[1][2][3] The squadron was founded on August 1, 1977 at Tsuiki Air Base in Fukuoka Prefecture flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ.

A number of the early pilots had previously flown the North American F-86F Sabre with 10th Squadron, which had just been disbanded.

During this period the JASDF still followed a system in which the numbering of a squadron was dependent on the type of aircraft it operated.

The pilots retrained on the F-4 and from 1978 were responsible for Quick Reaction Alert duties around Fukuoka.

Known for their skill with swords and possession of mystical powers, they were said to inhabit Mount Hiko in Fukuoka, located near the squadron's original base at Tsuiki.