The primary mission of the A-7D was Close Air Support/Interdiction, with a secondary role of Search and Rescue. The A-7D performed both missions extremely well.

 The 23^rd TFW was once again made up of the original 23^rd Fighter Group squadrons, the 74^th, 75^th, and 76^th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. The Wing Commander charged with bringing the units up to operational status was Col. Louis Weber, who held the position until November 1973. Col. Weber’s leadership set the tone for what was to became a remarkable era, both in terms of mission "first’s" and future Air Force Leaders.

 The squadrons of the 23^rd TFW accomplished a number of "First’s". I was assigned as the Wing Chief of Safety in July 1974, and had the opportunity to deploy with the 76^th TFS to Panama, Red Flag and Alaska, for scheduled exercises. The Wing performed well at Red Flag, both in the primary unit role and the search and rescue mission. The latter usually required a continuing deployment of from 6 – 8 aircraft for each Red Flag exercise. In February 1977, the 76^th TFS deployed 8 A-7D’s to Alaska for Exercise Jack Frost (now Brim Frost), the first time the A-7D had been exposed to continuing cold weather. The unit performed in an exceptional manner and was commended by then Lt. General James Hartinger, 9th AF Commander.

 As expected, there was a great deal of good-natured rivalry between the three squadrons, but when the Wing was tasked, the squadrons pulled together as one in a manner that was unrivaled at the time. The personnel assigned during the A-7D era were from varied back grounds, F-100’s, F-4’s, F-105’s and A-1’s. As a group, there was a special chemistry that made the 23^rd TFW somewhat unique.

 The 23^rd TFW was a source of future leadership. Distinguished alumni of the A-7D era consist of General Jim Jamerson, General Mike Dugan, General Mile Loh, LGen Lanny Trapp, MGen John Miller, MGen Wally Morehead, BGen Bob Gatliff, BGen Waymond Nutt, and a host of Colonels. I know I’ve probably over looked some of the alumni and their distinguished careers.

 I had the privilege of being part of the 23^rd TFW from July 1974, to August 1978. As Wing Chief of Safety, I was attached to the 76th TFS, and later became Operations Officer of the 75^th TFS.

 The 23^rd TFW continued the A-7D era until 1980, when the A-10 era was ushered in. The proud heritage continues today, both in tactical fighter operations and in space operations.