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On
May
25, 1953, a squadron of U.S. Air Force fighter pilots who called themselves
"Tyler's Tigers" in deference to their commander, Lt.
Col. Morgan S. Tyler, Jr., departed from Suffolk County AFB, New
York, and flew to Sidi Slimane AB in French Morocco. In defending
freedom, they were the only fighter squadron assigned to this
Strategic Air Command base, and it was their job to protect French
Morocco and the western coast of North Africa from any hostile
threat from the Soviet Union.
It
was during the height of the Cold War, and while patrolling the
skies over Morocco these fighter pilots would, if necessary,
intercept any Russian bombers that had less than desirable
intentions. Some of them called it going "Bear hunting."
One of these fighter pilots was my father, 2nd Lt. Robert F. Escalle, who arrived at Sidi Slimane AB in early 1954.
By
clicking on the different pages, you will learn about the
squadron's history, see a selection of photos from my father's
collection, and several more from other pilots. You will also get to know
the aircraft they flew during this critical period in our nation's
history. I hope you enjoy your tour with the 45th Fighter Squadron
at Sidi Slimane AB, and will come back often. |
