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144th Fighter Wing
144th Fighter Wing
144th Fighter Wing
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144th Fighter Wing
F-15C Eagle of the 144th Fighter Wing
Active1950–present
Country United States
Allegiance California
Branch  Air National Guard
TypeWing
RoleFighter/Air Defense
Part ofCalifornia Air National Guard
Garrison/HQFresno Air National Guard Base, Fresno, California
Tail code"California" with "Fresno" stripe
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Joel "JP" Pauls
Insignia
144th Fighter Wing
Aircraft flown
Fighter21 F-15 Eagle

The 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command.

Mission

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The 144th Fighter Wing's primary federal mission under Title 10 USC is to provide air defense protection for California and the United States from the Mexican border to Oregon utilizing the F-15 Eagle jet fighter aircraft. In its state mission under Title 32 USC, the 144th also supports the nation's Counter Drug Program and responds to state emergencies when requested by the Governor of California.[1]

The wing previously flew the F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcon, having transferred the last F-16C aircraft to the Arizona Air National Guard in November 2013. The wing's current inventory of aircraft includes 21 F-15Cs and F-15Ds and consists of 18 Primary Aircraft Authorized (PAA) and 3 Backup Aircraft Inventory (BAI) that were previously assigned to the Montana Air National Guard, Missouri Air National Guard and Nellis Air Force Base. The wing also operates one C-26A transport.

Units

[edit]

The 144th Fighter Wing is composed of the following units:

  • 144th Operations Group
194th Fighter Squadron
  • 144th Maintenance Group
  • 144th Mission Support Group
  • 144th Medical Group.

History

[edit]

California Air National Guard

[edit]
F-51D-30-NA Mustang, AF Ser. No. 44-74825, flying over Northern California, 1948
Hayward Air National Guard Base, California, 1953, F-51H Mustangs.

At the end of October 1950, the Air National Guard converted to the wing-base (Hobson Plan) organization. As a result, the 61st Fighter Wing was withdrawn from the California ANG and inactivated on 31 October 1950. The 144th Fighter Wing was established by the National Guard Bureau, allocated to the state of California, recognized and activated on 1 November 1950, assuming the personnel, equipment, and mission of the inactivated 61st Fighter Wing. The 144th Fighter Group was assigned to the new wing as its operational group with the three fighter squadrons.

Air Defense Mission

[edit]
194th FIS F-86L Sabre Interceptors, 1960

With the surprise invasion of South Korea on 25 June 1950, and the tactical air forces lack of readiness due to postwar force reductions and greater emphasis on the Strategic Air Command nuclear mission in the active Air Force, most of the Air National Guard was federalized and placed on active duty. The squadrons of the 144th Fighter Group were retained by the Air National Guard and not deployed, however numerous pilots from all three of the group's squadrons volunteered for combat duty. The F-51Ds were exchanged for F-51H Mustangs in 1951, as the "D" model of the Mustang was needed for close air support missions in Korea. The F-51H was a Very Long Range version of the Mustang, which was developed to escort B-29 Superfortress bombers to Japan, but not considered rugged enough to be used in Korea. The increased range, however, was well-suited for air defense interceptor alert flights. During its years with the P-51H, the unit earned prominence as one of the Air Force's most respected aerial gunnery competitors. In June 1953, while still flying the Mustang, the unit qualified for the first all-jet, worldwide gunnery meet. Using borrowed F-86A Sabre jets, the 144th, which represented the Air National Guard, placed fifth in competition.

194th FIS F-106 Delta Dart, AF Ser. No. 59-0136
194th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron McDonnell F-4D-26-MC Phantom II, AF Ser. No. 65-0588, now on static display at Fresno Air National Guard Base.

With the increased availability of jet aircraft after the Korean War, the squadron's aircraft were upgraded from the piston-engine, propeller driven F-51H to its first jet aircraft, the F-86A Sabre Day Interceptor in 1954. At the same time, the 194th relocated to Fresno Air Terminal, followed by the wing in 1957. On 7 July 1955, the 144th was re-designated as the 194th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, a designation kept by the squadron for the next 37 years. With the F-86A, the 144th began standing dusk-to-dawn alerts, joining its active duty Air Defense Command (ADC) counterparts, with ADC operationally gaining the 144th within the active U.S. Air Force under Title 10 USC.

The 194th continued to fly the F-86A until 31 March 1958. On 1 April 1958, the transition was made to the F-86L Sabre Interceptor, which was designed from the onset as an interceptor, had all-weather capability and was able to be used in all weather. In addition, the F-86L could be controlled and directed by the SAGE computer-controlled Ground Control Interceptor (Radar) sites which would vector the aircraft to the unidentified target for interception.

In 1958, the Nevada and Utah Air National Guard were authorized to expand to a Group level. The 152nd Fighter-Interceptor Group, Nevada ANG, was federally recognized on 19 April 1958; the 151st Fighter-Interceptor Group, Utah ANG, on 1 July 1958. With Nevada and Utah forming their own command and control structure, command and control of the 191st and 192nd FIS were transferred to their state organizations.

On 1 July 1964, the 194th began flying the F-102A Delta Dagger, a Mach 1.25 supersonic interceptor. In January 1968, Air Defense Command was renamed Aerospace Defense Command, and continued to maintain operational responsibility. On 25 July 1974, the 194th retired the F-102 and brought the improved F-106 Delta Dart into service, continuing to fly this aircraft until 31 December 1983. On 1 October 1978 Aerospace Defense Command was inactivated, its units being reassigned to Air Defense, Tactical Air Command (ADTAC), a sub-element of Tactical Air Command (TAC), with ADTAC being established as compatible to a Numbered Air Force under TAC. TAC later replaced the aging F-106s on 1 January 1984 with F-4D Phantom IIs for use in the air defense interceptor mission. On 6 December 1985, ADTAC was disestablished and its role and responsibilities assumed by the reestablished First Air Force, a TAC organization which assumed operational oversight for all Air National Guard fighter units assigned to the air defense role.

Modern era

[edit]

The 144th Fighter-Interceptor Wing received their first F-16A Fighting Falcons in October 1989.[2] These were of the block 15 type, replacing the F-4D in the air defense and attack roles. The block 15 aircraft were not ideally suited to the squadron's dedicated air defense mission. This was remedied when the aircraft received the Air Defense Fighter (ADF) upgrade in 1990.

Effective 16 March 1992, the 144th Fighter-Interceptor Wing was re-designated as the 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW), with all related Fighter Interceptor Groups and Squadrons becoming Fighter Groups and Fighter Squadrons. On 1 June 1992, following the disestablishment of Tactical Air Command (TAC), the 144 FW was reassigned to the newly established Air Combat Command (ACC) under First Air Force.

194th Fighter Squadron General Dynamics F-16C Block 25E Fighting Falcon, AF Ser. No. 84-1376, flying over the Sierra Nevada with four AIM-120 missiles on an Operation Noble Eagle mission in 2002

During this time the 194th Fighter Squadron also had an alert detachment at George AFB in Victorville, California. George AFB was closed in 1992 due to BRAC action as part of the overall downsizing of the US military after the Cold War and the alert detachment moved to March Air Force Base, since renamed as March Air Reserve Base due to a later BRAC action. In 1995, the squadron transitioned to the more capable F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 25 aircraft.

The 144th Fighter Wing was the busiest dedicated air defense wing in the country during 1999, with deployments to eight countries and more than a half-dozen states. Combat training had many highlights throughout the year. Fifty wing members deployed five F-16s to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, to participate in the Navy's annual joint combat training exercise. Members of the unit also traveled to Tyndall AFB, Florida for Combat Archer which provided an opportunity for live fire weapons training. To top off the year, six dozen members and six aircraft deployed to Nellis AFB, Nevada between 24 October and 7 November for Red Flag. During the opening minutes of the exercise, a 144th Fighter Wing four-ship flight executed a simulated kill against four actual MiG-29s. These were the first-ever MiG-29 kills in a Red Flag exercise.

Also in 1999, the 144th Civil Engineering Squadron's Fire Department deployed to Sheppard AFB, Texas for training, and 44 members of the 144th Services Flight trained at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Fifty-five members of the 144th Medical Squadron received medical readiness training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan.

As the F-16C Block 25 aircraft came to the end of their operational lifespan, the 194th Fighter Squadron began to receive F-16C Block 32 aircraft in December 2006. All aircraft were replaced by the end of 2007.

The 144th Fighter Wing started the conversion process to the F-15C Eagle from the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard with the arrival of the first of 21 F-15s on 18 June 2013.[3] The last F-16 departed the 144th Fighter Wing on 7 November 2013, destined for 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard.[2]

It was announced in 2023 that the 144th Fighter Wing would replace the F-15C Eagle with the updated Boeing F-15EX Eagle II.[4]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Established as 144th Fighter Wing and allotted to California ANG, 31 October 1950
Organized and received federal recognition, 1 November 1950
144th Fighter Group assigned as subordinate unit
Re-designated: 144th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 1 December 1952
Group re-designated 144th Fighter-Bomber Group
Re-designated: 144th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, 7 July 1955
Group re-designated 144th Fighter-Interceptor Group
144th Fighter-Interceptor Group inactivated 30 June 1974
Re-designated: 144th Fighter Wing, 16 March 1992
Group re-activated and re-designated 144th Operations Group

Assignments

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Gained by: Western Air Defense Force, Air Defense Command
Gained by: San Francisco Air Defense Sector, Air Defense Command, 1 July 1960
Gained by: 26th Air Division, Air Defense Command, 1 April 1966
Gained by: 26th Air Division, Aerospace Defense Command, 1 January 1970
Gained by: Air Defense, Tactical Air Command (ADTAC), 1 October 1979
Gained by: First Air Force, Tactical Air Command, 9 December 1985
Gained by: Northwest Air Defense Sector (NWADS), 1 July 1987
Gained by: Western Air Defense Sector (WADS), 1 October 1997 – present

Components

[edit]
  • 144th Fighter Group (later 144th Fighter-Bomber Group, 144th Fighter-Interceptor Group, 144th Fighter Group, 144th Fighter-Interceptor Group, 144th Operations Group), 1 October 1950 –9 July 1976, 16 March 1992 – present
  • 194th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 9 July 1976– c. 1 Janu1ry 1993

Stations

[edit]
Designated: Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, 1991 – present

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

144th Fighter Wing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base in Fresno, California, where it operates 21 F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft to provide air sovereignty, airspace surveillance, and tactical air superiority missions as part of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region. Established on April 4, 1948, as the 61st Fighter Wing at Alameda Naval Air Station, the unit received federal recognition and activated its on June 25, 1948, initially equipped with propeller-driven aircraft such as P-51 Mustangs before transitioning to jet fighters. Over the decades, it underwent multiple redesignations—including to the 144th Fighter Bomber Wing in 1950 and the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing in 1955—and relocations, moving to Fresno in 1957, while evolving its aircraft inventory from F-86 Sabres to F-102 Deltas, F-106 Deltas, F-4 Phantoms, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and finally F-15 Eagles in 2013, achieving full operational capability with the latter on June 23, 2016. The wing has supported key operations, including for homeland defense since September 11, 2001, and international deployments such as Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. Organizationally, the 144 FW comprises over 1,000 personnel across five major groups: the Headquarters Staff for administrative oversight; the Operations Group, which includes the for combat flying and the Operations Support Flight for training; the Maintenance Group, responsible for sustaining the F-15 fleet and comprising more than one-third of the wing's personnel; the Mission Support Group, managing , logistics, engineering, and services for 33 facilities valued at over $45 million; and the Medical Group, ensuring health readiness for all members. The F-15C Eagle, a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter with a top speed of Mach 2+, advanced radar, and armament including missiles, enables the wing to conduct air dominance missions with high maneuverability and a ferry range exceeding 3,450 miles. As a reserve component of the U.S. , the 144 FW balances federal defense roles with state emergency support, embodying its vision to be the most relevant air dominance wing through traditional part-time service and full-time opportunities.

Mission

Federal Mission

The 144th Fighter Wing's primary federal mission is to provide air superiority in support of worldwide joint operations and air defense of the continental United States. This encompasses defending U.S. airspace, particularly over California and the western region, through continuous surveillance and rapid response capabilities under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). As part of this role, the wing maintains Aerospace Control Alert status, enabling it to scramble F-15C Eagle fighters for intercepts of unidentified or potentially hostile aircraft, as demonstrated during a September 30, 2025, NORAD exercise where 144th Fighter Wing F-15s intercepted a simulated Temporary Flight Restriction violator near Fresno Air National Guard Base, contributing to homeland defense operations such as Operation Noble Eagle. The wing integrates seamlessly with active-duty forces as a gained unit of (ACC), providing combat-ready fighter assets for global contingencies while supporting the for regional air sovereignty missions. In fulfillment of its expeditionary responsibilities, the 144th has participated in combat deployments, including rotations to enforce no-fly zones during in and support for operations in the under U.S. Central Command. These efforts ensure the wing's readiness to augment joint forces in high-threat environments. To maintain operational proficiency, the 144th routinely engages in advanced training exercises such as Red Flag, a large-scale multinational combat simulation hosted by , , where wing pilots hone air-to-air and air-to-ground tactics alongside allied and active-duty units. Such exercises emphasize integration with fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, enhancing the wing's ability to deliver decisive airpower in contested airspace.

State Mission

The 144th Fighter Wing, as a unit of the , fulfills its state mission under Title 32 of the by providing federally funded support to civil authorities during emergencies, operating under the direction of the . This dual-status activation enables the Wing to assist in natural disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and search-and-rescue operations, leveraging its personnel, medical resources, and logistical capabilities to bolster local and state response efforts. For instance, in response to the 2018 , members of Task Force 144 from the Wing deployed to support Cal Fire in containment operations in . The Wing has been repeatedly activated for wildfire mitigation and recovery across Central California. During the 2020 Creek Fire, medical strike teams from the 144th Medical Group provided on-site care for evacuees and rescued individuals at incident command posts, coordinating with local emergency services. Similarly, in the broader 2020 wildfire season, Airmen supported multiple incidents, including logistics and security for affected areas near Fresno. In January 2025, Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing supported wildfire response efforts in Southern California following devastating fires, assisting Soldiers in mobilization at sites such as the Rose Bowl Stadium. In the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wing contributed to state relief efforts by deploying over 100 Airmen to assist with patient care in Pacific Grove, meal assembly for Bay Area families, and vaccine administration at Fresno facilities, partnering with the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (CalEMSA) and local public health agencies. Beyond disaster response, the 144th Fighter Wing participates in the Counterdrug Program, offering , support, and logistical assistance to federal, state, and local agencies combating drug trafficking in . This includes flights and resource sharing to enhance efforts along the state's borders and interior regions. The Wing also engages in community outreach in Fresno and through emergency relief coordination and partnerships with local entities, such as joint training exercises with regional fire departments and departments to build resilience against future crises, and hosting Fresno State ROTC cadets in November 2025 for a hands-on look at military aviation at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Units

Operations Group

The 144th Operations Group serves as the operational core of the 144th Fighter Wing, responsible for executing air defense and through its flying and support elements. It comprises the , which conducts aerial operations, and the 144th Operations Support Flight, which provides essential planning, intelligence, and weather support for mission execution. The operates a fleet of F-15C/D Eagle aircraft, emphasizing air superiority roles in all-weather conditions with advanced for air-to-air engagements. The group maintains approximately 21 F-15C/D aircraft to support its missions, focusing on rapid response capabilities. Primary roles include sustaining the Air Sovereignty Alert mission, which has been ongoing for over five decades to defend U.S. against potential threats, as well as daily fighter to ensure . The group conducts through exercises like Valley Thunder, a biennial event hosted by the that integrates F-15 Eagles with other aircraft types such as F-35s for realistic tactical scenarios over Central California . Operational deployments further enhance proficiency, with examples including a July 2025 deployment of 12 F-15C Eagles to Portland, Oregon for defensive and offensive counter air training alongside the 142nd Wing's F-15Cs and EXs until July 18, and participation in Red Flag-Alaska, where ten F-15 Eagles and over 150 personnel supported multinational air combat simulations. Training emphasizes pilot proficiency in air-to-air combat tactics, mission planning, and integration with joint and allied forces to maintain high operational tempo. The group is staffed by highly trained pilots, , and support personnel, including specialists who provide real-time threat analysis for mission success.

Maintenance Group

The 144th Maintenance Group organizes, trains, and equips maintenance personnel to generate combat-ready F-15C aircraft for both federal and state missions of the 144th Fighter Wing. Its primary responsibilities include performing inspections, repairs, and modifications to sustain the wing's fleet of 21 F-15C aircraft, ensuring effective and sustained operations in air defense and roles. The group comprises several sub-elements, including the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron for flightline tasks such as crew chief operations, , and weapons support; the Maintenance Squadron for back-shop functions like repairs, nondestructive , systems, intermediate maintenance, and the Munitions Flight for storage and handling; and the Maintenance Operations Flight for scheduling, monitoring, and oversight. These units handle specialized areas including , , and structural integrity to maintain operational standards. Approximately 400 Airmen serve in the Maintenance Group, representing over one-third of the wing's total force and focusing on technical expertise to achieve high readiness. The group has demonstrated key achievements, such as consistently improving mission-capable rates through initiatives like the Production Assessment Team partnership and providing proficient support for deployments, including a three-month operation in where maintainers rapidly deployed tools and equipment for F-15 sustainment. It also supported recent deployments to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for Operation All Weather and ensured availability during joint training exercises. In doing so, the Maintenance Group enables the Operations Group's training by delivering reliable F-15C platforms for missions.

Mission Support Group

The 144th Mission Support Group serves as the primary administrative, logistical, and security backbone for the 144th Fighter Wing, ensuring the base's operational sustainability and personnel welfare at Fresno Air National Guard Base. It supports over 1,000 military personnel across various functions, including force protection, facility management, supply chain operations, , and contracting services. The group oversees 33 buildings valued at more than $45 million, handling maintenance, design, and compliance to maintain mission readiness. Comprising key sub-units such as the Squadron, Squadron, Readiness Squadron, Communications Flight, Mission Support Flight, Base Services Flight, and Base Contracting Office, the group delivers specialized support tailored to wing needs. The Squadron provides base security and force protection measures, while the Squadron manages facility upkeep, , and environmental compliance programs, including monitoring and pollution prevention. The Readiness Squadron oversees logistics and deployment preparations, and the Base Services Flight handles essential services like meals, billeting, and . Additionally, the Communications Flight maintains for over 900 personal computers and systems, supporting administrative tasks for the 144th Medical Group through cooperative agreements. Key initiatives within the group emphasize resilience and modernization, including cyber defense training through exercises like Cyber Dawn 2025, where the Communications Squadron collaborated with U.S. Marine Corps units to simulate responses to cyber attacks. The group also contributes to infrastructure assessments and upgrades to accommodate evolving wing capabilities, such as site surveys for the F-15EX transition that evaluated facility capacity and environmental factors. These efforts ensure comprehensive and , aligning support functions with broader objectives.

Medical Group

The 144th Medical Group serves as the primary healthcare provider for the 144th Fighter Wing, delivering peacetime and wartime medical care to ensure the operational readiness of its personnel. Its core role encompasses occupational health monitoring, preventive health programs, and readiness training for Airmen, including bio-environmental engineering and initiatives to maintain fitness for duty. The group operates a at Fresno Air National Guard Base, offering routine medical services such as vaccinations, physical examinations, and treatment for illnesses and injuries. The Medical Group's capabilities extend to aeromedical support through flight surgeons who assess and certify health, as well as specialists who provide counseling and resilience training to address stress and wellness needs. It maintains deployment-ready medical detachments, such as Medical Detachment 1, equipped for and capable of rapid mobilization for state emergencies, including and stabilization in mass casualty scenarios. These detachments have supported operations like FEMA evaluations in and in California wildfires, demonstrating expertise in search-and-rescue medical integration. In alignment with the wing's broader objectives, the Medical Group integrates with Homeland Defense missions, joint operations, and expeditionary forces, ensuring seamless medical sustainment during deployments. It trains approximately 100 medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, technicians, flight surgeons, and providers, to sustain these functions. Administrative collaboration with the Mission Support Group facilitates facility-based care and logistics for the .

History

World War II Origins

The 372nd Fighter Group was constituted on 12 October 1943 and activated the following month on 28 October at Hamilton Field, , under the . As an operational training unit, the group focused on preparing replacement pilots for deployment to combat theaters, particularly the Pacific, through advanced fighter tactics and maneuvers. It also supported air-ground exercises, including participation in the during the summer of 1944. The group's three squadrons—the 407th, 408th, and 409th Fighter Squadrons—conducted training with a progression of aircraft types suited to building pilot proficiency. Equipped with Curtiss P-40 Warhawks upon relocating to Portland Army Air Base, , in December 1943, the unit continued with them for most of its operations until June 1945. Later, it converted to North American P-51D Mustangs to align with evolving combat requirements. In March 1944, the group transferred to the Third Air Force and moved to Esler Field, Louisiana, where it continued intensive training programs, graduating numerous pilots before the war's end. Following Japan's surrender, the 372nd Fighter Group inactivated on 7 November 1945 at , , as part of postwar demobilization efforts. Its personnel dispersed, but the unit's lineage and honors were preserved for future reactivation, forming the foundational heritage of the modern 144th Fighter Wing, including the derived from the 409th Fighter Squadron.

Activation and Early National Guard Years

Following its inactivation at the end of , the 372nd Fighter Group was redesignated as the 144th Fighter Group on 24 May 1946 and allotted to the , establishing its postwar lineage as a reserve component. The unit received federal recognition on 4 April 1948 at , initially operating under the 61st Fighter Wing. This activation occurred shortly after the creation of the in September 1947, marking the 144th's formal entry into the Guard structure as a fighter organization focused on training and readiness. The , the group's primary flying component, was activated on 25 June 1948 with a small cadre of eight officers and 11 enlisted personnel. Equipped initially with two borrowed P-51 Mustangs (later redesignated F-51D models), along with support aircraft including two T-6 trainers, one B-26, one C-47, one L-17, the squadron emphasized basic fighter operations and aerial proficiency. Early activities centered on state missions, including support such as and emergency preparedness, while building operational expertise through gunnery and tactical training. On 1 November 1950, the 61st Fighter Wing was redesignated as the 144th Wing, aligning the unit with emerging roles in the Guard. The wing continued to operate F-51D and F-51H Mustangs through the early , achieving notable success in aerial gunnery competitions, including a fifth-place finish in the 1953 worldwide all-jet meet using borrowed F-86A Sabres. In 1954, the relocated from Alameda to Fresno Municipal Airport (later ), with the full wing following in 1957 to establish a permanent Central Valley base. This move coincided with the unit's transition to jet aircraft, receiving F-86 Sabre fighters on 1 November 1954, which enhanced its speed and operational capabilities for Guard missions.

Cold War Air Defense Role

In July 1955, the 144th Fighter Bomber Wing was redesignated as the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing, assuming a primary air defense mission under Air Defense Command to counter potential Soviet bomber threats during the escalating Cold War. The unit transitioned to advanced interceptors to fulfill its role, receiving the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger in July 1964, which served until July 1974 as the wing's primary all-weather interceptor equipped for supersonic intercepts and armed with AIM-4 Falcon missiles and unguided rockets. In 1974, the wing upgraded to the more capable Convair F-106 Delta Dart, operational from July 1974 to December 1983, featuring improved radar, speed exceeding Mach 2, and nuclear-capable AIM-26A Super Falcon missiles for enhanced NORAD alert duties. By January 1984, the 144th adopted the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II, flying it until September 1989 in a multirole interceptor configuration with Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles, adapting to evolving air sovereignty needs as the Cold War progressed. Throughout the era, the 144th integrated into the North American Aerospace Defense Command () framework, maintaining continuous air defense alerts at Fresno Air National Guard Base and participating in intercepts, scramble exercises, and regional sovereignty patrols to protect U.S. from potential incursions. The wing excelled in operational evaluations, winning the prestigious air-to-air weapons competition in 1980 using its F-106-equipped squadrons, demonstrating superior gunnery, missile accuracy, and tactical proficiency against active-duty competitors at . The 144th supported Vietnam-era operations by augmenting continental air defenses, allowing active-duty units to deploy overseas, and contributed personnel to rotational commitments while conducting training exercises aligned with Pacific theater needs. It also participated in European theater exercises, deploying aircraft and aircrews for interoperability training to bolster alliance deterrence against threats. These efforts earned the wing Outstanding Unit Awards for meritorious service in 1967, 1973, and 1978, recognizing its readiness and contributions to national defense.

Post-Cold War Reorganization

Following the end of the , the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing underwent significant command restructuring to align with evolving U.S. priorities. In 1979, it was reassigned from Air Defense Command to , marking an initial shift away from purely defensive roles. By 1992, as part of broader post- realignments, the unit transferred to and was redesignated the 144th Fighter Wing on March 16, reflecting its transition from interceptor-focused operations to a more versatile fighter mission. A key aspect of this reorganization was the aircraft transition, which began on October 1, 1989, when the wing started replacing its F-106 Delta Dart interceptors with F-16A Fighting Falcons configured for air defense. This upgrade continued with the introduction of F-16C models, achieving full conversion by September 1995, resulting in an inventory of 18 F-16Cs and one RC-26B reconnaissance aircraft. The F-16's multirole capabilities enabled a broader operational spectrum, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, moving beyond the unit's legacy of continental air defense. In March 1992, the 144th adopted the Objective organizational model, a standardized structure designed to enhance efficiency and mission readiness. This reorganization established key subordinate groups, including the Operations Group (encompassing the ), Maintenance Group, Mission Support Group, and Medical Group, each responsible for specialized functions to support integrated combat operations. The wing's missions expanded to emphasize multirole fighter operations, with personnel deploying in support of Operation Desert Storm for logistics and training contributions in 1991. During the mid-1990s, it participated in Balkan operations, including , conducting air patrols and enforcement missions over the region to support enforcement of no-fly zones. These deployments underscored the unit's adaptation to expeditionary and joint-service requirements in the post-Cold War environment.

Modern Era and Recent Developments

The 144th Fighter Wing's transition to the F-15C Eagle marked a significant modernization effort in the early , with the arrival of the first of 21 aircraft in June 2013. Following the cessation of F-16 operations on September 30, 2013, the wing completed its conversion process in 25 months—faster than the typical three-year timeline—achieving full operational capability on June 23, 2016, after intensive training for pilots and over 120 maintainers supported by partner units. By June 2023, the unit celebrated the 10-year milestone of operating the F-15C, highlighting its role in west coast air defense since the platform's introduction. In the post-9/11 era, the wing enhanced its Air Sovereignty Alert (ASA) mission under , deploying personnel in October 2015 to bolster homeland defense amid heightened threats. The unit has also supported Operations Inherent Resolve through readiness contributions and rotational commitments since 2015, while participating in Pacific theater exercises to strengthen alliances. For instance, in October 2023, the deployed to , , as the 194th Fighter Generation Squadron, conducting joint training to ensure continuous fighter presence amid tensions. Recent developments include the April 2023 selection of the 144th Fighter Wing as a preferred beddown location for the F-15EX Eagle II, aimed at replacing the aging F-15C/D fleet to maintain air superiority. Initial deliveries for the wing were anticipated in 2025 but have been delayed due to a strike, with the first aircraft now expected in 2026 as of October 2025, following the completion of environmental impact analyses and public reviews finalized in November 2024. In November 2025, the U.S. announced plans to retain 21 F-15C aircraft for the 144th FW through 2030 to support homeland defense missions while awaiting F-15EX integration. The unit marked its 70th anniversary in Fresno on November 1, 2024, reflecting on its evolution from F-86 Sabres to modern Eagles while expressing gratitude for community support. Amid 2020s geopolitical tensions, particularly in the , the wing has focused on challenges such as integrating advanced from the F-15EX and enhancing pilot training for compatibility with fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35B and F-22. These efforts include collaborative exercises, such as fighter integration training with U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs in June 2024 and F-22s in during April 2023, to build joint tactics and address evolving threats from peer adversaries.

Lineage and Organization

Lineage

The 144th Fighter Wing traces its origins to the 372nd Fighter Group, which was constituted on 12 October 1943 and activated on 28 October 1943 as part of the during . The 372nd Fighter Group was inactivated on 7 November 1945 following the end of hostilities in . On 24 May 1946, the inactive 372nd Fighter Group was redesignated as the 144th Fighter Group and allotted to the . The 144th Fighter Group received federal recognition and was activated on 2 June 1948, initially operating under the 61st Fighter Wing, which had been federally recognized on 4 April 1948. On 1 November 1950, the 61st Fighter Wing was redesignated as the 144th Fighter Bomber Wing, incorporating the 144th Fighter Group. The unit underwent further redesignations to reflect evolving missions: the 144th Fighter Group was redesignated as the 144th Fighter-Interceptor Group in October 1952 and as the on 1 December 1952, with the wing following suit; on 7 July 1955, the wing was redesignated as the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing. The wing was redesignated as the 144th Tactical Fighter Wing on 24 September 1979 and as the 144th Fighter Wing on 16 March 1992. As the successor to the 372nd Fighter Group, the 144th Fighter Wing is entitled to its campaign credits and unit honors. The wing has remained in active status under the since its federal recognition in 1948. Its primary subordinate flying component is the , which traces its own lineage to the 409th Fighter Squadron of the 372nd Fighter Group.

Assignments and Components

The 144th Fighter Wing's predecessor units during , including the 372nd Fighter Group, were assigned to for training operations. Upon activation of the in 1948, the wing was assigned to the . In 1955, it transferred to Air Defense Command to focus on interceptor missions. The wing shifted to in 1979, reflecting a broader tactical fighter role, before realigning to in 1992 amid post-Cold War restructuring. Today, it operates under the of 1st Air Force (Continental U.S. Region), supporting homeland air defense. Key historical components trace to World War II, when the 407th, 408th, and 409th Fighter Squadrons formed part of the 372nd Fighter Group for pilot training in aircraft such as the P-39 Airacobra and P-51 Mustang; the 409th Fighter Squadron was redesignated as the upon integration into the structure. The modern organizational framework, including dedicated groups for operations, maintenance, mission support, and medical functions, was established in 1992 with the wing's redesignation to align with composite wing models. The 194th Fighter Squadron remains the wing's primary operational unit, equipped with F-15C Eagles for air superiority and homeland defense missions. Additional support comes from geographically separated units, such as Detachment 1 at , which enhances regional readiness and alert capabilities.

Bases and Infrastructure

Primary Station

The 144th Fighter Wing is stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base in , co-located with , where it has been based since 1957. This joint civilian-military airport facilitates both commercial operations and military missions, enabling efficient shared use of airspace and ground infrastructure for the wing's air defense activities. The base features over 33 buildings supporting more than 1,000 personnel, including administrative, industrial, and service facilities totaling approximately 341,000 square feet. Key infrastructure includes runways capable of handling F-15 operations, advanced flight simulators for pilot training, and dedicated alert facilities for rapid response deployments. These elements enable the wing to maintain operational readiness for its fighter squadrons and support groups. In April 2023, the 144th Fighter Wing was selected to receive F-15EX Eagle II , with the transition beginning in 2025. Ongoing enhancements for this transition include construction of a 70,000-square-foot maintenance , upgrades to storage and distribution systems, a new simulator facility, and an alert with expansion totaling 30,000 square feet. Additional modifications encompass a squadron operations building and weapons loading facility to bolster maintenance and mission capabilities. Fresno's location provides strategic coverage for West Coast air defense, positioning the wing to respond effectively to threats across the region and support national homeland defense missions.

Historical Stations

The 144th Fighter Wing traces its early stations to the , beginning with its activation at , California, on April 4, 1948, where the unit received federal recognition for the 144th Fighter Group on June 2, 1948, and conducted operations with F-51D Mustang aircraft as part of initial fighter interceptor duties. In 1949, the wing relocated to Hayward Air National Guard Base, California, which served as its headquarters through the early 1950s, supporting transitions to jet aircraft and air defense missions under the 61st Fighter Wing designation before its redesignation as the 144th Fighter Bomber Wing on November 1, 1950. The shift to an inland location began in 1954 when the 194th Fighter Squadron relocated to Fresno Municipal Airport, California, on November 1, followed by the full wing in 1957, marking the establishment of a dedicated presence at what would become Fresno Air National Guard Base and enabling expanded training in the Central Valley's airspace. By the early , the facility had evolved into a fully operational ANG base integrated with the adjacent Fresno Air Terminal, supporting ongoing interceptor roles. While maintaining a primary domestic focus at Fresno, the wing has undertaken temporary deployments to overseas bases, including rotations to , , from December 2002 to May 2003, in support of to enforce no-fly zones over . These moves from coastal Bay Area sites to Fresno provided greater strategic depth for air defense operations and access to expansive inland training areas.

Aircraft

Historical Aircraft

The 144th Fighter Wing traces its operational lineage to the 409th , activated on October 15, 1943, during , which flew the for training and familiarization missions at bases including Hamilton Field, , and Portland Army Air Base, . In 1944, the unit transitioned to the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk as it relocated to Esler Field and Pollock Army Airfield in , continuing its role in fighter proficiency training under the . By 1945, the squadron operated the North American P-51D Mustang, redesignated from P-51, primarily for advanced training exercises at Esler Field and Alexandria Army Airfield before inactivation on November 7, 1945; these propeller-driven aircraft emphasized tactical maneuvers and gunnery in preparation for potential combat deployment, though the unit saw no overseas service. Redesignated as the and allotted to the on May 24, 1946, the unit received federal recognition on March 2, 1949, and initially operated the North American F-51D and F-51H variants from , focusing on air defense alert duties and aerial gunnery proficiency. These piston-engine fighters, numbering around a dozen, supported state missions and federal activations, such as during the when the squadron maintained alert status with two aircraft from March to June 1953. On November 1, 1954, the squadron transitioned to its first , the North American F-86A , at Fresno Air Terminal, marking a shift to supersonic capabilities for interceptor roles; this upgrade aligned with the wing's redesignation as the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing on July 7, 1955. The F-86A served until March 31, 1958, followed by the upgunned F-86L all-weather interceptor variant from April 1, 1958, to June 30, 1964, enhancing radar-guided intercepts under Air Defense Command. In July 1964, the wing adopted the Convair F-102A Delta Dagger, along with TF-102 trainers, for supersonic interception duties until July 24, 1974, reflecting evolving threats from high-altitude bombers. This delta-wing aircraft, operated in squadrons of 18-24 units, participated in exercises like , emphasizing all-weather scramble responses. The transition to the more advanced Convair F-106A Delta Dart on July 25, 1974, bolstered Mach 2+ performance for air sovereignty missions until December 31, 1983, with the squadron maintaining alert postures at Fresno. In 1979, reassignment from Air Defense Command to presaged further changes, leading to the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II on January 1, 1984, which served multifunction air defense and attack roles until September 30, 1989. The post-Cold War era brought the F-16A Fighting Falcon (air defense variant) on October 1, 1989, replacing the F-4D to support both interception and under , later . By September 1995, the wing upgraded to the F-16C, maintaining an inventory peaking at 18-24 aircraft plus one RC-26B reconnaissance platform, enabling deployments for operations like Noble Eagle patrols. These versatile fighters, flown until 2013, adapted to diverse threats through software updates and modular , culminating in a 2013 transition to enhance total force integration.

Current and Future Inventory

The 144th Fighter Wing's current inventory consists of 21 F-15C/D Eagles, which have been operational since 2013 and are dedicated to air superiority roles within the . These aircraft feature the AN/APG-63 for all-weather detection and targeting, enabling effective engagement in beyond-visual-range combat. They are armed primarily with air-to-air missiles for long-range intercepts, supporting the wing's high sortie generation rates demonstrated in exercises like Checkered Flag, where up to eight aircraft achieve multiple daily missions. Looking ahead, the wing was selected in 2023 to transition to the F-15EX Eagle II to modernize its fleet, with the Environmental Impact Statement for basing finalized in November 2024. As of October 2025, the U.S. Air Force extended the service life of the wing's 21 F-15C/D aircraft through 2030 to ensure continued homeland defense capabilities, delaying full replacement. Plans call for up to 21 F-15EX aircraft equipped with advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and fly-by-wire flight controls for enhanced maneuverability and sensor fusion. Full conversion is now expected around 2030 or later, replacing the legacy F-15C/D models while maintaining similar air superiority capabilities. Supporting this upgrade, the wing employs ground equipment such as missile launchers, maintenance tools, and flight simulators to ensure operational readiness, with no significant changes anticipated in armament configurations.

References

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