109th Airlift Wing
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| 109th Airlift Wing | |
|---|---|
 The National Guard · Public domain · source | |
| Unit name | 109th Airlift Wing |
| Caption | Emblem of the 109th Airlift Wing |
| Dates | 1948–present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | New York (state) |
| Branch | United States, Air National Guard |
| Type | Wing |
| Role | Airlift, Antarctic support |
| Size | ~1,200 personnel |
| Command structure | New York Air National Guard, Air Mobility Command (gained) |
| Garrison | Stratton Air National Guard Base, Schenectady County, New York |
| Equipment | LC-130H Hercules |
| Equipment label | Aircraft |
| Battles | Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Global War on Terrorism |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commander1 | Colonel |
| Commander1 label | Current commander |
| Identification symbol label | Tail code |
| Identification symbol | "NY" with red stripe |
109th Airlift Wing is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady County, New York. Gained by the Air Mobility Command of the United States Air Force, it is the only military unit in the world equipped with the ski-equipped LC-130H "Skibird" aircraft, specializing in operations in polar regions. The wing's primary mission is providing airlift support to scientific research stations in Antarctica and Greenland, while also maintaining a state and federal domestic response capability.
History
The unit was originally constituted as the 109th Fighter Squadron in 1948, part of the post-World War II expansion of the Air National Guard. It was initially equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts and later F-94 Starfires during the Cold War, serving in an air defense role for the Continental United States. In 1960, the unit transitioned to airlift, redesignated as the 109th Air Transport Squadron and receiving C-97 Stratofreighters. This began a long association with strategic airlift, with the unit flying the C-118 Liftmaster and later the C-130A Hercules. A pivotal change occurred in 1975 when the unit received its first ski-equipped LC-130, assuming its unique polar mission in support of the National Science Foundation and the United States Antarctic Program. The wing was mobilized during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and extensively for the Global War on Terrorism, supporting operations like Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Organization
The 109th Airlift Wing is headquartered at Stratton Air National Guard Base, named for former New York State Senator and Brigadier General Clarence O. Stratton. The wing's operational group is the 109th Operations Group, which includes the 139th Airlift Squadron as its flying squadron. The 109th Maintenance Group provides specialized maintenance for the unique LC-130 fleet, while the 109th Mission Support Group and 109th Medical Group handle base infrastructure, logistics, and personnel support. The wing falls under the dual command of the Governor of New York for state missions and the President of the United States when federally activated, reporting through the National Guard Bureau and United States Northern Command.
Missions and operations
The wing's flagship mission is Operation Deep Freeze, the logistical support for the United States Antarctic Program, resupplying remote stations like McMurdo Station and Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. In the Arctic, it supports the National Science Foundation's research at Summit Station on the Greenland ice sheet. Domestically, the wing conducts disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and homeland security missions, such as responding to Hurricane Sandy and supporting COVID-19 pandemic logistics. Federal deployments have included worldwide strategic airlift for the United States Department of Defense, transporting cargo and personnel to theaters including the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Aircraft
The wing operates a fleet of ten LC-130H Hercules aircraft, modified with retractable ski-wheels for landing on snow and ice. These "Skibirds" are equipped with JATO (Jet-Assisted Takeoff) bottles for enhanced performance in thin polar air and feature strengthened fuselages and custom avionics for navigation in extreme high-latitude environments. Prior aircraft flown by the wing include the C-97 Stratofreighter, C-118 Liftmaster, and standard C-130A/B/E models.
Notable incidents and accidents
In October 1991, an LC-130H (serial 83-0492) sustained substantial damage after sliding off an icy runway at McMurdo Station; the aircraft was repaired on-site. A more severe accident occurred in December 1995, when an LC-130H (serial 83-0490) crashed during takeoff from a site in Antarctica; the crew survived but the aircraft was destroyed. In January 2013, another LC-130H (serial 83-0491) experienced a landing gear failure on the Greenland ice sheet, resulting in significant damage but no fatalities; the aircraft was subsequently recovered and repaired.
Awards and honors
The wing has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbons for its polar and global operations. Individual personnel have earned decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Aerial Achievement Medal. The 109th Airlift Wing is the recipient of the Earl T. Ricks Award for outstanding airmanship and the National Guard Association of the United States's Spaatz Trophy for overall unit effectiveness. Its continuous support of scientific discovery in Antarctica has been recognized by the National Science Foundation and the United States Antarctic Program.
Category:Air National Guard wings of the United States Category:Military units and formations in New York (state)