378th Fighter Squadron


The 378th Fighter Squadron is an active duty fighter squadron in the United States Air Force whose mission is to fly, maintain and support F-16 and F-35 aircraft. It is assigned to the 495th Fighter Group, of Air Combat Command and is stationed at Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field [Air National Guard Base|Truax Field], Wisconsin. It was last activated on 8 November 2015.

History

Established on 1 March 1943 at Westover Field, Massachusetts as the 362d Fighter Group, equipped with Republic P-47 Thunderbolts. Deployed to the European Theater of Operations and assigned to Ninth Air Force in England. Engaged in combat operations until May 1945.
Returned to the United States in August–September 1945, and assigned to First Air Force at Seymour Johnson Field, North Carolina, being programmed for deployment to Okinawa to take part in the planned Invasion of Japan. As a result of the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the sudden end of the Pacific War, the deployment plans were canceled, however the unit was retained as part of the Second Air Force under Continental Air Forces and reassigned to Biggs Field, Texas, being equipped with North American P-51 Mustangs. Inactivated on 1 August due to postwar budget restrictions.

Active Associate Unit

In 2008, Air Force leadership recognized that the changing force structure demanded creative ways to generate experienced fighter pilots. The solution was to capitalize on the experience and assets of the Guard and Reserve. This Total Force Integration initiative became Active Association, whereby Regular Air Force personnel work side-by-side with host Air Reserve and Air National Guard Component units in a mutually beneficial relationship. Total Force Integration is a vital enterprise aimed at maximizing the combined contributions of the Active and Reserve components, while ensuring "right-sizing" of component mix. The 378th Fighter Squadron will continue to lead the Air Force's pilot absorption efforts and the partnerships will allow active-duty and Air National Guard fighter units to share resources, reduce duplications of effort, and ultimately, increase the Air Force's overall air defense capabilities in order to enhance the ability to provide dominant combat airpower for America.

Lineage

  • Constituted as the 378th Fighter Squadron on 11 February 1943

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft