The 438th FIS was activated at Kinross AFB (later named Kincheloe AFB) in April 1953 with F-94Bs. In the spring of 1954 it transitioned into F-89Ds and in the summer of 1957 into F-102As.
In May 1960 it received F-106As. The squadron moved to Griffiss AFB in August 1968 and on 30 September 1968 was redesignated the 49th FIS.
The squadron patch with "Donald Duck" in it was licensed by Disney.