317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
Encyclopedia
The 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...

 unit, last assigned to Aerospace Defense Command
Aerospace Defense Command
Aerospace Defense Command is an inactive United States Air Force Major Command. Established in 1946 under the United States Army Air Forces, its mission was to organize and administer the integrated air defense system of the Continental United States , exercise direct control of all active...

, being stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base
Elmendorf Air Force Base
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is a United States military facility adjacent to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. It is an amalgamation of the former United States Air Force Elmendorf Air Force Base and the United States Army Fort Richardson, which were merged in 2010.-Overview:The...

, Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...

. The squadron was inactivated on December 31, 1969.

World War II

The 317th Fighter Squadron was activated on July 1, 1942 at Theodore Green Airport, Providence, Rhode Island. as part of the 325th Fighter Group. the "Checker Tails," After six months of intensive training in the P-40 Warhawk, the 317th embarked for North Africa
North Africa
North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, linked by the Sahara to Sub-Saharan Africa. Geopolitically, the United Nations definition of Northern Africa includes eight countries or territories; Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and...

 aboard the USS Ranger. in consort with its sister squadrons, the 31Sth and 319th. the 317th flew its first combat mission in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations
Mediterranean Theater of Operations
The Mediterranean Theater of Operations, United States Army was originally called North African Theater of Operations and is an American term for the conflict that took place between the Allies and Axis Powers in North Africa and Italy during World War II...

 (MTO) under Twelfth Air Force on April 17, 1943. Flying P-40 Warhawks, P-47 Thunderbolts, and P-51 Mustangs, the 317th fought in 13 separate campaigns where it Earned Two Distinguished Unit Citations in action over Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

 and Sardinia
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea . It is an autonomous region of Italy, and the nearest land masses are the French island of Corsica, the Italian Peninsula, Sicily, Tunisia and the Spanish Balearic Islands.The name Sardinia is from the pre-Roman noun *sard[],...

. In October 1945, after the conclusion of the European air war. the 317th returned to the United States, and was deactivated,

Air Defense Command

In May 1947, the squadron was reactivated at Mitchel Field, New York and equipped with P-61 Black Widow
P-61 Black Widow
The Northrop P-61 Black Widow was the first operational U.S. military aircraft designed specifically for night interception of aircraft, and was the first aircraft specifically designed to use radar. It was an all-metal, twin-engine, twin-boom design developed during World War II...

s. Reassigned to Moses Lake AFB, Washington, the squadron was re-equipped with the new F-82 Twin Mustang
F-82 Twin Mustang
The North American F-82 Twin Mustang was the last American piston-engine fighter ordered into production by the United States Air Force. Based on the P-51 Mustang, the F-82 was originally designed as a long-range escort fighter in World War II; however, the war ended well before the first...

 in October 1948. The squadron was assigned for the defense of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Eastern Washington. One month later it was reassigned to Hamilton Field
Hamilton Air Force Base
Hamilton Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base located along the western shore of San Pablo Bay, south of Novato, California.-History:...

, California, and in April 1950, returned to McChord AFB. Washington.

In 1951. the squadron was re-designated as the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. a component of the 25th Air Division, Air Defense Command, During the period between 1947 to 1956. the 317th flew the F-82. the F-94 Starfire
F-94 Starfire
The Lockheed F-94 Starfire was the United States Air Force's first operational jet-powered all-weather interceptor aircraft. It was a development by Lockheed of the twin-seat T-33 Shooting Star trainer aircraft.-Design and development:...

, and the F-86D Sabre interceptor. In 1955 and 1956, at Vincent AFB, Yuma, Arizona, flying the F-86D, the 317th engaged in airborne rocket competition, breaking all records previously set. In August 1956 the squadron was selected as the best air defense unit in the Air Force and was awarded the Hughes Trophy, In addition, the squadron received its first Outstanding Unit Award for high combat readiness for the period of 1953 through 1956. In November 1956, the 317th began transitioning into the F-102 Delta Dagger
F-102 Delta Dagger
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...

.

Alaskan Air Command

In November 1956, the 317th began transitioning into the F-102A Delta Dagger, becoming the second squadron to receive the new delta winged supersonic aircraft. In August 1957, the 317th was reassigned in force, to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, where it assumed air defense mission of the southern portion of Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...

 and the northwestern approaches to the United States.

In the summer of 1960. the 449th FIS was deactivated and Ladd AFB was closed. leaving the entire Alaska air defense mission to the 317th FIS. To carry out this mission, the squadron was authorized 40 aircraft and 60 pilots. The squadron received its second Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for maintaining full combat readiness during and after the 1964 Alaska earthquake on March 27, 1964.

In the summer of 1965, the 317th was reduced to 29 aircraft and the manning reduced accordingly, but the air defense mission remained the same. In October 1965, the squadron was awarded the Hughes Trophy for the second time, and a third Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for combat readiness.

In December 1969, due to budget reductions, the 317th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was inactivated.

Lineage

  • Constituted 317th Fighter Squadron on June 24, 1942
Activated on August 3, 1942.
Inactivated on October 28, 1945.
  • Activated on August 25, 1947
Redesignated: 317th Fighter Squadron (All Weather) on May 10, 1948
Redesignated: 317th Fighter-All Weather Squadron on January 20, 1950
Redesignated: 317th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on May 1, 1951.
Inactivated on December 31, 1969

Assignments

  • 325th Fighter Group, August 3, 1942 – October 28, 1945
  • Fourth Air Force
    Fourth Air Force
    The Fourth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Reserve . It is headquartered at March Air Reserve Base, California....

    , August 25, 1947
  • Air Defense Command
325th Fighter (later Fighter-All Weather; Fighter-Interceptor) Group, December 31, 1947
4704th Air Defense Wing
4704th Air Defense Wing
The 4704th Defense Wing is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the 25th Air Division, being stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. It was inactivated on 8 October 1954-History:...

, February 6, 1952
567th Air Defense Group
567th Air Defense Group
The 567th Air Defense Group is a disbanded United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the 25th Air Division, being stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. It was inactivated on 18 August 1955.-History:...

, February 16, 1953
325th Fighter Group, August 18, 1955
10th Air Division, August 15, 1957
5070th Air Defense Wing
5070th Air Defense Wing
The 5070th Air Defense Wing is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the Alaskan Air Command, being stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It was inactivated on 1 October 1961-Lineage:...

, August 25, 1960
  • Alaskan Air Command
    Alaskan Air Command
    Alaskan Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force Major Command. Established in 1945 under the United States Army Air Forces, its mission was to organize and administer the air defense system of Alaska, exercise direct control of all active measures, and coordinate all passive means of...

    , October 1, 1961
  • 21st Composite Wing, 8 July 1966-31 December 1969

Stations

  • Mitchel Field, New York
    New York
    New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...

    , August 3, 1942
  • Hillsgrove AAF
    T. F. Green Airport
    T. F. Green Airport , also known as Theodore Francis Green State Airport, is a public airport located in Warwick, six miles south of Providence, in Kent County, Rhode Island, USA. Dedicated in 1931, the airport was named for former Rhode Island governor and longtime senator Theodore F. Green...

    , Rhode Island
    Rhode Island
    The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...

    , August 3, 1942 – January 23, 1943
  • Tafaraoui Airfield, Algeria
    Algeria
    Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...

    , February 28, 1943
  • Montesquieu Airfield
    Montesquieu Airfield
    Montesquieu Airfield was a World War II military airfield in Algeria, located in the mountains near M'Daourouch, about 112 km southeast of Constantine. It's precise location is undetermined...

    , Algeria
    Algeria
    Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...

    , May 19, 1943
  • Souk-el-Khemis Airfield
    Souk-el-Khemis Airfield
    Souk-el-Khemis Airfield is an abandoned World War II military airfield in Tunisia, located approximately 3 km southeast of Bou Salem, and 110 km east-northeast of Tunis...

    , Tunisia
    Tunisia
    Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...

    , June 3, 1943
  • Mateur Airfield
    Mateur Airfield
    Mateur Airfield is an abandoned World War II military airfield in Tunisia, located approximately 4 km north-northwest of Mateur, 52 km northwest of Tunis It was used by the United States Army Air Force Twelfth Air Force during the Tunisian Campaign. It was a temporary airfield, built...

    , Tunisia
    Tunisia
    Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...

    , June 21, 1943
  • Soliman Airfield
    Soliman Airfield
    Soliman Airfield is an abandoned World War II military airfield in Tunisia, located approximately 12 km west-northwest of Manzil Bū Zalafah, and 39 km southeast of Tunis. It was a temporary airfield, not designed for heavy bomber or long-term use. During the North African Campaign, it...

    , Tunisia
    Tunisia
    Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...

    , c. November 4, 1943
  • Foggia Airfield, Italy
    Italy
    Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

    , December 10, 1943
  • Lesina Airfield, Italy
    Italy
    Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

    , March 29, 1944

  • Rimini, Italy
    Italy
    Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

    , c. March 5, 1945
  • Mondolfo, Italy
    Italy
    Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

    , c. April 3, 1945
  • Vincenzo Airfield, Italy
    Italy
    Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

    , July – October 9, 1945
  • Camp Kilmer
    Camp Kilmer
    Camp Kilmer, New Jersey is a former United States Army camp that was activated in June 1942 as a staging area and part of an installation of the New York Port of Embarkation. The camp was organized as part of the Army Service Forces Transportation Corps. Troops were quartered at Camp Kilmer in...

    , New Jersey
    New Jersey
    New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...

    , October 26–28, 1945
  • McChord Field, Washington, August 25, 1947
  • Hamilton Field, California
    California
    California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...

    , November 24, 1947
  • Moses Lake AFB, Washington, November 26, 1948
  • McChord AFB, Washington, April 23, 1950
  • Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
    Alaska
    Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...

    , August 15, 1957 – December 31, 1969


Aircraft

  • Curtiss P-40
    Curtiss P-40
    The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an American single-engine, single-seat, all-metal fighter and ground attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. The P-40 design was a modification of the previous Curtiss P-36 Hawk which reduced development time and enabled a rapid entry into production and operational...

    , 1942–1943
  • P-47 Thunderbolt
    P-47 Thunderbolt
    Republic Aviation's P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the "Jug", was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single reciprocating engine. It was heavily armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, four per wing. When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to...

    , 1943–1944
  • P-51 Mustang
    P-51 Mustang
    The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...

    , 1944–1945
  • P-61 Black Widow
    P-61 Black Widow
    The Northrop P-61 Black Widow was the first operational U.S. military aircraft designed specifically for night interception of aircraft, and was the first aircraft specifically designed to use radar. It was an all-metal, twin-engine, twin-boom design developed during World War II...

    , 1947–1948
  • F-82 Twin Mustang
    F-82 Twin Mustang
    The North American F-82 Twin Mustang was the last American piston-engine fighter ordered into production by the United States Air Force. Based on the P-51 Mustang, the F-82 was originally designed as a long-range escort fighter in World War II; however, the war ended well before the first...

    , 1948–1951
  • F-94A Starfire, 1950–1953
  • F-86D Sabre Interceptor, 1953–1956
  • F-102 Delta Dagger
    F-102 Delta Dagger
    The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...

    , 1956–1969
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