Nevada Air National Guard

Nevada Air National Guard
Unit name	Nevada Air National Guard
Dates	1946–present
Country	United States
Allegiance	Nevada
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Air National Guard
Command structure	Nevada National Guard Air National Guard United States Air Force
Garrison	Joint Force Headquarters, Carson City, Nevada

Nevada Air National Guard. The Nevada Air National Guard is the aerial militia of the State of Nevada, operating as both a state and federal military reserve force. It is a component of the Nevada National Guard and the Air National Guard, under the dual control of the Governor of Nevada and the President of the United States. Its units are trained and equipped by the United States Air Force and can be mobilized for federal active duty.

History

The Nevada Air National Guard was federally recognized on 15 September 1946, with the establishment of the 152nd Fighter Squadron at Reno Army Air Base. Its early years were spent flying propeller-driven aircraft like the P-51 Mustang before transitioning to jets such as the F-86 Sabre during the Cold War. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, its personnel were activated for conflicts including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. A significant reorganization occurred in 1995 when the 152nd Airlift Wing converted from fighters to the C-130 Hercules, fundamentally changing its mission profile. The September 11 attacks led to prolonged activations for Operation Noble Eagle and subsequent deployments supporting the Global War on Terrorism.

Organization

The Nevada Air National Guard is organized under the umbrella of the Nevada National Guard, with its air component headquartered at the Joint Force Headquarters in Carson City, Nevada. The senior air officer is the Adjutant General of Nevada, who reports to the Governor of Nevada. For federal missions, operational command typically flows through the Air National Guard Readiness Center to the relevant Major Command of the United States Air Force, such as the Air Combat Command or the Air Mobility Command. This dual-status structure is defined by Title 10 and Title 32 authorities.

Units and locations

The primary flying unit is the 152nd Airlift Wing, stationed at Reno-Tahoe International Airport Air Guard Station. This wing comprises several groups and squadrons, including the 152nd Operations Group and the 152nd Maintenance Group. The 152nd Airlift Wing's flying squadron is the 192nd Airlift Squadron. Another major unit is the 232nd Operations Squadron, which operates MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft from Creech Air Force Base near Indian Springs, Nevada. Support functions are provided by geographically separated units like the 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron and the 152nd Security Forces Squadron.

Aircraft

The flagship aircraft of the Nevada Air National Guard is the C-130H Hercules, a four-engine turboprop used for tactical airlift and airdrop missions by the 152nd Airlift Wing. For intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, the 232nd Operations Squadron flies the MQ-9 Reaper, a sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle. Historically, the guard has operated a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A-7 Corsair II.

Missions and operations

The Nevada Air National Guard performs a diverse range of state and federal missions. For the state, under the authority of the Governor of Nevada, it conducts emergency response operations for wildfires, floods, and search and rescue missions. Federally, its C-130H Hercules crews regularly deploy worldwide for tactical airlift in support of U.S. Transportation Command requirements. Its MQ-9 Reaper units provide persistent ISR and strike capabilities for U.S. Central Command and other combatant commands. Personnel consistently support overseas contingency operations in theaters like U.S. Air Forces Central.

Notable personnel

Notable individuals who have served in the Nevada Air National Guard include former United States Senator Chic Hecht, who was a pilot in the 152nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Brigadier General William H. Burks served as the Adjutant General of Nevada and commander of the Nevada National Guard. Renowned test pilot and NASA astronaut Richard H. Truly began his military career as a naval aviator but worked closely with Nellis Air Force Base and Nevada guard units. Award-winning aviator and Command Pilot Colonel Raymond D. Sheets had a distinguished career leading operations within the 152nd Airlift Wing.

Category:Nevada Air National Guard Category:Air National Guard