The 186th FS is the group's operational unit and has had the F-16A ADF assigned since June 1987. The unit was formed as the 186th Fighter Squadron in June 1947 with P-51Ds. It was mobilized between April 1951 and December 1952, and redesignated 186th FIS with the F-86A in November 1953. The squadron converted to the F-89C in April 1956, with the 120th FIG assigned. The F-89H was operated in April 1958, and the F-89J from March 1960, before switching to the F-102A in July 1966. The F-106A was assigned in April 1972 until conversion to the F-16A in 1987. The unit won the F-106A catagory at the 1974 and 1976 William Tell competitions, and was awarded the Hughes Achievement Trophy as the top air defense unit for 1985.