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.
On 18 September 1997, Jagdgeschwader 73 was officially activated by Minister of Defence Volker Rühe. Simultaneously, Rühe designated the revitalized wing with the name "Steinhoff".