107th Attack Wing

107th Attack Wing
Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt · Public domain · source
Unit name	107th Attack Wing
Dates	1947 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force / Air National Guard
Type	Wing
Role	Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations
Command structure	New York Air National Guard / First Air Force
Garrison	Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York
Equipment	General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
Equipment label	Primary aircraft
Battles	Global War on Terrorism
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

107th Attack Wing. A component of the New York Air National Guard, the wing is stationed at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and operates the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper. Its mission encompasses intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack operations in support of national security objectives. The unit's lineage traces back to a World War II bombardment group and has undergone several transformations in aircraft and mission over its history.

History

The wing's origins lie in the 107th Observation Squadron, which was constituted in 1925 and later served as the 107th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron during World War II. In 1946, it was redesignated the 107th Fighter Group and allocated to the New York Air National Guard. The unit was federally activated during the Korean War, flying F-51 Mustangs and later F-94 Starfires on air defense missions. Throughout the Cold War, it transitioned through various fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, RF-84F Thunderflash, and RF-101 Voodoo, while being periodically activated for federal service during crises such as the Berlin Crisis of 1961. A major shift occurred in 2008 when the unit transitioned from the C-130 Hercules airlift mission to its current unmanned aircraft role, reflecting the evolving demands of the Global War on Terrorism.

Mission and organization

The primary mission is to provide persistent ISR and precision strike capabilities using the MQ-9 Reaper. Its operations support combatant commanders worldwide, including United States Central Command and United States Africa Command. The wing is organized under the First Air Force and Air Combat Command when in federal service. Key subordinate units include the 107th Operations Group, which oversees flying operations, and the 107th Maintenance Group, responsible for aircraft sustainment. Personnel are trained to operate the aircraft's sophisticated sensor suites and weapon systems from ground control stations, often supporting joint operations with agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency and allied nations.

Aircraft

The wing's primary aircraft is the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. The Reaper is equipped with a multi-spectral targeting system and can carry a combination of ordnance, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. Historically, the unit has operated a diverse fleet, including the C-130H Hercules for tactical airlift, the A-10 Thunderbolt II for close air support, and earlier generations of fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-4 Phantom II. The transition to the Reaper marked a significant shift from manned tactical aviation to remote-piloted, multi-role ISR and attack platforms.

Facilities

The wing is headquartered at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, a joint-use facility shared with the Air Force Reserve Command's 914th Air Refueling Wing. The base is located in Niagara County, New York, near the Canada–United States border. Key facilities include hardened aircraft shelters, maintenance hangars for the MQ-9 fleet, and mission control elements where pilots and sensor operators conduct flight operations. The installation also supports associated United States Department of Defense and New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs functions. Its strategic Northeastern U.S. location provides logistical advantages for continental and global deployments.

Notable operations and deployments

Since its conversion to the attack mission, personnel have continuously deployed in support of overseas contingency operations. Squadrons have conducted thousands of combat flight hours over theaters such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, providing critical support to operations like Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom's Sentinel. The wing also supports domestic missions, including disaster response coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and counter-drug operations with the United States Customs and Border Protection. Its contributions have been recognized with awards including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Meritorious Unit Award.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force Category:Air National Guard wings of the United States