The 172nd FS is the group's flying unit and re-equipped with the A-10A and OA-10A in mid-1991. The unit was formed as the 172nd Fighter Squadron in September 1947 with F-51Ds. The squadron was called to active service in February 1951 and redesignated the 172nd FIS three months later. The unit returned to state control with F-51Hs assigned until 1954, when the squadron converted to the F-86E. The squadron received F-89Cs in April 1955, before becoming a Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in April 1958 and operating RB-57As. The unit converted to the O-2A and was redesignated the 172nd TASS in June 1971 before re-equipping with the OA-37B in 1981. The unit changed to a Tactical Fighter Squadron in May 1991.