In the mid-1970s, Hahn Air Base, situated 1650 feet above sea level in the Hunsrück mountains of western Germany, was home for approximately 9000 American personnel including USAF, U.S. Army, Department of Defense civilians, and military dependent family members.

Groundwork for the construction of Hahn Air Base was begun in 1951, when approximately 1280 acres of land were acquired from the French occupation forces in West Germany.

The 7356th Air Base Squadron was designated to complete the work on the base and prepare for the arrival of the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing from Clovis Air Force Base, New Mexico· When the airplanes and crews arrived at Hahn in August 1953, it marked the first mass flight of an entire tactical wing from the United States to continental Europe - a historic step in the history of the USAF.

During the three years in France, the 50th Wing converted to the F-100D Super Sabre and, in 1959, returned to Hahn Air Base.

In 1970, the 496th was converted to F-4E aircraft, and redesignated as a Tactical Fighter Squadron, but maintained their air defense mission.