The squadron trained in the northeastern United States with Republic P-47 Thunderbolts under First Air Force before moving overseas in the spring of 1944.

Prior to Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, the 404th flew fighter sweeps, dive bombing and escort missions.

It continued to operate in northeastern France and southwestern Germany through the winter of 1945, attacking storage dumps, marshalling yard, factories, bridges, roads, and vehicles.

In December 1944 it provided close air support for ground forces engaged in the Battle of the Bulge.

[2] The squadron was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its attacks between 15 and 21 March 1945 that contributed to the defeat of Axis forces in southern Germany.

[2] The squadron remained with the occupation forces in Germany and Austria until October 1945 when it returned to the United States and was inactivated.

It was organized at Gore Field, Great Falls, Montana and was extended federal recognition on 27 June 1947.

En route to pick up the adjutant general in Helena, the A-26 Invader Lt. Col. Sperry was flying went down in a heavy snowstorm.

The 186th was returned to Montana State control in November 1952 and on 1 January 1953, the squadron was reformed at Gore Field with Captain Rodger D. Young as Commander.

After the Korean War, the squadron was equipped with the long-range F-51H Mustang and became a part of Air Defense Command.

With the F-106, the squadron competed in and won its first William Tell, a live-fire missile competition held at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

The nickname by the pilots of the 186th is intended to honor the first men in the Montana Territory who organized for the safety and welfare of the people.

Throughout 2002, hundreds of unit personnel were activated and deployed to multiple locations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the world.

In early December 2007 the first F-16 left Great Falls being transferred to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont ANG.