ABOUT 78th FIS
- Formation and Early Years: The 78th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (78th FIS) was first activated in 1942, during World War II, as part of the 20th Fighter Group.
- World War II Service: The squadron flew P-38 Lightnings and later P-51 Mustangs, engaging in bomber escort, ground attack, and air superiority missions over Europe.
- D-Day Operations: The 78th FIS participated in the Normandy invasion, providing air cover for Allied forces and attacking German targets in France.
- Post-War Reactivation: After a brief inactivation post-WWII, the squadron was reactivated in 1946, transitioning to the jet age.
- Cold War Interceptor Role: During the Cold War, the squadron was redesignated as the 78th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and became a key element of the Air Defense Command, flying aircraft like the F-86 Sabre and F-101 Voodoo to defend U.S. airspace.
- RAF Station Sculthorpe: In the 1950s, the squadron was stationed at RAF Sculthorpe, England, playing a vital role in NATO's defense during heightened East-West tensions.
- F-106 Delta Dart Era: The 78th FIS became famous for operating the F-106 Delta Dart, one of the most advanced interceptors of its time, from the late 1960s until the squadron's inactivation.
- Final Assignment: The squadron's final home was at Hamilton Air Force Base, California, where it protected the western approaches to the United States during the height of the Cold War.
- Emblem and Motto: The unit's emblem featured a distinctive eagle and lightning bolt, symbolizing its speed and striking power; its motto was "Swift and Sure."
- Legacy: Although the 78th FIS was inactivated in 1972, its legacy lives on among aviation enthusiasts and veterans, who remember its contributions to both World War II and Cold War air defense.