<p>Created as the 31st Fighter Wing in November 1947 at Turner AFB, GA with the P-51, the unit was redesignated a Fighter-Bomber Wing, followed by Fighter-Escort Wing and Strategic Fighter Wing before becoming a Tactical Fighter Wing in July 1958 with the F-100. The wing moved to George AFB in March 1959 and Homestead AFB in May 1962, finally relocating to Tuy Hoa AB, South Vietnam in December 1966. In October 1970 the unit returned to Homestead AFB to replace the 4531st TFW, assuming that unit's F-4s. The wing became the 31st Tactical Training Wing in March 1981, and in 1985 converted to the F-16A and reverted to TFW status. After upgrading to the F-16C in 1990, this unit changed designation yet again in late 1991 to its original Fighter Wing. Hurricane Andrew wrecked Homestead AFB, resulting in the three squadrons of F-16s being dispersed to Moody AFB, GA and Shaw AFB, SC. Despite the base being repaired, the F-16s did not return. The 31st FW was temporarily inactivated, but reformed at Aviano AB, Italy on 1 April 1994.
