48th FIS

590147 at Osan AB, Korea Jul 1968 with 318th FIS markings, but actually taken over by the 48th FIS while in Korea.  The 500lb bomb load was a practical joke played on visiting ADC commander Lt Gen Agan.

From the Squadron Signal F-106 book

Tazlanglian Devils Background info thanks to TSgt (Ret) Bob Cope

The 48th FIS was known as the "Tazlanglian Devils."  I know, I know; it don't sound right, but that's the way Lt Col Dick Stultz, Taz's author, named the mascot -- probably had something to do with copyright infringement.  I remember that huge, flaming red character painted on the weapons building wall.  It had an abnormally large set of... hanging from between its legs as it stood there grimacing and clutching in one of its hands a devil's trident.  Lot's of wives complained, even to high ranking officials at TAC Hqs., but Taz endured.  If that wasn't enough, we even had a Taz Suit ( complete with the aforementioned armament) that we put someone in at squadron parties, and at random times he would come "swing'n in" to add his own special contribution to the fun.

Series from Robert (Bob) Pelletier, served with 48th 1978-83.  Bob is pictured in the Load Crew shots.


Submitted by Bob Wegeman Jun 2003.  Bob perched his 59-0145, taken Jul 1980 at Langley

Series submitted by Capt Doug Henson, Jan 2002.  Doug writes:
"I was stationed with the 48^th FIS at Langley AFB, VA from April 1973 until June 1975.  Detachment 1 was located in Wilmington, NC and Det 2 was located at Homestead AFB, FL.  Each pilot spent two weeks at home, followed by one week on alert at Homestead.  A typical alert week provided several opportunities for active air scrambles against everything from Cuban Migs, to drug smugglers, to sightseers flying along the Florida Keys, to Navy P-3s entering the ADIZ after a twelve hour sub hunting mission.  In addition, President Nixon flew in and out of Homestead AFB when he went to his retreat in Key Biscayne.  Each time he arrived or departed the area in Air Force One, the base was closed to other air traffic, so we were assigned airborne alert.  Homestead was a hotbed of activity for our F106 air defense mission."
While exploring your website, I was excited to see that “my” airplane is still in existence at Warner Robins awaiting restoration. Here’s a photo of S/N 590123 on the ramp at the 48^th FIS at Langley AFB circa 1974.  Notice the drag chute canister lying on the ground.  The plane is fueled and ready to go.  Also notice the tail marking at that time was a simple 48^th squadron flash.

Here’s a closeup view with me and my crew chief.  We were showing off our new artwork.  Notice the dark blue band on the nosewheel door.  It reads “Pilot 1LT D. R. Henson” on the top line with “Crew Chief A1C C. J. Willard” on the bottom line.  At that time in the 48^th’s history, the only markings other than the standard USAF stuff was the 48^th flash on the tail.  I was interested in a little morale boosting, so wanted to start putting names on the aircraft.  Our maintenance officer wasn’t interested, so one day my crew chief and I decided to take matters in our own hands.  I found a stencil machine while he found a can of spray paint.  With others looking on in envy, we strutted out to the flightline and branded our names on the canopy frame.  Turns out that everyone liked the idea, so the maintenance officer decided to go with the flow and standardize things.  The nosewheel door markings were designed and all aircraft were marked with pilot and crew chief names.