The 437th FIS was activated at Otis AFB in November 1952 with F-94Cs. It was the first operational F-94C unit. In August 1955 the unit designation was transferred to Oxnard AFB and in March 1956 it transitioned into F-89Ds. The squadron received F-89Hs in July 1956 and F-89Js in March 1958. In January 1960 the squadron transitioned into F-101Bs. It was deactivated on 29 April 1968.

On 1 July 1968 the 456 FIS moved from Castle AFB, CA to Oxnard AFB, CA with their F-106A's and was immediately inactivated.  The 456th personnel and equipment were redesignated to the 437th, which was activated the same day, only to be inactivated on 30 September 1968 and have its personnel and F-106 aircraft transferred to the 460 FIS, which was activated at Oxnard the same day 30 September 1968.

The 437th FIS operated the F-106 for only 2 months, making it the "shortest-lived" F-106 unit.

Because of its short lived life there seems to be no documentation that shows the 437th ever had its own distinctive tail flash markingsThe tail colors seen on the 437 FIS sixes were carried over from the 456th FIS, which also became the first markings of the 460th FIS.