The 178th FS is the group's flying unit and has had the F-16A ADF assigned since September 1990. The unit was formed as the 178th Fighter Squadron in January 1947 with P-51Ds and mobilized between April 1951 and December 1952. It was redesignated the 178th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in June 1951, and the 178th FIS when returned to state control. The unit converted to the F-94A/B in June 1954 and later the F-94C, with the 119th FIG assigned in April 1956. The unit subsequently has retained the air defense role, re-equipping with F-89Ds in June 1958, F-89Js in November 1959, F-102As in July 1966, F-101Bs in November 1969 and F-4Ds in 1977, before receiving the F-16A. The unit won the F-101B catagory at the 1970 and 1972, and the F-4D section at the 1986 William Tell competitions, as well as being awarded the Hughes Achievement Trophy as the top air defense unit for 1974.