Thank you for your interest in becoming a fighter pilot with the 119th Fighter Squadron! This site is intended to assist you with your application. Feel free to reach out to us anytime at 119FS.Pilot-App.org@us.af.mil.
For rated pilots, please complete the Prospective Rated Pilot Information Sheet and send to 119FS.Pilot-App.org@us.af.mil or directly to the 119 FS commander.
Please note, the previous e-mail address (177.FW.177.FW-UPT.Org@us.af.mil) is no longer in use or being checked.
For UPT candidates (non-rated), please scroll to the bottom of the page for applicable information. The next UPT selection board is expected to be in 2026, please routinely check this site for updates. As this time, we are unable to accommodate individual pilot candidate visits to the squadron.
A History of the 119th Fighter Squadron
The 119th Fighter Squadron is the oldest operational fighter squadron in the ANG and the third oldest fighter squadron in the Total Air Force. The squadron is a descendant organization of the World War One 5th Aviation School Squadron (later 119th Aero Squadron), established on 5 June 1917. The 119th Observation Squadron was stood up in 1930 at Newark Airport as part of the Army National Guard’s 44th Division. It played a key role in the rescue of survivors form the SS Morro Castle disaster off Asbury Park. It remained in National Guard service until activated as part of the Army Air Corp in 1940. It then performed antisubmarine patrols off the east coast until deactivated to reform as the 490th FS, the P-39 RTU. It was deactivated in 1944 when the need for P-39 pilots disappeared as it became obsolete.
The 490th was reconstituted in 1945 and became the 119th Fighter Squadron in 1946 at which point it was a unit of the 108th FW at Newark. It received federal recognition on 9 June 1947. Originally stationed at Newark Airport, the squadron relocated to McGuire AFB in 1956 which is when it also transitioned to jet aircraft (F-86A, then F-86E). The squadron moved to the former Atlantic City Naval Air Station on 5 August 1958. On 1 October 1962, the 177th Tactical Fighter Group was formed with the 119th Tactical Fighter Squadron as an element. In 1972, the squadron was relabeled as the 119th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and assigned to Air Defense Command which was responsible for protecting the United States from airborne attack. In 1973, the unit transitioned to the F-106 “Delta Dart.” In 1988, the squadron transitioned to the F-16A/B “Fighting Falcon.”
Since October 2001, the unit has had an active involvement in Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Spartan Shield. During the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's deployment in 2021, the unit became the last fighter squadron to be stationed in Afghanistan following Operation Enduring Freedom and Freedom's
Sentinel. The final F-16 departed Bagram Air Base on 26 May 21.
The 119th Fighter Squadron’s current home is Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey, as part of the 177th Fighter Wing and colloquially maintains the name the Jersey Devils. While the unit is typically associated with Atlantic City, the airport itself is 9 miles northwest of the city in the township of Egg Harbor. We’re approximately 45 minutes from Philadelphia and about 2 hours from New York City.
What we do:
The 119th Fighter Squadron operates the Block 30 F-16 and supports a vast array of Air Force missions. The “weekend warrior” mindset no longer exists as the 119th is considered an operational squadron – meaning, we support all Total Force missions and requirements. We fly and fight alongside our active-duty brethren.
We're getting more first-line missions and first-line equipment. Now we need more first-line people, people from all talent areas, all groups, and all backgrounds. And we're strong on equal opportunity. Defending America is everybody's business. That's where you come in. If you have prior military experience, we need your expertise. However, if you're a newcomer, we'll help you get that expertise at some of the finest technical schools available. . . and, we'll feed, clothe, house, and pay you while you learn your new trade.
It's your chance to build a better future and share in that great feeling of knowing you're contributing to your country... helping to insure the well-being of your fellow Americans.
The whole thing is a sharing proposition where everyone benefits...you...the Air National Guard... your civilian employer, your community...The Nation.
Undergraduate Pilot Applicants:
Additional Documentation (as applicable)