Operation LONGSTRIDE/MACKAY TROPHY
1953: SAC moved the 31st and 508th Strategic Fighter Wings (SFW) from Turner AFB to Nouasseur AB, French Morocco, and Lakenheath, UK, respectively. In Phase I, 8 F-84 Thunderjets from the 31st used 3 KC-97 air refuelings to reach Nouasseur in 10 hours 20 minutes. The 31st returned home on 2 September. Phase II also started today as 17 F-84Gs from the 508th flew 4,485 miles to Lakenheath AB. With 3 air refuelings (1 KB-29 and 2 KC-97), these F-84s traveled the greatest distance flown nonstop to date by single-engine jet fighters. The unit returned to Turner on 12 September. For this operation, the 40 AD earned the Mackay Trophy