History
Organized in China and fought in the CBI, 1943–1945. Reactivated as part of Alaskan Air Command in 1947 and equipped with P-61 Black Widow Night Fighters, used as interceptors against Soviet Aircraft intruding into North American airspace.
Reequipped with F-82 Twin Mustangs in 1948, receiving additional aircraft from Far East Air Forces after model withdrawn from the Korean War. Modified to the F-82H model with the addition of cold weather equipment and additional de-icers. Many of these fighters operated with Strategic Air Command where they served as escorts for the massive Convair B-36 Peacemaker bomber during long flights over the Arctic.
The 449th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was the last USAF unit equipped with the F-82, retiring the model in 1953 when a lack of parts made it impossible to keep the aging airframes flying. The retirement of the F-82 marked the end of front-line use of USAF propeller driven fighter aircraft. Many were ultimately scrapped in Alaska.
Reassigned to Ladd AFB in 1949 and reequipped with jet F-94 Starfires in 1952. Maintained air defense of Alaska until being inactivated in 1960 along with turnover of Ladd AFB to the United States Army as part of Fort Wainwright.
Read more about this topic: 449th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
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