Originally constituted in 1943 as the 445th Fighter Squadron, it was involved in the early testing of the first U.S. jets, the Bell P-59 Airacomet and later the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star.

The squadron's first predecessor was activated at Orlando Army Air Base, Florida as the 445th Fighter Squadron in early 1943 as part of the Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT).

It was the first United States jet fighter squadron to be activated, and spent most of its early existence in experimental testing of the Bell P-59 Airacomet and Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star aircraft.

Also flight tested the captured Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Zeke-52); the Kellett XR-3 Autogyro, and Sikorsky R-4 Helicopter.

The high point in July 1954 was "Operation Checkpoint," a joint SAC-ADC exercise that extended for three days.

With sunny days and early takeoffs, the pilots' proficiency increased rapidly and aircraft maintenance became the best in ADC.

[6][7] In August 1955, ADC's Project Arrow replaced the 445th at Geiger with the 497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron that moved on paper from Portland Airport, Oregon.

[6][7] It was re-equipped with new McDonnell F-101B Voodoo supersonic interceptor aircraft, and the F-101F operational and conversion trainer in 1960.

The two-seat trainer version was equipped with dual controls, but carried the same armament as the F-101B and were fully combat-capable.