In 1974, its mission changed to training for a combat search and rescue role, while continuing to perform traditional humanitarian/non-combat search and rescue. The squadron's mission changed again in 1987 to a fighter role, training for counterair, interdiction, and close air support missions.
The unit that had been the 302d was reflagged as the 71st Special Operations Squadron and physically relocated to Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. Concurrently, a new AFRES fighter squadron was established at Luke AFB, AZ and took over the 302d lineage as the 302d Tactical Fighter Squadron. With the transition of AFRES to Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), the squadron deployed several times since late 1992 to Turkey to help enforce the no-fly zone over Iraq and to Italy to support UN air operations in the Balkans.[1]
In 2007, the squadron relocated from Luke AFB to Elmendorf AFB, AK and transitioned from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-22 Raptor, which it operates as an Associate AFRC unit the active duty Air Force's 3rd Wing.
Lineage
302d Fighter Squadron (World War II)
Constituted as the 302d Fighter Squadron on 4 July 1942
Activated on 13 October 1942
Redesignated 302d Fighter Squadron, Single Engine on 21 August 1944
Inactivated on 6 Mar 1945
Consolidated with the 302d Special Operations Squadron as the 302d Special Operations Squadron on 19 September 1985[1]
302d Fighter Squadron
Constituted as the 302d Air Rescue Squadron on 1 August 1956
Activated in the reserve on 8 October 1956
Redesignated 302d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 18 January 1966
Redesignated 302d Special Operations Squadron on 10 April 1974
Consolidated with the 302d Fighter Squadron on 19 September 1985
Redesignated 302 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 July 1987
Redesignated 302d Fighter Squadron on 1 February 1992[1]