Monthly Archives: July 2017

He squadron was reorganized at Norton the same day it was relieved from active duty, although it took until January 1953 before it re-equipped with the long-range F-51H Mustang. The squadron moved from Norton AFB to Ontario Municipal Airport. California, on 1 January 1954. In February 1954, it was equipped with North American F-86A Sabre. By July 1955 the transition from the F-51H Mustang to the F-86A Sabre was complete. The squadron was redesignated a fighter interceptor. Unit with an air defense mission for the Los Angeles area and its mobilization command became Air Defense Command. With the F-86A, the squadrons began standing dusk-to-dawn alerts, joining its ADC active-duty counterparts. The squadron received newer F-86F Sabres in 1957. On 17 May 1958, the 196th was authorized to expand to a group level, and the 163d Fighter-Interceptor Group. Was established as its headquarters. The 196th FIS was the group’s flying squadron, while the 163d Material Squadron, 163d Air Base Squadron, and the 163d USAF Dispensary were activated to support the 196th. ADC upgraded the squadron to F-86D/L Sabre in 1959 and Convair F-102 Delta Daggers. The F-102 was being phased out of active-duty units in the early 1960s and the 196th was one of the last units to replace their F-86 Sabres. The aircraft, however, was obsolescent as an interceptor by the time it was received by the 196th. The Delta Darts soldiered on until the early 1970s when they were retired to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center. The unit received two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. For extended periods ending in 1964 and 1974. On 8 March 1975, the unit again assumed a new mission and was again aligned under TAC as the 196th Tactical Air Support Squadron. The 196th received the Cessna 0-2A/B “Super Skymaster”. To accomplish its new role. In October 1982, the 163d again assumed a tactical fighter role and converted to the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II. And moved to March AFB. Near Riverside, into new facilities built for the unit. The 163d transitioned to the upgraded F-4E on 1 April 1987. This newer aircraft incorporated more sophisticated electronics and weaponry. On 21 March 1987, Captain Dean Paul Martin. Son of entertainer Dean Martin. , a pilot in the squadron, crashed his F-4C into San Gorgonio Mountain. California, shortly after departure from March AFB. Both Martin and his weapons system officer (WSO) were killed. In July 1990, the unit again changed missions and was redesignated the 196th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. The 163d was equipped with RF-4C Phantom II. Unarmed reconnaissance aircraft and maintained a dual state/federal mission. The unit’s primary mission was to provide tactical reconnaissance to friendly forces. The unit was also actively involved in statewide missions. This was accomplished by using a system of visual, optical, electronic, and other sensory devices. During this time the aircrews accumulated over 30,000 hours of flying time and the unit deployed across both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The 163d deployed to Pisa Airport. Italy, in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor. During that period the unit also flew as the lead unit in support of flight operations over Bosnia. After the end of Operation Desert Storm. In 1991, the phaseout of the RF-4C Phantom II. From the Air National Guard was accelerated. In 1993, the 196th became the 196th Air Refueling Squadron and was equipped with Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. And its mobilization gaining command became Air Mobility Command. In 1999 the 196th deployed KC-135R aircraft in support of Operation Allied Force. The unit flew combat missions around-the-clock refueling NATO aircraft, including complex night formation sorties with the F-117A. 1999 also saw the squadron’s Pacer CRAG conversion. This extensive aircraft modernization project required intensive aircrew training and is expected to extend the life of the 40-year-old Boeing jet beyond the year 2020. The 196th Air Refueling Squadron was recognized in 1999 and earned an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. For the fourth time. The award covers a period during which the unit personnel and aircraft deployed to Pisa Airport. Italy to support Operation Decisive Endeavor. And also flew as the lead unit in support of flight operations over Bosnia. The 163d Operations Support Flight, 163d Logistics Group, 163d Logistics Squadron, and the 196th Air Refueling Squadron all earned the Governor’s Outstanding Unit Citation as well. The 19th supported NATO’s Operation Joint Forge. While deployed to Istres Air Base. France, from 31 October through 3 December 2000. Under Air Expeditionary Force 9, the Grizzlies also sent personnel to Kuwait, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and Turkey from October through December 2000. In 2007 the Air National Guard stood up the first of several units that will operate the MQ-1 Predator armed unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. During a ceremony on 28 November at March Air Reserve Base in southern California, the 196th Air Refueling Squadron officially became the 196th Reconnaissance Squadron , taking on the Predator mission in place of operating KC-135R Stratotanker air refueling aircraft. The wing’s last KC-135R tanker left in April 2008. The Wing was the first Air National Guard unit to receive the MQ-1 Predator. And was the first to become a fully functional ANG Flying Training Unit (FTU) and Field Training Detachment (FTD) for the Predator. The squadron was recently redesignated as the 196th Attack Squadron (196 ATKS), this in keeping with the parent wing’s recent redesignation as the 163d Attack Wing. The item “Authentic Air Force USAF 196th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Ontario, F-86D” is in sale since Monday, July 17, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\Vietnam (1961-75)\Original Period Items\Patches”. The seller is “zeustinker” and is located in Marietta, Georgia. This item can be shipped worldwide.