83 FIS pilots in front of F-104A "FG-819" at Hamilton AFB, California in 1959

On Sunday afternoon January 26, 1958 Lt Col Raymond E. Evans led a flight of three F-104A Starfighters from the Lockheed assembly plant at Palmdale, California,
to Hamilton Air Force Base for assignment to the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron. This was the first F-104 delivery to the ADC (ADC: Air Defense Command).
The arrival of these new aircraft marked the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron as the first ultra-sonic fighter squadron in the world.
83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron became operational with the F-104 on February 20, 1958.
Motif: "Vociferous Viking"

Early assigned aircraft: 783, 784, 785, 786, 789, 791, 794, 800, 802, 804, 808, 811, 812, 817, 818.

On March 3, 1958 LtCol Raymond E. Evans lost his life in the first operational accident of the F-104A.
Command of the 83rd was assumed by Major H. C. "Scrappy" Johnson until a replacement for LtCol Raymond E. Evans was assigned.

copyright © Mühlböck collection