On 18 September 1997 the Jagdgeschwader 73 was then officially commissioned by Minister of Defence Volker Rühe. At the same time, Rühe awarded the name "Steinhoff" to the re-formed wing.
The Jagdgeschwader 73 was formally established on 18 September 1997 by Minister of Defence Volker Rühe. At the same time, Rühe named the reformed unit after the "Steinhoff".