The 508th Fighter Escort Wing was formed in Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1951 to provide fighter escort for SAC bombers and conduct long range penetration missions. It deployed to Japan to provide air defense of northern Japan and to fly escort missions for reconnaissance missions in the area. The wing was inactivated in 1956 and some of its personnel were used to form the cadre for the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. In January 1984, it was consolidated with the 508th Tactical Fighter Group.