This section draws upon members to provide memories of squadron activities, in the air or on the ground, about people, airplanes, missions, etc., nothing excluded.  Memories are provided voluntarily by Association members and added to the site as soon as they are received.  Stories from members peak interest in the site, keeps it new and dynamic, and adds to the collective memories of military times gone by.

1.  Thanks to Brian Akers for the first input (April 2025)

In1962, the 49th FIS became the first Air Force unit to organize and install automobile seat belts in all Squadron privately-owned cars. Aristocrat seatbelts were ordered for the project and installed by volunteers from the 49th maintenance section. This was a pioneering effort that predated mandatory Dept. of Transportation seat belt requirements by several years.

2. Thanks to Fred Williams, 49th FIS Commander, 1976 (July 2025)

Return with me now to those bygone days of yesteryear, a half a lifetime ago of Two Score and Nine Years. (July 4, 1976)  Twas a sunny Sunday morning and our young nation was preparing to celebrate our Bicentennial Birthday. At the request of higher Air Defense Command, my Fighter Squadron , the 49th FIS, stationed at Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY was tasked with a four ship flyby over the Statue of Liberty exactly at high noon. (As a Vietnam veteran reconnaissance pilot, I guaranteed timing + or – 1 second ). This was Navy Week in the Big Apple and the “Tall Ships” historical sailing schooners from around the world were present.  Excitement!

    We were flying the F106 Delta Dart, a mach 2+ Interceptor (1525 mph) which still holds world record as fastest single engine fighter. My lead aircraft (see attached photo) was tail # 076 and for the historic occasion had a 1776 flag on right side of the tail (vertical stabilator) and current flag on left side.

   The Big Apple weather was humid, hazy and hot.  While in local orbit above the city I was advised that the flyby was cancelled and should I disregard the order, I would face a severe disciplinary action.  It turns out the organizers failed to coordinate with the Navy and it was their show. With lots of fuel and three beautiful aircraft in close formation, we descended to 1000 ft and gave impromptu flyovers to multiple towns, culminating in several over historic Ft. Stanwix  near Rome, NY. So ends my fond recollection of this historic day.