437th FIS

Shortest lived F-106 Unit
Oxnard AFB, CA

Alumni Database

21 F-106s were assigned the 437th FIS, 441 FTR GRP at Oxnard AFB CA from 01 July 68 to 30 September 68.

The 437th FIS was activated at Otis AFB in November 1952 with F-94Cs. It was the first operational F-94C unit. In August 1955 the unit designation was transferred to Oxnard AFB and in March 1956 it transitioned into F-89Ds. The squadron received F-89Hs in July 1956 and F-89Js in March 1958. In January 1960 the squadron transitioned into F-101Bs. It was deactivated on 29 April 1968.  In July 1968 the 456th FIS moved from Castle AFB to Oxnard AFB with F-106As and was redesignated the 437th FIS, only to be deactivated on 30 September 1968 and be re-designated the 460th FIS.  The 437th FIS operated the F-106 for only 2 months, making it the "shortest-lived" F-106 unit.  Because of its short lived life there seems to be no documentation that shows the 437th ever had its own distinctive tail flash markings. The tail colors seen on the 437 FIS sixes were carried over from the 456th FIS, which also became the first markings of the 460th FIS.

Taken at Castle before move to Oxnard July 1968 becoming part of 414 FTR GRP. (James Arnold Collection)