In 1953 the Hughes Aircraft Co. inaugurated its annual achievement award for superior performance among U.S. Air Force squadrons involved in air defense. The Hughes Trophy is recognized as the top USAF award in air defense fighter achievement. The USAF determines the winner on the basis of accomplishment in such areas as missile qualifications, successful missions flown, aircraft operational readiness rates and flight safety. This hand-hammered silver Hughes Trophy was won by the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in 1956, a year in which the unit flew F-86D aircraft and then transitioned to the F-102A Delta Dagger interceptor. The 317th won the award again in 1965 and 1967 before the unit was deactivated.
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