About this Unit
The 87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (87th FIS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, with origins dating back to World War II when it was constituted in 1942. Initially serving as part of the air defense network, the squadron flew various aircraft including the P-47 Thunderbolt and later, the F-86 Sabre and F-101 Voodoo during the Cold War. The unit was primarily tasked with continental air defense, protecting American airspace from potential Soviet bomber threats. The 87th FIS was inactivated in 1985 as part of a general restructuring of Air Defense Command assets.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was originally activated as the 87th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 9 February 1942, serving as part of the 79th Fighter Group during World War II.
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Mediterranean Theater Operations: During WWII, the 87th FIS was deployed to the Mediterranean, where it flew missions in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and southern France, contributing to the Allied efforts.
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Flying the P-40 Warhawk and P-47 Thunderbolt: The squadron was equipped with notable aircraft such as the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and later the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt during WWII, participating in both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions.
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Decorations for Valor: The 87th FIS earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance during combat operations in Italy and France.
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Cold War Reactivation: Reactivated during the Cold War in 1952, the 87th FIS became a critical part of the United States’ air defense network, initially stationed at Sioux City AFB, Iowa.
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Interceptor Aircraft Evolution: Over its service, the squadron operated a series of cutting-edge interceptors, including the F-86D Sabre, F-86L Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart, reflecting advances in jet technology and air defense tactics.
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Homestead AFB Era: The unit was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, from 1960 until its inactivation in 1985, playing a key role in defending the southeastern United States and monitoring airspace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Standby: During the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the 87th FIS was placed on high alert, prepared to intercept any hostile aircraft entering U.S. airspace from Cuba.
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Distinctive Squadron Insignia: The 87th FIS was known for its eye-catching squadron patch featuring a cartoonish, saber-toothed tiger riding a missile, symbolizing their aggressive interceptor mission.
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Final Inactivation: The squadron was inactivated on 1 October 1985 as the Air Defense Command structure was reorganized and the threat of Soviet bomber attacks diminished with the end of the Cold War.
