174th Fighter Wing

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 174th Fighter Wing


caption= 174th Fighter Wing emblem
dates= 1947-Present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Air Force
type= Wing
role= Fighter Support
size=
command_structure=Air National Guard/Air Combat Command
current_commander= Colonel Kevin Bradley
garrison= Hancock Field, New York
ceremonial_chief=
nickname=
motto=
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles=
anniversaries=

The Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing is an fighter support unit located at Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York.

Mission

History

The 174th Fighter Wing was formed on October 28, 1947 as the 138th Fighter Squadron (FS). The 138th FS was the first post-WWII Air National Guard flying unit in New York State. The unit flew P-47D Thunderbolts and was based at the former Army Air Force facilities at Hancock Field.

In 1950, the unit became the first jet - equipped flying unit in New York State with the assignment of F-84B Thunderjets. The base became the main training hub in the State for jet fighter aircraft. In 1957, F-86H Sabres arrived and the 138th FS was assigned to Tactical Air Command, starting its long history of performing the close air support mission.

The 138th FS was mobilized in 1961 through 1962 by command of President John F. Kennedy. It was under the control of the 102nd Tactical Fighter Wing. The unit was called to active duty with the USAF during the Berlin Crisis. The unit served in Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base for a period of approximately two years. Upon return to the United States, the unit was renamed the 174th Tactical Fighter Group (TFG).

In 1968, the 174th TFG was again federally activated and deployed to Cannon AFB, New Mexico, for the "Pueblo Crisis."

In October, 1979, the 174th TFG status changed from group to wing (TFW) and the unit was converted to the Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Wart Hog.

The first F-16A Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft arrived in 1988 and the 174th TFW became the USAF test unit for the close air support role of the F/A-16 with the 30 mm gun pod. The unit received the USAF's Outstanding Maintenance Squadron Award that year.

In 1991, the 174th TFW deployed to the Persian Gulf with 516 members in support of Operation Desert Storm. The 174th was one of only two Air National Guard units to fly combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. The unit received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with the "V" device for valor, during Operation Desert Storm; the Air Force Association Outstanding Unit Award; and the National Guard Association's Best Family Support Center Award.

In 1992, the unit changed its name from the 174th TFW to its current designation, the 174th Fighter Wing (FW). In 1995, and for the next two years, the 174th FW deployed twice to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey in support of Operation Provide Comfort II and Operation Northern Watch.

In 1997, the 174th Fighter Wing commemorated its 50th Anniversary in conjunction with the United States Air Force by hosting the Air Force Thunderbirds at the Syracuse Air Show.

Over the years, the 174th Fighter Wing has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit award in 1981, 1983, 1986, and 1990.

On August 11, 2008, it was reported that the 174th Fighter Wing will replace all F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft with MQ-9 Reaper unmanned combat aircraft. [cite news|title=Warplanes: Rise of the Droids | url = http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20080811.aspx | publisher = Strategy Page | date=2008-08-11]

Assignments

Gaining Major Command

* Air Combat Command (1992-Present)
* Tactical Air Command (1962-1992)

Previous designations

* 174th Reconnaissance Wing (2008-Present)
* 174th Fighter Wing (1992-2008)
* 174th Tactical Fighter Wing (1979-1992)
* 174th Tactical Fighter Group (1962-1979)

quadrons assigned

* 138th Reconnaissance Squadron (2008-Present)
* 138th Fighter Squadron (???-2008)

Bases stationed

*Hancock Field, New York (1962-Present)
**???, (Detachment 1) (19??-Present)
**Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, (Detachment 2) (19??-Present)

Aircraft flown

*MQ-9 Reaper (2008-Present)
*F-16C Block 25 Fighting Falcon (1998-2008)
*F-16C Block 30 Fighting Falcon (1993-1998)
*F-16A Fighting Falcon (1988-1993)
*A-10 Thunderbolt II (1979-1988)
*A-37 Dragonfly (1970-1979)
*F-86H Sabre (1962-1971)

Awards

* Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - 1981; 1983; 1986; 1990; 2007

References

* [http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/ang/174/174_hist.htm 174th Fighter Wing, New York Air National Guard]

External links

* [http://www.174fw.ang.af.mil/ 174th Fighter Wing Official Homepage]
* [http://www.philippecolin.net/cobras.html Philippe's Aviation Page on the 174th FW]