Command Post:
December - 1963
Seymour Johnson AFB
[Photos accompanying this article are in Snapshots.]

Activated in October 1943, at March Field, Calif., the 482nd Fighter Squadron served as a re-placement training unit during World War II. Its mission was to train pilots of fighter units over-seas. Trainees who had already completed their first and second phase training in combat aircraft were assigned to the 482nd for their third phase training in the P-38 fighters.

The squadron's career as a replacement training unit under the command of Capt. Arthur P. Husteas, was brief. On Mar. 31, 1944, the unit was disbanded at Moses Lake Army Air Field, Wash., and its personnel were assigned to the 421st AAF Base Unit.

The 482nd Fighter Squadron was regrouped and designated the 482nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron on Nov. 15, 1955. On Apr. 8, 1956, the squadron was activated at Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, N.C., as an element of Air Defense Command's Eastern Air Defense Force.

Under the command of Lt. Col. James M. Thomas, the 482nd FIS was equipped with supersonic F-102 "Delta Daggers" in May 1957, and began the rigorous task of training and qualifying aircrews and maintenance personnel. On Jan. 31, 1958, the squadron assumed its alert responsibilities by placing two aircraft on five minute alert. In June 1958, all pilots, four non-rated officers and approximately 150 airmen were moved TDY to the Weapons Center at Tyndall AFB, Fla., for missile and rocketry practice.

Following the period at Tyndall, the squadron was put back on alert at Seymour Johnson AFB. However, due to runway construction half the squadron was forced to move to Andrews AFB, Md., while the other half moved to Langley AFB, Va. In August 1958, the squadron was reunited at Oceana Naval Air Station, Va., where they began an intensive training program in preparation for the Sixth Annual World-Wide Weapons Meet at Tyndall AFB.

The 482nd finally returned to its home base at Seymour Johnson AFB in December 1958, after having won second place in the World-Wide Weapons Meet at Tyndall.

During early 1959 runway construction at Seymour Johnson again forced a TDY move; this time to the Marine Corp Air-Station, Cherry Point, N.C. In May 1959, the squadron returned to Seymour Johnson AFB and continued activities at their home base for the first time in over a year.

The year 1960 began with the deployment of six aircraft to Tyndall AFB to test the feasibility of periodic weapons deployment. On Apr. 14, the squadron was once again forced to move TDY due to runway repairs at Seymour Johnson. The entire unit moved to Myrtle Beach AFB, S.C., and spent a total of six weeks away from home. Late in 1960 the F-102's of the 482nd were sent to depot for the Configuration VII modification which gave the aircraft nuclear capability.

Early 1961 found the 482nd busily preparing for the newly modified aircraft and the assignment of nuclear weapons. In July 1961, the squadron formed the 482nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Detachment 1, at Homestead AFB, Fla. Shortly after TDY operation was established at Homestead AFB, runway construction forced the detachment to move to Miami International Airport. Operation continued at Miami until February 1962, when the detachment was returned to Homestead AFB and placed under the command of Lt. Col. Dwaine L. Weatherwax.

Also during July 1961, the 482nd was transferred from the 32d Air Division to the 26th Air Division. In August Lt. Col. Carl T. Weaver, Jr., replaced Lt. Col. Edward F. Smith as squadron commander. The squadron continued normal operations at home with training exercises and evaluations coming from ADC Headquarters as well as the 26th Air Division.

Occasionally, units are ordered to perform special missions which reflect honor, pride and ability upon ever individual associated with the mission. This was the sentiment of the officers and airmen of the 482nd when they were assigned to provide aerial fighter escort for the President of the United States on his South American "Good Will Tour." As required by Operation Alliance I, six F-102 aircraft were deployed from Seymour Johnson AFB on Dec. 13, 1961, to escort President Kennedy's VC-135 over international waters in the Caribbean area. The deployed force completed more than 40 aircraft sorties without incident before returning home.

The outstanding flying safety record of the 482nd continued through 1961 and into 1962. In April 1962, Maj. Gen. Henry A. Viccellio presented the squadron with the USAF Flying Safety Award for having ended the year 1961 with over 18,000 hours of accident-free flying.