The first F-35 unit to ever see combat is now officially the best fighter squadron in the U.S. Air Force.
“Rude Rams” of the 388th Fighter Wing’s 34th Fighter Squadron have earned the Raytheon Award, recognizing the unit as the top fighter squadron in the U.S. Air Force, according to a recent U.S. Air Force press release.
“This award recognizes more than just capability — it recognizes a warrior mindset,” Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, said.
“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," he continued.
Both the 34th Fighter Squadron and the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron took their F-35 fighter jets overseas to support missions in the Middle East and the Pacific during 2025, according to the press release.
The squadron was deployed for 11 months in 2025, flying thousands of combat hours. According to the press release, the squadron contributed significantly to two historic operations in U.S. Central Command: Rough Rider and Midnight Hammer.
Operation Rough Rider aimed to “disintegrate” the military abilities of the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen. During the operation, 34th Fighter Squadron pilots struck air defense systems, command centers, weapons storage sites and missile systems. They also recorded the first air-to-air kills for an F-35A, intercepting one-way attack drones.
During Operation Midnight Hammer, the 34th escorted a strike package, which included B-2 Spirit bombers, into Iran’s airspace to target underground nuclear strikes.
Additionally, a formation of F-35s from the 34th became the first aircraft to penetrate Iranian airspace. The F-35s cleared the way by knocking out enemy radar and protecting B-2 bombers as they headed toward their targets. The mission relied on perfect timing and gutsy flying from both older jets and the newer F-35s.
“The 34th has set a standard for fighter squadrons,” said the 388th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Charles Fallon. “Their achievements in combat and their dedication to advancing F-35A warfighting capabilities are a testament to the professionalism of our Airmen.”
The 34th was the first F-35 unit in the U.S. Air Force ready for real-world combat. While other units were still testing the jet, the 34th was the first to actually take it into battle, according to the press release. It is now the most awarded F-35 unit ever. They have received a Gallant Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism for its actions in U.S. Central Command, the U.S. Air Force press release highlighted.
For their service, the airmen received several nominations for their achievements in combat and their heroism, including for the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.
Not only did they have a significant contribution to overseas operations, but the unit also aided in supporting homeland defense by flying multiple excursions, to support the president of the U.S. and Operation Noble Eagle.
“To see a 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,” Lt. Col. Aaron Osborne, 34th Fighter Squadron commander, said.
Osborne highlighted the efforts of the mechanics and crews who worked alongside the pilots to keep the jets in the air, saying, “It was the maintainers in the 34th FGS, that we deploy side-by-side with, that made all these sorties possible.”