Following the wishes of M.Pierre Messner, the then French defense minister, the Association of Tiger Squadrons was established in 1959 to improve relationships between individual squadrons within NATO. The USAFE (United States Air Force Europe) 79th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron) took the initiative and on 19 July 1961 they invited No.74 Squadron Royal Air Force and EC 1/12 Squadron of the French Armée de l`air to Woodbridge in England. Each of these squadrons had a Tigers' head in their squadron crest. The tiger stands as a symbol of strength, speed and hunting prowess.Due to the succes of the first 'meet' it was decided that future 'meets' would be held annually....
For more information on the NATO Tiger squadrons please visit: www.natotigers.org