The 87th
FIS was activated in November 1952 at Sioux City Airport. It replaced the
Indiana ANG’s 163rd FIS with F-51D aircraft. In the fall of 1953 it
transitioned into F-86D’s. In December 1954 the unit transferred to USAFE. The
squadron was transferred back to ADC at Lockbourne AFB in April 1956, again
withF-86D’s and subsequently L’s a year later. The squadron transitioned into
F-102A’s in late 1958. In June of 1960, the F-102’s were exchanged for F-101B’s.
In July 1986 the 87th was deactivated at Lockbourne; however in
September of 1968 the 11th FIS at Duluth Airport with F-106A’s was
re-designated the 87th FIS. In May of 1971 the 87th FIS
moved to K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI.
After
protecting the northern tier of the united states for over fourteen years, the
squadron was inactivated in 1985 and all the once proud F-106A “Delta Darts”
were placed in the bone yard at Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Arizona.
On February 9th,
1990, the former 87th FIS was redesignated the 87th
Fighter Training Squadron (FTS). This new squadron flying T-38A “Talon’s” was
activated on April 2nd , 1990.
The 87th FTS is currently carrying on the “Red Bull” traditions!
87th FTS
87th FIS License Plate Pilot Dick Stultz Original
MEMORIAL
CMSgt. Robert P Wallette, 87th FIS
1976 – 1978
Also served with the 410th BW prior to retiring from active service.
Died Feb. 1999 from bone cancer that was most likely linked to “Agent Orange.”
Submitted by son Davis Wallette, B-1 Instructor, CBD Training, Dyess AFB, TX
Click on the picture to link to a list of F-106s were assigned to the 87th
FIS at Duluth IAP MN from Sept 30, 1968 to May 1, 1971 - subsequently
transferred to the 87th FIS KI Sawyer AFB MI from May 1, 1971 until Oct 1,
1985 deactivation. A total of 37 aircraft were assigned with 5 losses and
1 write-off.
Aircraft Assignment and Lineage
provided by Erv Smalley & Marty Isham
Red Bulls Invade Miramar
NAS
87TH FIS in the 80's
Donated by Nate Smith (Former MA-1) Coming Soon
