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105th Airlift Wing

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Article Genealogy
Parent: New York Air National Guard Hop 4
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105th Airlift Wing
Unit name105th Airlift Wing
Dates1948–present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States
TypeAirlift
RoleStrategic and tactical airlift
SizeWing
Command structureNew York Air National Guard
GarrisonStewart Air National Guard Base, New York
Motto"Always Ready"
BattlesKorean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, Global War on Terrorism
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Aircraft transportC-17 Globemaster III

105th Airlift Wing is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. As a key component of the Air Mobility Command's global reach, the wing provides strategic and tactical airlift for the United States Air Force. Its mission encompasses worldwide transport of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid, supporting both federal and state authorities.

History

The unit's origins trace to the post-World War II establishment of the 137th Fighter Squadron, which was federally recognized on 15 October 1948 at Westchester County Airport. Initially equipped with F-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, the squadron was part of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Fighter Group. During the Korean War, the squadron was activated and served as part of the Air Defense Command, transitioning to jet aircraft like the F-94 Starfire. In 1958, the unit was redesignated the 105th Fighter Group (Air Defense) and moved to its current home at Stewart Air Force Base, flying interceptors such as the F-102 Delta Dagger and later the F-101B Voodoo during the height of the Cold War. A major transition occurred in 1975 when the unit converted to the C-5 Galaxy, becoming the 105th Military Airlift Group (Associate) and partnering with Active Duty units at Travis Air Force Base for global strategic airlift. This mission continued through operations like Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. The wing transitioned to the C-17 Globemaster III in 2011, assuming a fully independent airlift role.

Mission and organization

The primary mission is to provide direct support for Air Mobility Command by operating and maintaining the C-17 Globemaster III for global air mobility. Its federal mission includes strategic airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation in support of United States Department of Defense objectives worldwide. For its state mission under the Governor of New York, the wing provides disaster response, emergency logistical support, and counter-drug operations. The wing is composed of the 105th Operations Group, which includes the 137th Airlift Squadron, and the 105th Maintenance Group, alongside mission support and medical groups. It maintains a close association with the United States Air Force Reserve Command and regularly participates in joint exercises with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies.

Aircraft

The wing's current primary aircraft is the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a four-engine, turbofan-powered strategic airlifter capable of performing tactical missions. The C-17 can carry large payloads, operate from short, austere runways, and airdrop troops and equipment. Historically, the wing has operated a diverse fleet, including the C-5A Galaxy and C-5B Galaxy, the F-101B Voodoo, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-94 Starfire, and the original F-47 Thunderbolt.

Assignments

The wing's major command assignment is to the Air Mobility Command for operational tasking. As a New York Air National Guard unit, it falls under the administrative control of the National Guard Bureau and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. For functional oversight, it is gained by the Eighteenth Air Force. During its history, it has also been assigned to the Continental Air Command, Air Defense Command, and the Military Airlift Command.

Bases

The wing's primary installation is Stewart Air National Guard Base, located in Orange County, New York, adjacent to New York State Route 17K. This base, originally known as Stewart Air Force Base and later Stewart International Airport, is a joint-use civilian and military facility. The wing has been stationed here since 1958. Previous locations include Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, where the unit was first organized.

Decorations and honors

The wing and its subordinate groups have received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbons for exceptional service. Individual personnel have earned numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and the New York State Humane Service Medal for lifesaving actions during state emergencies. The unit has also been recognized with the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award for its performance during critical mobilization periods and humanitarian missions such as Operation Unified Response after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Category:Military units and formations in New York (state) Category:Air National Guard wings of the United States