Squadron Heritage
78th Fighter Squadron
From World War I base support and Pacific combat service to Wild Weasel operations and remotely piloted reconnaissance, the 78th repeatedly adapted to meet a changing mission.
An Evolving Mission
Squadron History
The 78th Fighter Squadron was activated at Waco Field, Texas, on 28 February 1918 as an Aero Squadron. During World War I, it served at Taliaferro Field, Texas, providing base support. With the war over, the squadron was inactivated in November 1918.
As the Air Corps expanded, the squadron was reactivated in April 1931 and assigned to the 20th Pursuit Group at Mather Field, California, while attached to the 6th Composite Group at France Field in the Canal Zone. Its association with the 20th Pursuit Group ended in December 1932, when it was assigned to the 16th Pursuit Group at Albrook Field in the Canal Zone.
During World War II, the squadron served in multiple Pacific locations, including Hawaii, Midway, and Iwo Jima. It was inactivated in October 1946 and reactivated at RAF Shepherds Grove, England, in November 1952. While in England, the squadron served at several bases—including RAF Sculthorpe and RAF Woodbridge—and operated the F-86, F-84, F-101, F-4, and A-10. It was again inactivated in May 1992.
On 1 January 1994, the squadron was reactivated and assigned to the 20th Operations Group, 20th Fighter Wing, which transferred to Shaw Air Force Base that same day. At Shaw, the 78th assumed the Wild Weasel mission in the F-16 and took part in combat operations throughout the world. The squadron was inactivated in June 2003 when the 20th Fighter Wing was reduced to three flying squadrons.
No longer part of the 20th, the unit was reactivated in May 2006 as a reconnaissance squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, operating the MQ-1 and later the MQ-9 aircraft.
Across the Generations
Defining Eras
Texas and Canal Zone Origins
Beginning with World War I base support, the squadron later returned to service with the 20th Pursuit Group and assignments in the Canal Zone.
Pacific and European Service
The 78th served in Hawaii, Midway, and Iwo Jima before later operating from several RAF bases in aircraft ranging from the F-86 through the A-10.
Wild Weasel to Reconnaissance
After F-16 Wild Weasel service with the 20th Fighter Wing, the unit transitioned to a reconnaissance mission operating the MQ-1 and MQ-9.