The Early Years
P-51 Mustang
1946 - 1948, 1952-1953
Since the establishment of the Air National Guard, an ANG unit has had a thriving life at Lincoln for beyond the past 50 years. When first created, the 173rd Fighter Squadron had P-51s (F-51s after 1947) was stationed at the old Army Air Field. In September 1946, the Neb. ANG was equipped with 22 P-51s, 7 B-26s, 2 C-47s and 3 T-6s. These agile yet obsolete fighters served with the Neb. ANG until the advent of brand-new F-80Cs in July 1948. The 173rd would transition back into F-51s at the outbreak of Korea when the F-80s were called back into active service. The 173rd itself activated during the war but only served stateside.
P-51 Mustang
1946 - 1948, 1952-1953
Since the establishment of the Air National Guard, an ANG unit has had a thriving life at Lincoln for beyond the past 50 years. When first created, the 173rd Fighter Squadron had P-51s (F-51s after 1947) was stationed at the old Army Air Field. In September 1946, the Neb. ANG was equipped with 22 P-51s, 7 B-26s, 2 C-47s and 3 T-6s. These agile yet obsolete fighters served with the Neb. ANG until the advent of brand-new F-80Cs in July 1948. The 173rd would transition back into F-51s at the outbreak of Korea when the F-80s were called back into active service. The 173rd itself activated during the war but only served stateside.
The Jet Age
F-80A,C Shooting Star
1948 - 1951, 1953 - 1955
25 "shooting stars" were based in Lincoln from 1948 until 1951 when they converted back to F-51s during the Korean War. In 1953 they converted back into F-80s except they were -A models which proved to be a problem to the 173rd for years until rebuilt by Lockheed in the mid-50s after a series of crashes. The F-80s trained as tactical fighters until the mid 50's when an interceptor role was established and the Neber Air Guard transferred into Air Defense Command along with the rest of the 132nd Fighter Wing, based in Des Moines.
F-80A,C Shooting Star
1948 - 1951, 1953 - 1955
25 "shooting stars" were based in Lincoln from 1948 until 1951 when they converted back to F-51s during the Korean War. In 1953 they converted back into F-80s except they were -A models which proved to be a problem to the 173rd for years until rebuilt by Lockheed in the mid-50s after a series of crashes. The F-80s trained as tactical fighters until the mid 50's when an interceptor role was established and the Neber Air Guard transferred into Air Defense Command along with the rest of the 132nd Fighter Wing, based in Des Moines.
The Cold War Heats Up
F-86D,L Dog Sabres
1955 - 1964
In July 1955, the 173rd was given the mission of Air-Interception under Air Defense Command and given F-86D Dog Sabres in the late 50's. Armed with twenty-four air-intercept rockets, radar and aided by ground interceptor control stations, the aircraft patrolled Nebraska's skies. Along with their active duty brethren across the runway, the interceptors stood on ground alert 24 hours a day during the height of the Cold War. In 1960, the 173rd was reorganized into the 155th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and later given F-86Ls an (updated version with better electronics and weapons) until 1964 when the mission changed to reconnaissance.
F-86D,L Dog Sabres
1955 - 1964
In July 1955, the 173rd was given the mission of Air-Interception under Air Defense Command and given F-86D Dog Sabres in the late 50's. Armed with twenty-four air-intercept rockets, radar and aided by ground interceptor control stations, the aircraft patrolled Nebraska's skies. Along with their active duty brethren across the runway, the interceptors stood on ground alert 24 hours a day during the height of the Cold War. In 1960, the 173rd was reorganized into the 155th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and later given F-86Ls an (updated version with better electronics and weapons) until 1964 when the mission changed to reconnaissance.
The Mission Changes
RF-84F Thunder-jets
1964 - 1972
The 155th was reorganized to fly RF-84Fs in a tactical reconnaissance role during 1964 and even though older, the Thunder-jets with Nebr. pilots out performed newer jets at competitions. The 155th was the last F-84 (and last first-generation fighter) unit of any type in the entire U.S. Air Force when they were flown to Davis-Monthan in 1972.
RF-84F Thunder-jets
1964 - 1972
The 155th was reorganized to fly RF-84Fs in a tactical reconnaissance role during 1964 and even though older, the Thunder-jets with Nebr. pilots out performed newer jets at competitions. The 155th was the last F-84 (and last first-generation fighter) unit of any type in the entire U.S. Air Force when they were flown to Davis-Monthan in 1972.
Continuing the role
RF-4C Phantoms
1972 - 1992
The F-84s were phased out in 1972 and the 155th was given RF-4s which flew from the 70s until 1992. The RF-4s reigned over Nebraska for the longest of all 155th/173rd aircraft and the 155th was one of the last F-4 Phantom operators in the USAF. With the end of the cold war, the overall phase-out of F-4 Phantoms and the advancement of technology, a new mission would be flown by the 155th.
RF-4C Phantoms
1972 - 1992
The F-84s were phased out in 1972 and the 155th was given RF-4s which flew from the 70s until 1992. The RF-4s reigned over Nebraska for the longest of all 155th/173rd aircraft and the 155th was one of the last F-4 Phantom operators in the USAF. With the end of the cold war, the overall phase-out of F-4 Phantoms and the advancement of technology, a new mission would be flown by the 155th.
Air-Refueling Mission
KC-135R Stratotanker
1992 - Present
155th was provided KC-135 Stratotankers ( a direct descendant of both the B-47 and the KC-97 from Lincoln AFB ) which are still flown today. The 135s have served in many conflicts including Kosovo and Iraq. These aircraft are the most advanced version of the KC-135 with more efficient engines. All planes belong to the 173rd Air-Refueling squadron inside of the 155th.
KC-135R Stratotanker
1992 - Present
155th was provided KC-135 Stratotankers ( a direct descendant of both the B-47 and the KC-97 from Lincoln AFB ) which are still flown today. The 135s have served in many conflicts including Kosovo and Iraq. These aircraft are the most advanced version of the KC-135 with more efficient engines. All planes belong to the 173rd Air-Refueling squadron inside of the 155th.
