In 1967 the U.S. became aware of the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat. This made it necessary to develop a new aircraft to counter the MiG-25. The USAF rejected the USN F-14 Tomcat and issued its own requirements. The solution came in the form of the McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle. The F-15A made its inaugural flight in July 1972 and in January 1976 the first Eagle entered service. The "E" entered service in 1989. The F-15 was the first dedicated USAF air superiority fighter since the F-86 Sabre.
McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle 76-0008 186/A160 was the flagship for the 318th FIS Green Dragons during the 1984 William Tell competition. William Tell pits teams from various USAF units against each other to see who can score the most points in live-fire exercises against towed banner targets as well aircraft that have been converted into UAVs. On June 10, 1983 the 318th who were based at McChord AFB became the second squadron to receive the F-15. The 318th flew the F-15 from 1983 until 1989 when it was disbanded.