107th Fighter Wing

107th Fighter Wing
Unit name	107th Fighter Wing
Dates	1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force, Air National Guard
Type	Wing
Role	Fighter
Command structure	First Air Force, Continental Air Command, Air Combat Command
Garrison	Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York
Battles	Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Aircraft fighter	F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-4 Phantom II, F-100 Super Sabre

107th Fighter Wing. The 107th Fighter Wing is a unit of the New York Air National Guard stationed at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. As a component of the Air National Guard, it has a dual state and federal mission, providing combat-ready personnel and equipment for the United States Air Force while also supporting state authorities during domestic emergencies. Throughout its history, the wing has transitioned through multiple aircraft and mission sets, participating in major conflicts from the Korean War to the Global War on Terrorism.

History

The unit was originally constituted in 1947 as the 107th Fighter Group and federally recognized at the Niagara Falls Municipal Airport. Its lineage traces back to earlier New York National Guard aviation units. The wing was activated for federal service during the Korean War, with its personnel deployed to support North American Air Defense Command operations. In the 1960s, elements were mobilized during the Berlin Crisis of 1961 and later for the Vietnam War, performing air defense alert duties. The 1990s saw the wing participate in Operation Desert Storm and subsequent No-Fly Zone enforcement operations over Iraq. Following the September 11 attacks, the 107th deployed personnel and aircraft in support of Operation Noble Eagle, the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and the Iraq War. Its history reflects the evolving roles of the Air National Guard within the United States Department of Defense.

Organization

The wing is operationally gained by Air Combat Command and falls under the administrative control of the New York Air National Guard. Its primary subordinate unit is the 136th Fighter Squadron, which conducts the flying operations. The wing also includes a Maintenance Group, a Mission Support Group, and a Medical Group, providing comprehensive logistical, security, and personnel support. This structure allows it to fulfill its federal expeditionary combat missions as directed by the United States Secretary of the Air Force and its state mission under the authority of the Governor of New York.

Aircraft

Initially equipped with propeller-driven P-47 Thunderbolts, the wing transitioned to jet aircraft with the F-51H Mustang and later the F-94 Starfire. Throughout the Cold War, it operated the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, and the F-4 Phantom II. In the 1980s, it converted to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which served as its primary fighter for decades. In a significant mission change, the wing began transitioning to the A-10 Thunderbolt II in the 2020s, adopting the close air support role. These aircraft have been maintained and operated from its primary base at Niagara Falls International Airport.

Mission

The wing's federal mission is to provide fully trained, equipped, and combat-ready forces to the United States Air Force for worldwide deployment. This includes conducting air sovereignty, close air support, and combat search and rescue operations as tasked by United States Northern Command and United States European Command. Its state mission involves responding to gubernatorial orders for disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counter-drug operations within New York. The wing also maintains a continuous alert posture for the defense of the Northeastern United States.

Assignments

The wing has been assigned to several major commands throughout its history. It was initially part of the New York Air National Guard under the Continental Air Command. For operational control, it has been aligned with the Air Defense Command, Tactical Air Command, and, most recently, Air Combat Command. During federal mobilizations, it has reported to organizations such as First Air Force and the United States Central Command Air Forces. Its state assignments always fall under the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Bases

The wing's primary home station since its inception has been the Niagara Falls Municipal Airport, later redesignated Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and co-located with Niagara Falls International Airport. This installation in Niagara County has served as its main operational and training hub. During periods of federal activation, wing personnel have also been deployed to numerous forward operating locations, including bases in South Korea, Germany, and across the Middle East.

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