Monthly Archives: July 2017

In 1957, the 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing was transferred from TAC to Air Defense Command. Being re-designated as an Air Defense Wing. The B-26s were sent to storage at Davis-Monthan AFB. Arizona many would be later used in the Vietnam War. As counter-insurgency aircraft, and the 122nd was re-designated as a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 1 June 1957. With the transfer to ADC, the 122nd was initially equipped with some obsolete F-80C-11 (modified F-80A to F-80C standards) Shooting Stars. As an interim aircraft, receiving F-86D Sabre Interceptors. In late 1957 and lastly the upgraded F-86L Sabre Interceptor. At the end of the year with uprated afterburning engines and new electronics. With the F-86L, the squadron was selected by Air Defense Command to man a runway alert program on full 24-hour basis with armed jet fighters ready to “scramble” at a moment’s notice. This event brought the squadron into the daily combat operational program of the USAF, placing it on “the end of the runway” alongside regular USAF-Air Defense Fighter Squadrons. In 1958, the 122nd was authorized to expand to a group level, and the 159th Fighter Interceptor Group. Was established by the National Guard Bureau. On 1 April 1958. The 122nd FIS becoming the group’s flying squadron. Other support squadrons assigned into the group were the 159th Headquarters, 159th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 159th Combat Support Squadron, and the 159th USAF Dispensary. In July 1960, the 159th converted to the F-102 Delta Daggers. In 1962, the 122nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was assigned to the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center. Mississippi, for six weeks of intensive flying training. Involved were 150 officers and airmen, including support elements from the 159th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 159th Material Squadron and 159th Air Base Squadron. In December 1970 the 159th was transferred from Aerospace Defense Command. To Tactical Air Command. ADC was phasing down its manned interceptor force as the chances of a Soviet Bomber attack on the United States seemed remote. The unit was re-designated the 159th Tactical Fighter Group, and the 122nd Tactical Fighter Squadron was re-equipped with F-100D/F Super Sabres. In 1970, the F-100 was still considered a first-line aircraft, and most of the F-100s in the inventory were serving in South Vietnam. The Super Sabres received by the 122d came from the USAFE. 20th Tactical Fighter Wing. Which was transitioning to the General Dynamics F-111F. With the conversion to the F-100s, the ADC 24-hour alert status ended and retraining in tactical fighter missions began. The 159th flew the F-100s for almost a decade, retiring the aircraft beginning in April 1979 when the 122nd began receiving F-4C Phantom II. Aircraft from active-duty units. In 1979 Aerospace Defense Command was inactivated, with Tactical Air Command taking over the Continental US Air Defense Mission. The 159th was assigned to Air Defense, Tactical Air Command. (ADTAC), a named unit at the Numbered Air Force. Under ADTAC, the 122nd began to fly Air Defense missions again with the F-4C, although the squadron was dual-hatted and continued to fly Tactical Fighter training missions with the Phantom. The item “Authentic Air Force USAF 122nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, New Orleans, F-102″ is in sale since Wednesday, July 05, 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.