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Alabama Air National Guard

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Alabama Air National Guard
Unit nameAlabama Air National Guard
Dates1922–present
CountryUnited States
AllegianceAlabama
BranchUnited States Air Force
TypeAir National Guard
Command structureAlabama National Guard Air National Guard National Guard Bureau
GarrisonMontgomery
Garrison labelHeadquarters
BattlesWorld War II Korean War Vietnam War Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War

Alabama Air National Guard. The Alabama Air National Guard is the aerial militia of the State of Alabama, operating as a reserve component of the United States Air Force. Its units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and can be mobilized for federal service under the President of the United States. The organization traces its lineage to the formation of the 106th Observation Squadron in 1922, making it one of the oldest Air National Guard units in the nation.

History

The origins of the Alabama Air National Guard date to 1922 with the establishment of the 106th Observation Squadron at Birmingham Municipal Airport. Initially part of the 29th Division Aviation, the unit was equipped with Curtiss JN-4 biplanes. During World War II, the 106th was federalized and served as the 106th Reconnaissance Squadron, flying missions in the Pacific Theater of Operations. In the postwar era, the Air National Guard was formally established by the National Security Act of 1947, leading to the creation of additional units like the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Birmingham. Throughout the Cold War, Alabama units frequently deployed for exercises and were activated during the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis of 1961. The Gulf War marked a significant federal activation, with personnel supporting Operation Desert Storm. Since then, the guard has been continuously engaged in overseas contingency operations including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Organization

The Alabama Air National Guard is a component of the joint Alabama National Guard, under the command of the Adjutant General of Alabama. For federal missions, it falls under the Air National Guard branch of the United States Air Force, administered by the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia. Its primary command structure includes the 187th Fighter Wing as a standalone unit, while other flying and support units are aligned under various Major Commands of the Air Force such as Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command. The governor of Alabama may activate state forces for emergencies like natural disasters under Title 32 of the U.S. Code.

Major units and bases

The largest unit is the 187th Fighter Wing, stationed at Dannelly Field (Montgomery Air National Guard Base) in Montgomery. This wing operates the F-35A Lightning II and includes subordinate groups like the 187th Operations Group and 187th Maintenance Group. Another key installation is the 117th Air Refueling Wing, located at Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport. This wing flies the KC-135R Stratotanker and provides global aerial refueling. The 226th Combat Communications Group and 280th Combat Communications Squadron are based at Maxwell Air Force Base, providing critical command and control infrastructure. Support functions are also performed by the Alabama Air National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters in Montgomery.

Aircraft

The primary fighter aircraft is the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 187th Fighter Wing. For aerial refueling and strategic mobility, the 117th Air Refueling Wing operates the KC-135R Stratotanker, a variant of the Boeing 707. Historically, the guard has flown numerous types including the F-86 Sabre during the Korean War, the RF-4C Phantom II for tactical reconnaissance, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to the transition to the F-35. Support aircraft have included the C-130 Hercules for transport and earlier observation planes like the O-2 Skymaster.

Missions and operations

Its federal mission is to provide trained units and personnel for active United States Air Force requirements, including combat operations, aerospace control alert, and aerial refueling. The 187th Fighter Wing maintains a continuous alert posture for continental air defense under North American Aerospace Defense Command. The 117th Air Refueling Wing regularly deploys worldwide to support United States Transportation Command and NATO operations. State missions include disaster response for hurricanes and tornadoes across Alabama, search and rescue support, and assistance to civil authorities. Personnel have consistently deployed to locations such as Al Udeid Air Base and Bagram Airfield for contingency operations.

Notable personnel

General Luther H. Hodges Jr., who served as commander of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, later became the Deputy Commander of United States European Command. Brigadier General T. Patterson Manley was a prominent commander of the 187th Fighter Wing and a veteran of multiple conflicts. Colonel James A. McDivitt, a NASA astronaut who commanded the Gemini 4 and Apollo 9 missions, served in the Alabama Air National Guard after his United States Air Force career. Major General Sheryl E. Gordon, a former Adjutant General of Alabama, was one of the first women to lead a state's national guard. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody began his enlisted career in the 187th Fighter Wing.

Category:Air National Guard Category:Military in Alabama Category:1922 establishments in Alabama