As a result of Soviet provocation in Berlin, Kennedy mobilized much of the Air National Guard, including all F-84F units, in 1962. When the ANG units were released about a year later, the Air Force retained control of 222 of the ANG Thunderstreaks which, after major maintenance and modification, would be used to temporarily equip the new TAC 12th and 15th TFWs at MacDill AFB as well as the USAFE 366th TFW at Chamont AB, France.
Many of the ANG F-84F pilots elected to stay on active duty at this time and were assigned to the 12th and 15th TFWs to form a cadre of experienced F-84F Instructor pilots. Additional aircrews were assigned from active duty elsewhere in the Air Force to bring both tactical fighter wings up to full aircrew strength and for the top command leadership.
The 12th began transitioning to the new F-4C in early 1964 and transferred its last F-84Fs to the 366th TFW at Holloman AFB later that year.
1,498 F-84Fs were accepted by the Air Force. The Thunderstreak was first assigned to the SAC 506th Strategic Fighter Wing in 1954 and last assigned to the ANG 183d Tactical Fighter Group in 1971.