F-86, F-94 Pilot

136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
107th Fighter Interceptor Group
New York Air National Guard
Niagara Falls Municipal Airport

At this point I have to mention that I'm not sure if the above dates are correct, as there is
one year unaccounted for. Seems to me that the years could be off, but all of the dates come
from Joe's Facebook page, and he should have known when and where he went while in the
service. I wish I could ask him directly, but sadly he went West on August 26th, 2020, about
eight months before I learned of him and began working on this webpage. Hopefully I can
sort all of this out, as well as discover more information about Joe's time in the USAF/ANG.

In September of 1956 Joe reported for duty at Niagara Falls, NY with the New York Air National
Guard's 136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The 136th was at the time equipped with the Lockheed
F-94 Starfire, but would convert to the North American F-86H the following year. I have no further
information concerning Joe's service in the NYANG, including any promotions he may have earned,
so for the moment I have him listed by his last-known (to me) rank of Second Lieutenant.

This photo was taken during Joe's time at the Gunnery School at Williams Air Force Base.


Joseph Flanigen (Facebook) - Larger Image

Though taken in 1957, this photo shows some of the F-86s that Joe may have flown at Williams.


Joseph M. Pogue photo via the F-86 Sabre Pilots Association Tribute Website - Larger Image

An F-94B of the 136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. This is the type that
Joe would have flown during his first year with the 136th at Niagara Falls.


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

Members of the 136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, lined up for inspection with
some of their F-86Hs. The 136th converted to this type in October of 1957.


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image