The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was a subsonic second-generation jet interceptor of the United States Air Force. After a long development during the postwar era of the late 1940s, it began reaching operational units in the early 1950s. A stablemate of the North American F-86D Sabre Interceptor, the F-89 replaced the first-generation Lockheed F-94 Starfire interceptor, primarily in the Air Defense Command (ADC). It was phased out of active service in the late 1950s, being replaced by supersonic McDonnell F-101B Voodoos and Convair F-102A Delta Daggers. interceptors.
The last active-duty USAF F-89J was transferred to Air National Guard service by the 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Keflavik Airport, Iceland in July, 1962. [1]
The Wisconsin Air National Guard 176th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was federalized during the Korean War, receiving F-89Cs in February 1952-while on active duty. It was returned to state control in November 1952. Two squadrons of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, the 126th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at General Mitchell Field, Milwaukee and the 176th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Truax Field, Madison were the first ANG units to be equipped with a mixture of F-89B/Cs in September 1954. [1]
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion reached the end of the line of US military service in July 1969 when the Iowa Air National Guard 124th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron retired its last F-89Js. [1]
Active-Duty USAF operational squadrons | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Squadron | Unit | Model | Service | Notes/Subsequent History |
11th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 515th Air Defense Group | F-89D | Apr 1955-Aug 1956 | Duluth International Airport, MN; Converted to F-102 Delta Dagger [7] [8] |
15th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 34th Air Division | F-89J | Apr 1959-Apr 1960 | Davis Monthan Air Force Base, AZ; Converted to F-101B Voodoo [8] |
18th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 514th Air Defense Group | F-89D | Jan 1954-Jun 1957 | Alaskan Air Command; Ladd Air Force Base, AK; Converted to F-102 Delta Dagger [1] |
29th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 29th Air Division | F-89H F-89J |
May 1957-Jun 1960 | Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT, F-89J April 1958; Converted to F-101B Voodoo June 1960 [9] |
49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
4727th Air Defense Group Syracuse Air Defense Sector |
F-89J | Aug 1959-Dec 1959 | Griffiss Air Force Base, NY, Acquired F-89Js by swapping F-86L Sabres with 465th FIS; Converted to F-101B/F Voodoo [10] |
54th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 29th Air Division | F-89J | Jul 1957-Dec 1960 | Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD, Squadron inactivated 25 December 1960 [10] |
57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
528th Air Defense Group Iceland Air Defense Force 1400th Operations Group |
F-89C F-89D F-89J |
Apr 1953-Jul 1962 | Presque Isle Air Force Base, ME; to Military Air Transport Service (MATS): Keflavik Airport, Iceland; To F-89D Aug 1953; F-89J Aug 1954; Last active-duty F-89 Squadron; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger [1] [10] |
58th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
33d Fighter Group 4735th Air Defense Group |
F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Apr 1955-Aug 1959 | Otis Air Force Base, MA, F-89H 1956, F-89J 1957; Squadron inactivated 25 December 1960 [1] [10] |
59th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
64th Air Division 4732d Air Defense Group |
F-89D F-89J |
Dec 1954-Apr 1960 | Goose Air Force Base, Labrador; transferred from Northeast Air Command (NEAC) with F-89Ds 1 April 1957 and converted to F-89J; converted to F-102A Delta Dagger [1] [11] |
61st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
64th Air Division 4731st Air Defense Group |
F-89C F-89D |
Jun 1954-Nov 1957 | Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Labrador; transferred from NEAC with F-89Ds 1 April 1957; F-89D received Jan 1955; converted to F-102A Delta Dagger [1] [11] |
63d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
527th Air Defense Group 56th Fighter Group |
F-89D | Apr 1955-Aug 1955 | Wurtsmith Air Force Base, MI; Inactivated; replaced by 445th FIS (Project Arrow) [11] |
64th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 10th Air Division | F-89C | Apr 1954-Aug 1957 | Alaskan Air Command: Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger [1] [12] |
65th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 10th Air Division | F-89C F-89D |
Apr 1954-Jan 1958 | Alaskan Air Command: Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK; to F-89D November 1954; inactivated Jan 1958 [1] [12] |
66th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 10th Air Division | F-89C | Jul 1954-Nov 1957 | Alaskan Air Command: Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK; Inactivated Jan 1958 [12] [1] |
74th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
4711th Air Defense Wing 528th Air Defense Group 64th Air Division |
F-89C F-89D |
Jun 1952-Jun 1958 | Presque Isle Air Force Base, ME; to NEAC, Thule Air Base, Greenland; F-89D June 1955; inactivated June 1958 [1] [12] |
75th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 23d Fighter Group | F-89D F-89H |
Aug 1955-Jul 1959 | Presque Isle Air Force Base, ME; Replaced 318th FIS; F-89H April 1957; Converted to F-101B Voodoo July 1959 [12] |
76th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
23d Fighter Group 35th Air Division 32d Air Division |
F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Aug 1955-Apr 1961 | Presque Isle Air Force Base, ME; McCoy Air Force Base, FL; Replaced 82d FIS; F-89H, November 1957; F-89J June 1959; Converted to F-102A April 1961 [13] |
82d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 28th Air Division | F-89D | Apr 1955-Aug 1955 | Travis Air Force Base, CA; Inactivated; replaced by 76th FIS (Project Arrow) [13] |
83d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 78th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89B | Oct 1951-Jun 1952 | Hamilton Air Force Base, CA; Converted to F-86D Sabre Interceptor, June 1952 [13] |
84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 78th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89B F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Jun 1951-Mar 1959 | Hamilton Air Force Base, CA; First USAF F-89 Squadron; Converted to F-101B Voodoo, March 1959 [14] |
98th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
4621st Air Defense Wing 4728th Air Defense Group New York Air Defense Sector |
F-89D F-89J |
Apr 1956-Jul 1959 | Dover Air Force Base, DE; activated with F-89D; F-89J April 1957; Converted to F-101B Voodoo, July 1959 [15] |
176th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 128th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89C | Feb 1952-Nov 1952 | Federalized Wisconsin Air National Guard during Korean War; Truax Field, WI, Federalized with F-89D; Only ANG unit during Korean War equipped with F-89; Returned to State Control, November 1952, re-equipped with F-51H Mustangs [1] |
318th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 528th Air Defense Group | F-89D | Apr 1955-Aug 1955 | Presque Isle Air Force Base, ME; Replaced by 75th FIS (Project Arrow), moved to McChord AFB, WA and re-equipped with F-86L Sabre Interceptor [16] |
319th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
30th Air Division Detroit Air Defense Sector |
F-89J | Oct 1957-Feb 1960 | Bunker Hill Air Force Base, IN; Westover Air Force Base, MA; converted to F-106A Delta Dart, February 1960 [16] |
321st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 326th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Aug 1955-Mar 1960 | Paine Air Force Base, WA; replaced 83d FIS; F-89H July 1956; F-89J Oct 1957; Inactivated March 1960 [17] |
337th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 514th Air Defense Group | F-89D | Jul 1954-Aug 1955 | Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport, MN, Activated July 1954; Replaced in August 1955 by 432d FIS Project Arrow and moved to Westover AFB, MA; re-equipped with F-86D Sabre Interceptor [18] |
432d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 475th Fighter Group | F-89D F-89H |
Aug 1955-Jan 1958 | Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, MN; Replaced 337th FIS; F-89H July 1956; Inactivated January 1958, assets to 109th FIS (Minnesota ANG) [19] |
433d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
31st Air Division 520th Air Defense Group 11th Air Division 5001st Air Defense Group 32d Fighter Group |
F-89C F-89D |
Nov 1952-Jan 1958 | Truax Field, WI: Ladd Air Force Base, AK: Minot Air Force Base, ND; Took over ex 176th FIS aircraft; converted to F-89D sometime in 1955; inactivated January 1958 [19] |
437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 414th Fighter Group | F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Mar 1956-Jan 1960 | Oxnard Air Force Base, CA; F-89H July 1956; F-89J March 1958; Converted to F-101B Voodoo January 1960 [19] |
438th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 507th Fighter Group | F-89D | Apr 1954-Jul 1957 | Kincheloe Air Force Base, MI; Replaced with F-102A Delta Dagger, July 1957 [19] |
445th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 412th Fighter Group | F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Aug 1955-Dec 1959 | Wurtsmith Air Force Base, MI; Replaced 63d FIS, F-89H March 1956; F-89J October 1956; Converted to F-101B Voodoo December 1959 [19] |
449th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
5001st Air Defense Group 11th Air Division |
F-89D | Nov 1954-Aug 1960 | Alaskan Air Command: Ladd Air Force Base, AK; inactivated August 1960 [1] |
460th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 337th Fighter Group | F-89D | Aug 1955-May 1958 | Portland International Airport, OR; replaced 437th FIS; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger, May 1958 [20] |
465th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
4711th Air Defense Wing 32d Air Division 4727th Air Defense Group |
F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Oct 1955-Jul 1959 | Griffiss Air Force Base, NY; F-89H, May 1956; F-89J Apr 1957; Swapped designations with 49th FIS July 1959, Converted to F-86L Sabre Interceptor [20] |
497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 84th Fighter Group | F-89D | Apr 1954-Aug 1955 | Portland International Airport, OR; converted to F-86D Sabre Interceptor [21] |
USAF Air Training Command squadrons | ||||
3625th Combat Crew Training Squadron | USAF Aircrew School (Interceptor) | F-89B | Dec 1951-Jan 1954 | Tyndall Air Force Base, FL; Inactivated. Aircraft transferred to Alaska or Northeast Air Command [22] |
3533d Combat Crew Training Squadron | 3550th Combat Crew Training Wing | F-89D F-89H |
Jul 1953-Jun 1957 | Moody Air Force Base, GA; Inactivated. Training transferred to James Connolly AFB, TX [22] |
4750th Pilot Training Wing | F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Nov 1956-Jul 1958 | Yuma County Airport, AZ; Inactivated. Training transferred to James Connolly AFB, TX [23] | |
3565th Training Wing | F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Jun 1957-Jun 1968 | James Connally Air Force Base, TX; Inactivated. [23] | |
Air National Guard squadrons | ||||
103d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 111th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89H F-89J |
May 1959-May 1962 | Philadelphia International Airport, PA; Pennsylvania Air National Guard; F-89J July 1961; Converted to C-97 Stratofreighter May 1962 [1] |
107th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 127th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89C | Jan 1958-Jan 1960 | Detroit-Wayne Major Airport, MI; Michigan Air National Guard; Converted to RF-84F Thunderstreak April 1958 [1] |
109th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 133d Fighter Group | F-89H | Feb 1955-Apr 1958 | Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport, MN; Minnesota Air National Guard; Converted to C-97A Stratofreighter January 1960 [1] |
116th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 141st Fighter Group | F-89D F-89J |
Apr 1958-Jul 1965 | Geiger Field, WA; Washington Air National Guard; F-89J July 1960; Converted to F-102A July 1965 [1] |
123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 142d Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Jun 1957-Jan 1966 | Portland International Airport, OR; Oregon Air National Guard; F-89H July 1958; F-89J March 1960; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger January 1966 [1] |
124th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 132d Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89J | Apr 1962-Jul 1969 | Des Moines Municipal Airport, IA; Iowa Air National Guard; F-89H July 1958; Received F-89Js from 126th FIS; Converted to F-84F Thunderstreak July 1969; Last ANG F-89 Squadron [1] |
126th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 128th Fighter-Interceptor Wing | F-89B/C F-89D F-89J |
Sep 1954-Jun 1960 | General Mitchell Field, WI; Wisconsin Air National Guard; First ANG F-89 Squadron; Received F-89D/J June 1960, then converted to KC-97 tankers almost immediately [1] |
132d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 101st Air Defense Wing | F-89D F-89J |
Sep 1957-Jul 1969 | Dow Air Force Base, ME; Maine Air National Guard; F-89J January 1960; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger July 1969 [1] |
134th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 158th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89D F-89J |
Apr 1958-Jul 1965 | Ethan Allen Air Force Base, VT; Vermont Air National Guard; F-89J July 1960; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger July 1965 [1] |
171st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 127th Fighter Group | F-89C | Feb 1955-Apr 1958 | Detroit-Wayne Major Airport, MI; Michigan Air National Guard; Converted to RF-84F Thunderstreak April 1958 [1] |
172d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
110th Fighter-Interceptor Group 127th Fighter-Interceptor Group |
F-89C | Feb 1955-Apr 1958 | W. K. Kellogg Airport, MI; Michigan Air National Guard; Converted to B-57A Canberra Spring 1958 [1] |
175th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron | 114th Fighter-Interceptor Group | F-89D | Apr 1958-Jul 1960 | Sioux Falls Regional Airport, SD; South Dakota Air National Guard; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger, July 1960 [1] |
176th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
128th Fighter-Interceptor Group 115th Fighter-Interceptor Group |
F-89B/C F-89D F-89H F-89J |
Sep 1954-Apr 1966 | Truax Field, WI; Wisconsin Air National Guard; First ANG F-89 Squadron; F-89D, August 1958; F-89J Jan 1960; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger April 1966 [1] |
178th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
133d Fighter-Interceptor Group 119th Fighter Group |
F-89D | May 1958-Jul 1966 | Hector Field, ND; North Dakota Air National Guard; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger July 1966 [1] |
179th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
133d Fighter-Interceptor Group 148th Fighter Group |
F-89D F-89H |
Sep 1957-Nov 1966 | Duluth Airport, MN; Minnesota Air National Guard; F-89H November 1959; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger November 1966 [1] |
186th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
140th Fighter Group 120th Fighter Group |
F-89C F-89H F-89J |
Apr 1956-Jul 1966 | Great Falls International Airport, MT; Montana Air National Guard; F-89H April 1958; F-89J March 1960; Converted to F-102A Delta Dagger July 1966 [1] |
190th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
140th Fighter-Bomber Group 124th Fighter Group |
F-89B | May 1956-July 1959 | Gowen Field, ID; Idaho Air National Guard; Converted to F-86L Sabre Interceptor, July 1959 [1] |
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency