New York Air National Guard

New York Air National Guard
Unit name	New York Air National Guard
Caption	Emblem of the New York Air National Guard
Dates	30 June 1916 – present
Country	United States
Allegiance	New York (state)
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Air National Guard
Role	"To provide mission-ready forces to the United States Air Force and Governor of New York"
Size	Over 5,800 personnel
Command structure	New York National Guard First Air Force (when federally activated)
Garrison	Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York
Garrison label	Headquarters
Commander1	Governor Kathy Hochul
Commander1 label	Commander-in-Chief
Commander2	Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Shields
Commander2 label	Adjutant General of New York
Identification symbol label	Aircraft roundel

New York Air National Guard. The New York Air National Guard is the aerial militia of the State of New York, operating as both a state and federal military reserve force. It is a component of the New York National Guard and the United States Air Force, tracing its lineage to early 20th-century aviation units. The governor commands the force for state emergencies, while the President of the United States can federalize it for national missions.

History

The origins date to the formation of the 1st Aero Squadron, New York National Guard, authorized in 1915 and federally recognized in 1916 at Mineola Field on Long Island. Following World War I, the Militia Bureau reorganized aviation units, leading to the establishment of the 102nd Observation Squadron in 1923. During World War II, New York units like the 27th Bombardment Group were mobilized into the United States Army Air Forces. The modern organization was created by the National Security Act of 1947, which established the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard as a separate reserve component. Key historical events include the activation of the 106th Rescue Wing during the Vietnam War and the massive state and federal response following the September 11 attacks.

Organization

The force is headquartered at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York, under the command of the Adjutant General of New York. Its structure includes a State Headquarters in Latham, New York, which provides command and control for all state missions. When federally activated, operational units typically fall under First Air Force, part of the Continental United States NORAD Region and Air Combat Command. The organization also includes a Geographically Separated Unit for the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, New York, which is integral to the North American Aerospace Defense Command mission.

Major units and bases

Primary flying wings include the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, operating the Lockheed C-17 Globemaster III. The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, conducts combat search and rescue missions. The 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station flies the MQ-9 Reaper. The 109th Airlift Wing, stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base, is unique for operating the LC-130 Hercules on Antarctic supply missions for the National Science Foundation. Other significant installations are the Eastern Air Defense Sector at Griffiss Business and Technology Park and the 214th Attack Group at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York.

Aircraft

The inventory features a diverse fleet supporting global mobility, rescue, and homeland defense. Primary aircraft include the Lockheed C-17 Globemaster III for strategic airlift, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and its ski-equipped LC-130 variant for polar operations. The HH-60G Pave Hawk and HC-130J Combat King II are used by rescue wings for long-range missions. For intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, units operate the MQ-9 Reaper. The EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry was previously used for maritime patrol by the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron. The force has historically operated fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Missions and operations

Its dual mission encompasses state duties under the Governor of New York, such as disaster response for events like Hurricane Sandy and COVID-19 pandemic support, and federal missions for the United States Department of Defense. Federal operations include worldwide strategic airlift, Operation Deep Freeze support in Antarctica, and combat search and rescue in theaters like Operation Enduring Freedom. The Eastern Air Defense Sector provides continuous North American Aerospace Defense Command alert for air sovereignty over the northeastern United States. Units also regularly deploy in support of United States European Command and United States Africa Command exercises.

Notable personnel

Distinguished members include Brig. Gen. Alfred A. Kessler Jr., a former commander of the 107th Fighter Wing and POW during the Vietnam War. Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and ace pilot from Ridgewood, Queens, served with the 35th Fighter Wing during World War II. Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen, the "Berlin Candy Bomber", was a member of the 106th Rescue Wing. Former United States Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters served as a commissioned officer in the force. Astronaut and United States Air Force Colonel James S. McDivitt was a member prior to his NASA career with the Gemini program.

Category:New York Air National Guard Category:Air National Guard