The 178th Fighter Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force (USAF) under the air combat command (ACC). Originally established as a National Guard unit in 1946, it is now part of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, headquartered at Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts. The squadron primarily operates the F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and is equipped to carry out air superiority, close air support, interdiction, and air defense missions as needed. Throughout its history, the 178th Fighter Squadron has seen active service during various conflicts and peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining air dominance for the United States.