I Fighter Command

I Fighter Command was a United States Army Air Forces intermediate command responsible for command and control of the fighter operations within the First Air Force during World War II. It was initially established in June 1941 as the 1st Interceptor Command to provide air defense of the Northeastern United States. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command's area of responsibility extended over the entire Atlantic coast and into Canada and Iceland. As the perceived threat of attack decreased, the command's responsibnility for training units and aircrews became its primary mission. The command continued its mission until March 1946, when it was inactivated.

I Fighter Command
P-40 Warhawk of the command's 31st Pursuit Group
Active	1941–1946
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army  United States Air Force
Role	Air defense and training of fighter units
Engagements	American Theater of World War II
Commanders
Notable commanders	John K. Cannon Elwood R. Quesada
Insignia
I Fighter Command emblem^[note 1]^[1]

History

Background

GHQ Air Force (GHQ AF) had been established with two major combat functions, to maintain a striking force against long range targets, and the air defense of the United States.^[2] In the spring of 1941, the War Department established four strategic defense areas and GHQ, AF reorganized its Northeast Air District as 1st Air Force with responsibility for air defense planning and organization along the eastern seaboard.^[3] Simultaneously, an Air Defense Command was established at Mitchel Field to plan the air defense of the United States and develop air defense doctrine.^{[4][note 2]}

1st Air Force activated 1st Interceptor Command at Mitchel Field on 5 June 1941, under the command of Brigadier General John C. McDonnell, drawing its personnel from Air Defense Command, which inactivated three days earlier.^[5] The command's initial tactical components were the 6th and 7th Pursuit Wings^[6][7][1]

Air Defense

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command moved its headquarters to New York City. Here, as the importance of the North Atlantic supply line grew, it assumed responsibility for planning the air defense of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It selected radar sites in cooperation with Canadian authorities and worked to standardize aircraft warning procedures there.^[8] In June 1942, the command returned to Mitchel and would remain there until inactivated.^[1] The command dispatched the 33d Pursuit Squadron to provide air defense in Iceland in July.^[9] The command organized Detachment A to manage the 33rd, along with antiaircraft artillery and signal warning units involved in the air defense of Iceland.^[10]

The command was charged with control of "active agents" for air defense in its area of responsibility, which included interceptor aircraft, antiaircraft artillery and barrage balloons. Civilian organizations provided air raid warnings and enforced blackouts and came under the authority of the Office of Civilian Defense. Radar was initially not sufficiently developed to be included in air defense systems, There were only eight radars under construction to guard the Atlantic coast, but the command worked "feverishly" to create a ground observer corps and coastal radar net as elements of its Aircraft Warning Service.^[11] However, it soon became apparent that having two commands responsible for air defense in the Eastern Theater of Operations was impractical, and in early 1942, the command took over responsibility for air defense of the East and part of the Gulf coast.^{[12][note 3][13]}

Along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Defense Command established a "vital air defense zone", extending from the coast approximately 150 miles (240 km) inland and 200 miles (320 km) to sea, with long range bombers from 1st Bomber Command flying patrols over the ocean. However, 1st Bomber Command soon focused on antisubmarine warfare.^[14] Regional air defense wings were established in August 1942 at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk.^[15][16][17] The command's mission of fighter control later expanded to providing emergency flight services to other aircraft and assisting in air sea rescue.^[18]

Unit and crew training

In 1942, Air Force Combat Command had established an Operational Training Unit (OTU) system for 2nd and 3d Air Forces. The system was later extended to 1st Air Force. Although it was originally intended to confine the OTU system to 2d and 3rd Air Forces, too much of the AAF's aircrew and aircraft were assigned to 1st Air Force to permit the command to forego training responsibilities entirely. In May 1942, all pursuit groups assumed Operational Training Unit (OTU) responsibility.^[19] The command also trained fighter units and personnel.^[1] By the end of 1942, the command's training consisted almost entirely of OTUs.^[20] As units deployed overseas, the command's training mission shifted to training individuals in Replacement Training Units (RTU).

Inactivation

After the end of the war it was inactivated on 21 March 1946.^[1] After September 1947, all former Air Corps units were transferred to the United States Air Force, which disbanded the command in October 1948.^[1]

Lineage

• Constituted as the 1st Interceptor Command on 26 May 1941^{[note 4]}

Activated on 5 June 1941

Redesignated 1st Fighter Command 15 May 1942

Redesignated I Fighter Command c. 18 September 1942

Inactivated on 21 March 1946

Disbanded on 8 October 1948^[1]

Assignments

• First Air Force, 26 May 1941 – 21 March 1946^[1][21]

Stations

• Mitchel Field, New York, 5 June 1941
• New York City, New York, 27 December 1941
• Mitchel Field, New York, 9 June 1942 – 21 March 1946^[1]

Components

Wings

• 3rd Air Defense Wing, 12 December 1942 – c. 7 February 1943^[22]
• 6th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 7 December 1941^[6]
• 7th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 31 August 1941^[7]
• 301st Fighter Wing: attached 15 October 1944 – 21 May 1945^[23]
• Boston Air Defense Wing (later Boston Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 13 February 1945 (not manned after July 1944)^[24]
• New York Air Defense Wing (later New York Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944)^[25][16]
• Norfolk Air Defense Wing (later Norfolk Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944)^[25][16]
• Philadelphia Air Defense Wing (later Philadelphia Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944)^[26][16]

Groups

• 8th Pursuit Group: 31 August 1941 – 6 March 1942^[27]
• 31st Pursuit Group: 1 October 1941 – 18 April 1942^[28]
• 33d Pursuit Group (later 33d Fighter Group): 2 October 1941 – 11 August 1942^[29]
• 52d Pursuit Group (later 52d Fighter Group): 1 October 1941 – c. 15 June 1942^[30]
• 56th Pursuit Group (later 56th Fighter Group): 15 January – 11 August 1942^[31]
• 57th Pursuit Group (later 57th Fighter Group): 1 September 1941 – c. 16 July 1942^[32]
• 58th Fighter Group: 17 October 1942 – 19 November 1943^[33]
• 79th Fighter Group: 22 June – November 1942^[34]
• 80th Fighter Group: 4 July – 11 August 1942^[35]
• 325th Fighter Group: 3–11 August 1942^[36]
• 355th Fighter Group: 18 February – c. 6 July 1943^[37]
• 366th Fighter Group: 1 June 1943 – 8 January 1944 (attached to Philadelphia Air Defense Wing to 20 November 1943)^[38]

Squadrons

• 52nd Interceptor Control Squadron: c. 30 November 1941 – c. 1 January 1942
• 90th Fighter Control Squadron:^[39] 15 March 1943 – 10 April 1944
• 91st Fighter Control Squadron:^[40] 15 March 1943 – 10 April 1944
• 92nd Fighter Control Squadron:^[41] 1 April 1943 – 10 April 1944
• 93rd Fighter Control Squadron:^[42] c. 1 June 1943 – 10 April 1944, 1 October 1944 – 31 March 1945
• 94th Fighter Control Squadron:^[43] 1 April 1943 – 10 April 1944, 1 October 1944 – March 1945
• 95th Fighter Control Squadron:^[44] 1 April 1943 – c. 31 March 1944
• 96th Fighter Control Squadron:^[45] 15 May 1943 – 1944
• 302nd Fighter Control Squadron:^[46] 20 January 1944 – c. 31 March 1944
• 305th Fighter Control Squadron: 1 April – 19 December 1943^[47]
• 321st Fighter Control Squadron: 15 May 1943 – 8 January 1944^[48]
• 325th Fighter Control Squadron: 1 April – c. 15 December 1943^[49]
• 403d Fighter Squadron: 7 August – 15 December 1943^[50]
• 453d Fighter Squadron: 20 November – 1 December 1943^[51]

Aircraft warning units

• Signal Aircraft Warning Service, 1 Interceptor Command (later Signal Aircraft Warning Service, I Fighter Command: c. 30 November 1941 – c. 1 May 1944
• 502nd Signal Regiment (Aircraft Warning): c. 15 December 1941 – January 1942

Base units

• 102nd AAF Base Unit (Headquarters, I Fighter Command): c 10 April 1944 – 21 March 1946
• 103rd AAF Base Unit (Boston Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
• 104th AAF Base Unit (New York Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
• 105th AAF Base Unit (Philadelphia Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
• 106th AAF Base Unit (Norfolk Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
• 160th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – 15 November 1945^[52][53]
• 161st AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 1 September 1945^[54]
• 162nd AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944^[55]
• 163rd AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 30 June 1944^[56]
• 164th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 1 December 1945^[57]
• 165th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 23 October 1944

Campaign

Campaign Streamer	Campaign	Dates	Notes
	American Theater without inscription	7 December 1941 – 2 March 1946	1st Interceptor Command (later I Fighter Command)^[1]

References

Notes

Explanatory notes

1. Approved 11 June 1943.
2. This command is not related to Air Defense Command established in March 1946. It was constituted on 26 February 1940 and activated on 1 March 1940 and assigned to First Army until March 1941, when it was assigned to GHQ AF. "Abstract, History Air Defense Command, Feb 1940-Jun 1941". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.;"Abstract, History I Fighter Command, Jul 1940-Jan 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
3. The area included Florida to as far west as the Apalachicola River. Southern Defense Command and 3d Interceptor Command retained responsibility for the remainder of the Gulf coast.
4. Maurer indicates unit was constituted as the "I" Interceptor Command. However, the unit was constituted and activated with an arabic number in its name. The use of roman numerals to designate Army Air Forces combat commands did not begin until September 1942. "Air Force Historical Research Agency Organizational Reconds: Types of USAF Organizations". Air Force History Index. 9 January 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2016.

Citations

1. Maurer 1983, pp. 437–438.
2. Cate & Williams, p. 152
3. Cate & Williams, p. 154
4. "Abstract, History Air Defense Command, Feb 1940-Jun 1941". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
5. "Abstract, History I Fighter Command, Jul 1940-Jan 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
6. . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
7. . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
8. Cate & Williams, p. 156
9. Cate & Williams, p. 158
10. "Abstract, History Detachment A, I Fighter Command, Jan-Dec 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
11. Goss, p. 290
12. Goss, pp. 294-295
13. See map, Goss, p. 297.
14. Goss, p. 296, map, p. 297
15. . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
16. Maurer 1983, pp. 437–438 (years only).
17. Goss, p. 296
18. "Abstract, History 164 AAF Base Unit, May-Aug 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
19. White, p. 13
20. White, p. 37
21. Kane, Robert B. (11 June 2009). "Factsheet First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
22. . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
23. Kane, Robert B. (23 September 2010). "Factsheet 301 Fighter Wing (AFRC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
24. . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
25. Maurer 1983, p. 427 (dates assigned to First Air Force)).
26. Maurer 1983, p. 428 (dates assigned to First Air Force)).
27. Robertson, Patsy (27 June 2017). "Factsheet 8 Operations Group (PACAF)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
28. Robertson, Patsy (27 June 2017). "Factsheet 31 Operations Group (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
29. Dollman, TSG David (18 October 2016). "Factsheet 33 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
30. Robertson, Patsy (7 May 2013). "Factsheet 52 Operations Group (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
31. Dollman, TSG David (27 July 2017). "Factsheet 56 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
32. Robertson, Patsy (29 July 2009). "Factsheet 57 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
33. Dollman, TSG David (8 February 2018). "Factsheet 58 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
34. Stevens, Maj Sonia (11 July 2017). "Factsheet 53 Test and Evaluation Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
35. Haulman, Daniel L. (22 July 2019). "Factsheet 80 Flying Training Wing (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
36. Bailey, Carl E. (1 July 2017). "Factsheet 325 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
37. Musser, James M. (30 March 2021). "Factsheet 355 Wing (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
38. Dollman, TSG David. (18 October 2016). "Factsheet 366 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
39. "Abstract, History 90 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar 1943-Apr 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
40. "Abstract, History 91 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar 1943-Apr 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
41. "Abstract, History 92 Fighter Control Squadron, Apr-Dec 1943". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
42. "Abstract, History 93 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar 1943-Apr 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.; "Abstract, History 93 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar Oct 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
43. "Abstract, History 94 Fighter Control Squadron, Apr-Dec 1943". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.; "Abstract, History 94 Fighter Control Squadron, Oct 1944-Jan 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
44. "Abstract, History 95 Fighter Control Squadron, Apr 1943-Aug 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
45. "Abstract, History 96 Fighter Control Squadron, May 1943-Sep 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
46. "Abstract, History 302 Fighter Control Squadron, Oct 1943-May 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
47. Haulman, Daniel (2 November 2016). "Factsheet 623 Air Control Squadron (PACAF)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
48. Robertson, Patsy (28 May 2010). "Factsheet 321 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
49. Warnock, A. Timothy (2 December 2005). "Factsheet 325 Air Control Squadron (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
50. Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 493
51. Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 559
52. "Abstract, Vol. 5, History Langley Field, Nov 41-Dec 1942 [sic]". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
53. "Abstract, History 160 AAF Base Unit, Nov 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
54. "Abstract, History Camp Springs AAB, Apr 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
55. "Abstract, History Bradley Field, Apr 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
56. "Abstract, History Bedford AAF, May-Jun 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
57. "Abstract, History 164 AAF Base Unit, Jun-Nov 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 16 February 2022.

Bibliography

  This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

• Cate, James L.; Williams, E. Kathleen (1948). "Prelude to War, Chapter 4, The Air Corps Prepares for War, 1939-41". In Craven, Wesley F; Cate, James L (eds.). The Army Air Forces in World War II (PDF). Vol. I, Plans and Early Operations. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. LCCN 48003657. OCLC 704158. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
• Goss, William A. (1955). "Tactical Demands, Chapter 8, Air Defense of the Western Hemisphere". In Craven, Wesley F; Cate, James L (eds.). The Army Air Forces in World War II (PDF). Vol. I, Plans and Early Operations. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. LCCN 48003657. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
• Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1983) [1961]. Air Force Combat Units of World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-02-1. LCCN 61060979.
• Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969]. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-405-12194-6. LCCN 70605402. OCLC 72556. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
• White, Jerry (August 1949). "Combat Crew and Unit Training in the AAF 1939-1945, USAF Historical Study No. 61" (PDF). Air Historical Office, United States Air Force. Retrieved 30 January 2022.