The 318th Fighter Interceptor
Squadron was stationed at McChord AFB in Washington State. The 318 FIS
converted from F-106A's to F-15A/B's in 1983. The mission of the 318 FIS was
Air Defense of the North-West of the United States and Canada. In 1989 Air
Force Officials announced their intentions to inactivate the 318th FIS and
transfer the units F-15's to Oregon Air National Guard's 123rd FIS / 142d
FIG who would also take over the 318th air defense responsibilities in the
Northwest. On May 24, 1989 the first F-15 to leave McChord, landed at
Portland International Airport to begin the units new assignment in the
Eagle.
F-15 and crew on the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron's flightline. (Picture donated by
gary H. Price / McChord Air Museum)
In November of 1989, two F-15
Eagles from the 318th FIS flew east to engage in the Squadrons last battle,
aerial combat with two F-16's from Montana ANG. This battle ended as most
did for the 318th, a Green Dragon victory. The F-15's were flown home and
after dismounting their fighters pilots Lt. Col Chuck Colgrove, and Lt. Col.
John Kugler, Commander, were given a ceremonial wetting down by their
squadron mates. The Colonels each opened a bottle of champagne in a toasted
to all present and former "Green Dragons". On December 7, 1989, the
318th colors were sheathed for the last time and the unit was deactivated.
F-15, T-33, & F-106 flying over Mt.
Rainer, WA (Picture donated by gary H. Price / McChord Air Museum)
F-15's flying past Mt. Rainer in the
clouds
(Picture donated by gary H. Price / McChord Air Museum)
Flight of 4 F-15's over the Tacoma Narrows of Puget Sound. Washington State
( Picture donated by Gary H. price / McChord Air Museum)
(I am looking
for more information of the 318th FIS in the F-15A/B/C/D era, like squadron
rituals, history, personal stories related to the 318th FIS etc) Any
information that you would like to donate can be sent to
eagle@skytrailer.com
