# What was the "tail code" for Wheelus AB, in Libya? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 28, 2004, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-tail-code-for-wheelus-ab-in-libya/261925 "2004-08-28T07:13:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-tail-code-for-wheelus-ab-in-libya/261925/1 "2004-08-28T07:13:34Z")
Pretty much like it says in the title, only with a “please.” And that’s assuming that the U.S. was using the current “tail code” system for air bases when we last were using Wheelus, which I’m not even sure is the case. Can…anyone enlighten me? Ranchoth ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-tail-code-for-wheelus-ab-in-libya/261925/2 "2004-08-28T13:04:50Z")
Do you mean airport code (like ORD for O Hare?) Because “tail code” immediate makes me think of the “N” # on aircraft. Couldn’t find it, will keep looking. Brian ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-tail-code-for-wheelus-ab-in-libya/261925/3 "2004-08-28T14:42:26Z")
> [@](#): > > Because “tail code” immediate makes me think of the “N” # on aircraft. When I worked at Edwards AFB, that was the “tail number”. Aircraft based at Edwards had “ED” on the vertical stabilzer. Naval aircraft seem to have a more obscure code (I used to know these things) like “NJ”. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-tail-code-for-wheelus-ab-in-libya/261925/4 "2004-08-28T22:02:24Z")
Sorry, I was sleepy when I posted. “Two-Letter Base Code” might be the proper term for what I’m asking about. (Or not…I’ve seen conflicting cites.) Anyway, [this diagram shows what I’m asking about.](http://www.globemaster.de/assets/images/tails1.GIF) A two-letter code on the tail of an aircraft indicating what airbase (or carrier) it’s based out of. For example, the code for Ramstein Air Base would be “RS.” ---
**Author:** ![pilot141](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e0b2c6/32.png) [@pilot141](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pilot141)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2004, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-tail-code-for-wheelus-ab-in-libya/261925/5 "2004-08-30T02:58:40Z")
**Ranchoth** I know what you mean - the big two-letter code on the tails. For example, an F-16 with **SP** on the tail is from Spangdalhem, Germany. An A-10 with **DM** on the tail is from Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, etc. The last jet I flew in the Air Force was the T-1 out of Laughlin AFB, TX. Our tail code was **XL**. Most people ask “What the heck does **XL** mean?” In Laughlin’s case, the Air Force just happened to be putting tail codes on all training aircraft when Laughlin AFB had it’s 40th anniversary. So, the **XL** is actually Roman numerals for “40” commemorating the 40th anniversary of the base. Of course since then it’s been corrupted to mean “Excel” - ie people at Laughlin EXCEL at everything! Please. Anyway, I did some googling on Wheelus and found quite a bit of stuff, but nothing that would indicate that they ever had a specific tail code. In fact [this site](http://www.dougmcguinn.com/Libya/431st.htm) has numerous pictures and discusses tail paint that reflects the squadron, but no tail code. The jets seem to adhere to the early jet days of “FS” or “FU” on the fuselage and squadron colors on the tail. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help…