During World War II, the squadron was an Operational Training Unit (OTU), equipped with second-line P-39 Airacobras and P-40 Warhawks.

It was organized at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, and was extended federal recognition on 25 June 1948 by the National Guard Bureau.

During its early years with the F-51D, the unit earned prominence as one of the Air Force's most respected aerial gunnery competitors.

With the surprise invasion of South Korea on 25 June 1950, and the regular military's complete lack of readiness, most of the Air National Guard was federalized placed on active duty.

The F-51H was a Very Long Range version of the Mustang, which was developed to escort B-29 Superfortress bombers to Japan, but not considered rugged enough to be used in Korea.

During its years with the P-51H, the unit earned prominence as one of the Air Force's most respected aerial gunnery competitors.

With the F-86A, the 144th began standing dusk-to-dawn alerts, joining its Air Defense Command active-duty counterparts.

TAC replaced the aging F-106s on 1 January 1984 with F-4D Phantom IIs, being used in the air defense interceptor mission.

The block 15 airframes weren’t exactly suited to the dedicated air defense mission the squadron was tasked to.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency