About this Unit
The 60th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (60th FIS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II in 1941. Initially formed as a pursuit squadron, it served in various air defense and combat roles, notably providing air cover in the European and Mediterranean Theaters. After the war, the squadron was reactivated during the Cold War, flying aircraft such as the F-94 Starfire and F-101 Voodoo to defend North American airspace as part of the Air Defense Command. The 60th FIS was eventually inactivated in 1971, marking the end of its distinguished service in American air defense history.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 60th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was originally activated during World War II as the 60th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on January 15, 1941, at Mitchel Field, New York.
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Role in the Aleutian Campaign: The squadron saw significant action during the Aleutian Islands Campaign, defending Alaska from potential Japanese attacks and operating from remote bases in extreme weather.
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Aircraft Evolution: Over its history, the 60th FIS operated a wide variety of aircraft, including the P-39 Airacobra, P-40 Warhawk, P-38 Lightning, F-86 Sabre, F-94 Starfire, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart.
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Cold War Interceptor Mission: During the Cold War, the squadron’s primary mission was air defense, intercepting and identifying unknown aircraft approaching U.S. airspace, particularly against the threat of Soviet bombers.
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Stationed at Otis AFB: The 60th FIS was most famously based at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts, where it played a key role in protecting the northeastern United States.
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“The Fighting Crows” Nickname: The squadron was known as “The Fighting Crows,” with a distinctive unit insignia featuring a black crow gripping lightning bolts.
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Notable Alert Scrambles: The squadron frequently scrambled to intercept unidentified aircraft, including several tense incidents during the height of the Cold War where Soviet bombers approached U.S. airspace.
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Transition to Supersonic Fighters: In 1959, the 60th FIS became one of the first squadrons equipped with the supersonic Convair F-106 Delta Dart, a mainstay of U.S. air defense for decades.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 60th FIS was inactivated on April 30, 1971, as part of a consolidation of air defense forces, but its legacy continues through historical commemorations and veteran organizations.
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Pop Culture Appearance: F-106 aircraft from the 60th FIS appeared in several films and documentaries about Cold War air defense, highlighting the unit’s important role in American military history.
