El Ala 23 es una de las unidades decanas del Ejército del Aire español. En el año 2003 cumplió 50 años de servicio, siempre dedicada a labores de enseñanza y formación de los pilotos de combate españoles, y siempre basada en la Base Aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz). Sus pilotos destacan tanto por su forma de volar como por su calidad humana, y son conocidos como los "Patas negras".

        The 23 rd Wing is located in Badajoz Air Base; it is one of the oldest units of the Spanish Air Force. Recently on 2003, it was it's 50 th Anniversary. Since it's creation in 1953 this Wing has been entirely dedicated to the training and teaching of the best Spanish combat pilots. Its home base has always been located at Talavera la Real (Badajoz) Air Force Base. Its pilots are well known for their flying abilities, skills and largely for their human qualities. They are branded as the "Black Legs or Patas Negras".

(This label is synonymous with excellence and of the highest quality. It originates from the world celebrated Spanish Cured Ham, a typical delicatessen from Extremadura, where the Wing and Air Base are located )