National Wingman Day – February 13, 2027

History of National Wingman Day

In case you are wondering where the term ‘wingman comes from, it’s from the U.S. Air Force flying community. The word stems from a time-honored tradition that says a wingman will always watch the lead pilot´s back, stay with and protect him or her. The term originated in combat aviation. When pilots are flying in formation, especially in training for combat or in actual aerial combat, the person next to the pilot is referred to as the wingman. The pilot is traditionally on their right but they are sometimes on either side.

The wingman is the man on the pilot’s wing. Pilots are often trained to attack and defend in pairs watching out for each other in aerial combat. This Culture of Airmen includes integrity, service before self, and excellence in all they do. They accomplish their mission as a dedicated team. To succeed, airmen engage with other airmen in a way that fosters communication and connection. Practicing to be a good wingman needs to happen daily.

The idea behind National Wingman Day is that every day should be a Wingman Day. In everyday life, a wingman is part of a pair of friends socializing together, approaching other pairs and groups while avoiding the awkwardness of acting alone. The wingman strikes up a conversation and proposes group social activities, providing their friend with a pleasant and unthreatening social pretext to chat or flirt with a particularly attractive person. The wingman can also keep their friends safe by preventing them from drinking excessively or behaving in a reckless or socially embarrassing way.