On 15 May 1942, the unit was redesignated as the 32nd Fighter Group and provided it with Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. However, the group soon swapped these fighters for Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. From 1941 to 1943 the group trained in flying intercept and fighter sweeps over the area surrounding the Canal Zone. However, as the perceived threat to the Canal Zone diminished, the group disbanded at France Field on 1 November 1943.
