.

“If you think about it, the ‘Hounds’ have been around longer than the Air Force, so that is pretty significant,” said Maj. Jason Cockrum, the 524 FS director of operations.

“I am proud of the performance of all the ‘Hound’ Airmen,” said Lt. Col. David Walker, the 524 FS commander. “They put their lives on the line in some adverse situations and always did what was needed to get the job done."

“Being a part of this really hits you in the heart,” said Cockrum. One of the most important things to remember are the airmen who served here throughout the years and the legacy the squadron left with the 27th Fighter, Wing the major added.

“As we look back on the past 66 years of ‘Hound’ history, the same thing repeats itself over and over again, the nation is in need, it calls upon it’s bravest and finest, and the ‘Hounds’ repeatedly stepped forward and answered the call,” said Col. Michael Plehn, 27th Operations Group commander.

The Hounds activated in January 1941 and their storied history includes participation in the Atlantic and Pacific theatre during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Operation DESERT STORM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

The squadron flew a variety of aircraft throughout its service history to include the B-18 Bolo, P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabrejet, F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The squadron’s inactive status allows for its reactivation to fly under another wing if the nation calls, said Lt. Col. Walker.

The 524 FS is the second of three fighter squadrons to inactivate at Cannon as the 27th Fighter Wing prepares to transition to the 27th Special Operations Wing on Oct.1.