<p>The 163rd FS is the wing's flying unit and has operated the F-16C since October 1991. The unit was formed as the 163rd Fighter Squadron in October 1947 with P-51Ds, and was redesignated the 163rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron and mobilized between February 1951 and October 1952, before changing designation to the 163rd FIS in September 1954 with F-80Cs. The squadron converted to the F-86A in March 1956 and the F-84F in January 1958, becoming a Tactical Fighter Squadron. It was was called to active duty again in February 1961, with depolyment to Chambley AB, France as part of 7122nd TFW.
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<p>The 163rd was demobilized in August 1962 and returned to state control, although the unit's aircraft remained in Europe. The squadron joined the 122nd TFG and was assigned RF-84Fs from October 1962 to April 1964 despite retaining the TFS designation. The unit re-equipped with the F-84F in May 1964 and the F-100D in June 1971. The squadron has reporting directly to the 122nd TFW since December 1974. Conversion to the F-4C began in April 1979, with upgrading to the F-4E commencing in mid-1986.
