Stewart Air National Guard Base

Stewart Air National Guard Base. It is a military facility located adjacent to New York State Route 17K in Orange County, New York, and is the home of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing. The base shares its airfield, known as Stewart International Airport, in a unique joint civil-military arrangement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This installation serves as a critical strategic airlift hub for the Northeastern United States, supporting both state and federal missions.

History

The site's origins trace to 1930 when it was developed as a private airfield by Thomas A. Stewart and Betty Stewart. In 1942, the United States Army Air Forces acquired the property, establishing Stewart Army Airfield as a training base for B-24 Liberator crews during World War II. Post-war, it transitioned through various roles, including use by the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command and as a support base for the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point. The property was transferred to New York state in 1970, leading to the creation of the civilian Stewart International Airport. The military presence was reorganized under the Air National Guard, with the 105th Airlift Wing assuming permanent residence following the Base Realignment and Closure process in the 1990s.

Units and operations

The primary resident unit is the 105th Airlift Wing, which operates the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter. This wing falls under the Air Mobility Command's Eighteenth Air Force for federal missions and under the New York National Guard for state duties. Its operations encompass worldwide strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and disaster response support for the Governor of New York. The base also hosts the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron and detachments from the New York Army National Guard, including elements of the 42nd Infantry Division. These units regularly participate in major exercises like Red Flag – Alaska and support operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Facilities and infrastructure

The base occupies the southwestern portion of the larger Stewart International Airport complex. Its key infrastructure includes a massive aircraft hangar complex capable of sheltering multiple C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, modern maintenance bays, and a large fuel storage and hydrant system. The airfield features a primary runway, 9/27, which is over 11,800 feet long, making it one of the longest civilian-run runways in the Northeastern United States and capable of handling the world's largest military and cargo aircraft. Other facilities include the Base Operations building, a Fire Department with ARFF capability, security forces complexes, and family support centers operated by the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

Role and significance

Strategically, it functions as the premier air mobility hub for the Department of Defense in the Northeastern United States, providing rapid global reach. The 105th Airlift Wing's C-17 Globemaster III fleet is pivotal for deploying the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum and other United States Army forces. For the State of New York, the base is an essential asset for homeland security and disaster response, providing immediate airlift for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services during events like Hurricane Sandy. Its partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a national model for joint civil-military airport operations.

Environmental and community relations

The base maintains an active Environmental Management System compliant with ISO 14001 standards, focusing on stormwater management, spill prevention, and wildlife habitat conservation on its large, wooded tracts. It engages in continuous dialogue with surrounding communities, including the City of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor, through its Community Action Council. The 105th Airlift Wing participates in numerous public outreach events such as the New York State Fair and hosts open houses, while also coordinating noise abatement procedures with airport authorities to mitigate impacts on local residents.

Category:Air National Guard bases Category:New York Air National Guard Category:Military facilities in New York (state)