163d Attack Wing

163d Attack Wing
U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Paul Duquette · Public domain · source
Unit name	163d Attack Wing
Dates	1943–1946; 1946–1952; 1952–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force California Air National Guard
Type	Wing
Role	Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations
Command structure	California Air National Guard under Air Combat Command
Garrison	March Air Reserve Base, California
Equipment	General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
Equipment label	Aircraft
Battles	World War II, Korean War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

163d Attack Wing is a unit of the California Air National Guard stationed at March Air Reserve Base. Operating the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, it provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities in support of global combatant commands. The wing's lineage traces back to World War II, with subsequent service during the Korean War and in modern conflicts like the War in Afghanistan.

History

The unit was originally constituted in 1943 as the 363d Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts from bases in England under the Ninth Air Force. It provided crucial Close air support during the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine. Following Victory in Europe Day, the group was inactivated in 1946. It was redesignated and allotted to the California Air National Guard in 1946 as the 146th Fighter Group, flying aircraft like the F-80 Shooting Star. During the Korean War, the unit was federalized and served in an air defense role. It was redesignated as the 163d Fighter Group in 1952 and has undergone numerous mission changes, transitioning through aircraft such as the F-101B Voodoo and the F-16C Fighting Falcon for Air Defense Command. The wing converted to the MQ-1 Predator and later the MQ-9 Reaper, becoming a key player in operations over Afghanistan and Iraq.

Organization

The wing is a Gained unit operationally controlled by Air Combat Command when federally mobilized. Its primary subordinate unit is the 196th Attack Squadron, which conducts the flying operations. Other groups and squadrons within the wing provide essential support functions including maintenance, operations support, mission intelligence coordination, and communications. The wing maintains a close relationship with its host base, March Air Reserve Base, which is also home to the Fourth Air Force and the 452d Air Mobility Wing.

Mission

Its primary mission is to conduct sustained Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and armed reconnaissance. Crews pilot aircraft from ground control stations, providing real-time support to ground forces across multiple theaters of operation. The wing also maintains a state mission for the Governor of California, supporting homeland security and disaster response efforts within the state, such as during major wildfires.

Aircraft

The wing's primary aircraft is the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, a multi-role platform equipped with Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs. Previously, it operated the MQ-1 Predator. Its historical aircraft inventory includes the P-47 Thunderbolt, F-80C Shooting Star, F-101B Voodoo, and the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon.

Assignments

The wing's current major command assignment is to Air Combat Command. Its gaining command for operational tasking is typically the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central). For its state role, it falls under the California Air National Guard and the California Military Department. Historically, it has been assigned to organizations including the Tactical Air Command, the Air Defense Command, and the Continental Air Command.

Bases

Its home station is March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, California. During World War II, the group operated from several bases in the United Kingdom, including RAF Rivenhall and RAF Staplehurst. Other historical stations have included Van Nuys Air National Guard Base and Ontario International Airport.

Category:California Air National Guard Category:Wings of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations in California Category:Unmanned aerial vehicle units and formations of the United States