57-615: The 146th Airlift Wing (146 AW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard , stationed at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station , Oxnard, California. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command . The 146th AW's primary mission is to provide global military airlift capability to a full spectrum of state and federal agencies. Flying
114-898: A Major Command of the USAF if federalized. In addition, the California Air National Guard are assigned to Air Expeditionary Forces and are subject to deployment along with their active duty and Air Force Reserve counterparts. Along with their federal reserve obligations, the California ANG is subject to activation by order of the Governor to provide protection of life and property, and preserve peace, order and public safety. State missions include disaster relief in times of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and forest fires, search and rescue, protection of vital public services, and support to civil defense. The California Air National Guard consists of
171-602: A F-51D Fighter-Bomber training unit. The units were returned to California State control in November 1952, and on 1 January 1953, the 146th Fighter-Bomber Wing was reformed at Van Nuys Airport. With the end of combat in Korea, jet-propelled aircraft began to be made available to the Air National Guard. In 1953, the 195th at Van Nuys received F-86A Sabres , to be used in day-interceptor missions. The 195th's F-51Hs were reassigned to
228-421: A backfill of military airlifters to Europe by Air National Guard C-130s. In 1997, wing members deployed in excess of 10,000 days supporting State and Federal missions. During the period the unit played critical roles in support of DoD missions deploying to Oman and Saudi Arabia in support of Southern Watch , and in peacetime humanitarian airlift and aerial fire fighting, among the many missions accomplished by
285-685: A permanent fixed-base retardant reload pit on its parking ramp, enabling the base at Channel Islands to provide a valuable strategic location for Southern California Aerial Firefighting. The new fire-retardant ground tanks have increased the storage capability five-fold from a 10,000-gallon capacity to 50,000 gallons to accommodate more MAFFS aircraft and the U.S. Forest Service's Very Large Air Tankers (VLAT's) with water and fire retardant solution. [REDACTED] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency California Air National Guard The California Air National Guard (CA ANG)
342-623: A result of the incredibly high OPSTEMPO in 2020, the 146th airlift Wing was awarded the Major General Stanley F. H. Newman Award, recognizing the most outstanding Air National Guard wing contributing to the overall success of the Mobility Air Forces mission. The 146th is one of only four C-130 Air Guard and AF Reserve units whose contribution to the nation's aerial fire fighting capability includes equipment and techniques for efficient, effective suppression of large wildland fires from
399-447: A small remnant of wing personnel had transferred operations to Channel Islands ANG Station. Shortly thereafter, the old Van Nuys facility was closed and turned over to the City of Los Angeles. On 30 April 1990, the flag at Van Nuys ANG Base was lowered for the last time during a special ceremony. The addition of a C-130 flight simulator facility is planned. Construction was delayed in 2019 when
456-497: A span of 72 hours and marked the largest troop movement in California Air National Guard History. Also in 2020, members of the 146th Maintenance Group provided critical aircraft recovery support by assisting Marines from Twentynine Palms, California, as they disassembled, lifted and loaded the remains of a KC-130J aircraft that collided with a Marine F-35B during a refueling mission onto a transport truck. As
513-710: Is a disbanded unit of the United States Air Force , last stationed at Van Nuys Airport , Van Nuys, California. It was withdrawn from the California Air National Guard (CA ANG) and inactivated on 31 October 1950. This wing is not related to the 62d Troop Carrier Wing or subsequent units that was constituted on 28 July 1947 and activated on 15 August 1947. Formed at Mitchel Field, New York in December 1942. Departed New York 13 January 1943 via New York Port of Embarkation . Arrived Casablanca, French Morocco on 30 January 1943 and assigned to Twelfth Air Force. Primary mission
570-702: Is one of the 29 original National Guard Observation Squadrons of the United States Army National Guard formed before World War II . It is the oldest unit in the California Air National Guard, having over 100 years of service to the state and nation. Formed at Westover Field , Massachusetts, in August 1943. During World War II the 373d Fighter Group was assigned to the European Theater of Operations (ETO), Ninth Air Force , in Western Europe. It
627-708: Is one of three components of the California National Guard , a reserve of the United States Air Force , and part of the National Guard of the United States . As militia units, the units in the California Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command . They are under the jurisdiction of the governor of California through the office of the California Adjutant General unless they are federalized when ordered by
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#1732858571882684-428: The 62d Fighter Wing at Van Nuys Airport, Van Nuys. Its 115th Bombardment Squadron was equipped with A-26 Invader light bombers. On 16 September 1946, its 146th Fighter Group was also formed at Van Nuys, with several fighter squadrons equipped with F-51 Mustangs and its mission was the air defense of the state. 18 September 1947, however, is considered the California Air National Guard's official birth concurrent with
741-645: The C-130B . During this period, both the 115th and its sister squadron, the 195th Tactical Airlift Squadron shared the same pool of aircraft. With the end of the Vietnam War, the California National Guard bureau began to downsize the 146th Tactical Airlift Wing (TAS) as part of the post-war drawdown. With C-130s units being transferred to Military Airlift Command , the junior 195th TAS was inactivated on 30 September 1974. The personnel, equipment, and aircraft of
798-496: The President of the United States . The California National Guard has multiple bases located across the state and the commander is Marcella Fain, Matthew Beevers, and Marcus Coston. Under the "Total Force" concept, California Air National Guard units are considered to be Air Reserve Components (ARC) of the United States Air Force (USAF). California ANG units are trained and equipped by the U.S. Air Force and are operationally gained by
855-639: The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States , elements of every Air National Guard unit in California has been activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism . Flight crews, aircraft maintenance personnel, communications technicians, air controllers and air security personnel were engaged in Operation Noble Eagle air defense overflights of major United States cities. In December 2007, after
912-618: The Vietnam War , to both South Vietnam , Okinawa , and Thailand . The C-97s were retired in 1970 and the unit was transferred to Tactical Air Command (TAC). It transitioned to the C-130A Hercules theater transport, flying missions in support of TAC throughout the United States and Alaska. In 1973, the C-130A models were transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force and they were replaced by
969-503: The 115th, now a Fighter-Bomber Squadron (FBS); the 115th was upgraded to F-86As in late 1953. In 1954, the 196th FBS at Norton AFB was equipped with F-86As, and the 197th at Luke AFB also being upgraded to F-86As. With the F-86A, the squadrons began standing dusk-to-dawn alerts, joining its Air Defense Command active-duty counterparts. On 1 January 1954, the 196th FBS was moved from the expanding Norton AFB to Ontario Municipal Airport . The 146th
1026-505: The 146's Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Air Terminal Operations Squadron and Civil Engineering Squadron. The squadrons deployed for three months to provide airlift and airdrop capabilities to forward operating bases. In a separate Afghanistan deployment, the wing deployed an aviation package and served as part of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. During the four-month deployment, wing members transported more than 8,900 tons of cargo and 25,367 passengers, more than any airlift squadron in
1083-534: The 146th Airlift Wing has been heavily involved in mobility operations within the USCENTCOM theater, providing intra-theater airlift mainly within Afghanistan, Iraq, and surrounding countries. It's airmen have been deployed almost constantly since 2001, for periods of up to six months at a time. In one instance, five of the wing's C-130J aircraft flew to Afghanistan with a full complement of maintenance and aircrew and from
1140-937: The 195th TFS were reassigned to the 115th TAS. In the early 1970s, USAF's "Total Force" policy brought the wing into full partnership with its Air Force counterparts by mandating co-operation and teamwork between Air Guard and active duty Air Force units in all phases of military airlift operations. As a result, in succeeding years the wing's C-130s traveled to all corners of the world, airlifting troops, passengers, and cargo during training missions, exercise deployments, and real-world military operations to support Federal and State military airlift requirements. The 146th TAW and its subordinate units participated in numerous Cold War military exercises such as Team Spirit, Volant Oak, Red Flag, and Reforger. Other Joint Chief of Staff exercises included "Ember Dawn IV" in Alaska and "Brave Shield" in Europe. In 1979,
1197-459: The 373d Fighter Group. The Group was assigned to the California ANG 62nd Fighter Wing . Upon activation, operational squadrons of the 146th Fighter Group were: The 196th, 197th, and 198th Fighter Squadrons were all re-designations of the 373d Fighter Group's operational squadrons during World War II. All of the fighter squadrons were initially equipped with F-51D Mustangs , with a mission of air defense of Southern California and Arizona. The 115th
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#17328585718821254-485: The 441st Army Air Force Base Unit. At the end of October 1950, the Air National Guard converted to the wing-base ( Hobson Plan ) organization. As a result, the 62d Fighter Wing was withdrawn from the California ANG and was inactivated on 31 October 1950. The 146th Composite Wing was established by the National Guard Bureau, allocated to the state of California, recognized and activated 1 November 1950; assuming
1311-753: The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve assumed full responsibility for airlift operations in Panama , which recently moved to Puerto Rico , a commitment still fulfilled. In mid-December 1989, and continuing for several weeks, wing aircraft, air crews, and support personnel on deployment for exercise Volant Oak at Howard AFB, Canal Zone, Panama , flew combat airlift missions for U. S. Southern Command during Operation "Just Cause" in Panama. More than 100 combat sorties were flown by 146th aircraft and crews, with no casualties or damage to aircraft. In December 1988, after more than six decades of Air National Guard flying tradition in
1368-760: The Group concentrated on the destruction of bridges, marshalling yards, and highways. It flew reconnaissance missions to support ground operations in the Rhine Valley in March 1945, hitting airfields, motor transports, etc. The Group continued tactical air operations until 4 May 1945. Returned to the United States and prepared for transfer to the Pacific Theater during the Summer of 1945, the Japanese Capitulation in August led to
1425-490: The Group's inactivation in November 1945. The wartime 373d Fighter Group was re-designated as the 146th Fighter Group, and was allotted to the California Air National Guard , on 24 May 1946. It was organized at Van Nuys Airport , Los Angeles, California , and was extended federal recognition on 16 September by the National Guard Bureau . The 146th Fighter Group was bestowed the lineage, history, honors, and colors of
1482-507: The Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, the 146th has provided humanitarian relief in the aftermath of hurricanes , earthquakes, floods , and other disasters, in California, the United States and internationally. The 146th is one of four C-130 ANG units whose contribution to the United States' aerial firefighting capability includes equipment and techniques for efficient, effective suppression of large wildland fires from
1539-760: The Medical Group and the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, members of the 115th Airlift Squadron transported over 400 ventilators to locations across the Eastern United States, providing much needed medical equipment to locations that were severely lacking. Members of the 146th also mobilized to assist at the Los Angeles County coroners office, provided medical strike teams at senior living centers and assisted with vaccination distribution sites across California. In addition to fighting Covid-19,
1596-711: The San Fernando Valley, the 146th Airlift Wing began moving from Van Nuys to a brand new facility, built on Federal land leased to the State of California, adjacent to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, an active duty Navy flying installation. The 146th operates from the military airfield at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, along with Navy and other Federal aviation activities. By March 1990, all but
1653-465: The Western United States saving valuable property, natural resources, and lives. Prior to the period covering 2019-2021 - which produced two of the three largest wildfires in California's history - the fire seasons of 1993 and 1994 were the worst on record. The Malibu fires of 1993 literally burned to the edge of the 146th AW's base. But it was in 1994, with over 55,000 wildfires raging throughout
1710-516: The Wing and squadrons were federalized on 1 October 1961. From Van Nuys, the wing augmented MATS airlift capability worldwide in support of the Air Force's needs. It returned again to California state control on 31 August 1962. Throughout the 1960s, the unit flew long-distance transport missions in support of Air Force requirements, frequently sending aircraft to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and, during
1767-528: The air. Since 1974, using the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) units supplied by the U.S. Forest Service and mounted in four C-130s, the wing's aerial fire fighting crews have been credited with saving many lives and countless millions of dollars worth of structures, forests, and brush land in California, and many other States and countries as well, taking part in over 5,000 aerial firefighting missions in California and across
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1824-518: The air. Since 1974, using the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) units supplied by the US Forest Service and mounted in four C-130s, the wing's aerial firefighting crews have been credited with saving many lives and millions of dollars worth of structures, forests, and brushland in California and other states and countries. MAFFS II was used for the first time on a fire in July 2010, using
1881-414: The aircraft to the unidentified target for interception. In 1958, the 196th Fighter-Bomber Squadron at Ontario Airport was authorized to expand to a group level. The 163d Fighter-Interceptor Group was federally recognized on 17 May; the 196th FBS was re-designated as a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and transferred to the new group under California ANG jurisdiction. On 2 October 1957, the 197th FBS at Luke AFB
1938-685: The assault area until the end of the month. The Group moved to the Continent in July 1944 where it struck railroads, hangars, boxcars, warehouses, and other objectives to prevent reinforcements from reaching the front at St. Lo, where the Allies broke through on 25 July 1944. The Group bombed such targets as troops in the Falaise-Argentan area in August 1944. During the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 – January 1945),
1995-577: The continental United States, supporting operations in Bosnia and Southwest Asia. During the year, the 146th AES also received the two top national honors for medical operations: The Mars Trophy, which is presented annually to the outstanding Air National Guard medical unit, and the George E. Schaeffer Trophy that is presented to the top medical unit in the Reserve component. After the terrorist attacks on Sept 11th, 2001,
2052-407: The end of October 1950, the Air National Guard converted to the wing-base Hobson Plan organization. As a result, the wing was withdrawn from the California ANG and was inactivated on 31 October 1950. The 146th Composite Wing was established by the National Guard Bureau , allocated to the state of California, recognized and activated 1 November 1950; assuming the personnel, equipment and mission of
2109-939: The establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the United States military under the National Security Act On 4 April 1948 the 61st Fighter Wing with its 144th Fighter Group was formed at Hayward Municipal Airport, Hayward. The 61st's mission was the air defense of Northern California, the 62d, Southern California. Today, units of the CA ANG perform a homeland defense mission; worldwide airlift missions, aerial firefighting, combat search and rescue, and Unmanned Aerial (UAV) Reconnaissance missions. The 162d CCG also maintains tactical communications-electronic facilities, and provides tactical command and control communications services for operational commands supporting US military wartime contingencies. After
2166-418: The following Operations: ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and ENDURING SENTINEL. Early 2020 brought Covid-19 to the United States and the 146th Airlift Wing remained one of the busiest C-130 units across the Air National Guard. In addition to providing essential services to medical facilities in communities across the state of California from both
2223-604: The following major units: The California Air National Guard origins date to 28 August 1917 with the establishment of the 115th Aero Squadron as part of the World War I United States Army Air Service . The 115th served in France on the Western Front, constructed facilities and engaged in supply and related base support activities then after the 1918 Armistice with Germany was demobilized in 1919. The Militia Act of 1903 established
2280-427: The funds allocated by Congress were diverted to build the border wall due to a Declaration of National Emergency . ref> Diaz, Alexa (4 September 2019). "California escapes brunt of Pentagon funding deferrals to pay for Trump's border wall" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 5 September 2019 . In January 2023, the construction for the building to house the new simulator finally broke ground. In August 1990,
2337-725: The grounding of F-15 fighters due to potential structural problems, the California Air National Guard assumed responsibility for defense of the western United States . This was the first time that a single state's fighter wing took responsibility of defense for an entire coast. Also, California ANG units have been deployed overseas as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq as well as other locations as directed. [REDACTED] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency 62nd Fighter Wing [REDACTED] The 62d Fighter Wing (62 FW)
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2394-668: The history of the U.S. Air Force. The unit was also heavily involved in the fight against ISIS - providing critical re-supply and transport capabilities to the US military and its allies to locations in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. Most recently, the unit deployed to a new location, marking a shift for the wing as they transition from supporting operations in the Middle East to operations in the Horn of Africa. Since 2021, The 146th Airlift Wing has played actives roles in
2451-770: The immediate organization of the 115th Observation Squadron, 40th Division of Aviation, California National Guard . Initially the Unit held its meetings at Clover Field, Santa Monica, using Reserve Equipment planes for flying. Later on, the Squadron met at the National Guard Armory and also at the University of Southern California . In 1925, several months after its organization, the Squadron moved to permanent quarters at Griffith Park Aerodrome in Los Angeles. The 115th Observation Squadron
2508-622: The latest generation Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The 146th Airlift Wing was the first to transition to the MAFFS 2 system in 2008, and it remains the only unit flying the new system on the C-130J aircraft. The 146th Airlift Wing consists of the following units: The 115th Airlift Squadron , assigned to the Wing's 146th Operations Group, is a descendant organization of the 115th Observation Squadron, established on 16 June 1924. It
2565-472: The personnel, equipment, and mission of the inactivated 62d Fighter Wing. The 146th Composite Group was assigned to the new wing as its operational group with the three fighter squadrons. The 115th Bombardment Squadron (Light) at Van Nuys Airport was transferred from the 62d Fighter Wing to the new 144th Composite Wing. The 115th was a re-designation of the original California National Guard pre-war 115th Observation Squadron with origins dating to 1917. With
2622-562: The present National Guard system, units raised by the states but paid for by the Federal Government, liable for immediate state service. If federalized by Presidential order, they fall under the regular military chain of command. On 1 June 1920, the Militia Bureau issued Circular No.1 on organization of National Guard air units. The 115th Observation Squadron was established by the Militia Bureau on 5 April 1924, which authorized
2679-482: The state of California was also reeling from protests and civil disturbances in mid-2020. In response, the 146th Airlift Wing was mobilized to transport National Guard soldiers and Airmen to locations across the state to provide security and assistance to civil authorities if required. "The unit engaged in 63 hours of flying time to move 1,574 National Guard members along with 364,600 pounds of supplies in C-130J Super Hercules aircraft." This immense operation occurred within
2736-448: The surprise invasion of South Korea on 25 June 1950, and the regular military's complete lack of readiness, most of the Air National Guard was federalized placed on active duty. The 146th Fighter Wing was federalized on 1 March 1951 and assigned to Tactical Air Command. It was re-designated as the 146th Fighter-Bomber Wing and moved to Moody AFB , Georgia, where it was assigned two federalized ANG squadrons from Idaho and Montana and became
2793-657: The western States, that the 146th, along with three other MAFFS-equipped guard and reserve units flew nearly 2,000 missions, dropping fifty-one million pounds of fire retardant. The 146th has been involved in every major wildfire in recent history, to include the Thomas Fire, the Woolsey Fire, the August Complex Fire, The Dixie Fire, The Mendocino Complex Fire and the Rim Fire. In 2021, the 146th Airlift Wing finished constructing
2850-452: The wing during the award period. In 1999, the 146th Mission Support Group excelled in their support and service to the wing, the State of California, and the nation. Personnel from civil engineering, security forces, and communications deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Northern and Southern Watch. Members of the 146th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) performed over 7,200 workdays during deployments in 1999, mostly outside
2907-621: The world was moving swiftly toward armed confrontation in the Persian Gulf . By late January 1991, the 146th Airlift Wing had provided U.S. Central Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe more than 650 personnel, voluntarily and involuntarily activated, who participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm . Aircraft and air crews from the 115th Airlift Squadron flew two-month-long tours of duty in Operation Volant Pine,
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#17328585718822964-405: Was equipped with B-26 Invader light bombers, gained by Tactical Air Command . Other components were the 146th Headquarters, 146th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 146th Combat Support Squadron, and the 1146th USAF Dispensary. During World War II, Van Nuys Airport had been used as an Army Airfield and the organization moved into several buildings and hangars vacated just a few months previously by
3021-448: Was equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts . The Group flew its first combat mission on 8 May 1944, a fighter sweep over Normandy . It then took part in pre-invasion activities (e.g., escorting B-26 Marauders to attack airdromes, bridges, and railroads in Occupied France ). The Group patrolled the air over the beachhead when the Allies launched the Normandy invasion on 6 June 1944, and hit troops, tanks, roads, fuel depots, and other targets in
3078-432: Was expanded into the 161st Fighter-Interceptor Group, and came under Arizona ANG jurisdiction. In 1961, the 146th FIW was reassigned to Military Air Transport Service (MATS), trading in its Sabre interceptors for 4-engined C-97 Stratofreighter transports. With air transportation recognized as a critical wartime need, the 146th was re-designated the 146th Air Transport Wing (Heavy). During the Berlin Crisis of 1961 , both
3135-407: Was fighter escort; air defense using night fighter units; harbor protection; homing of lost aircraft and air-sea rescue. Inactivated in Italy in September 1945. Allocated to the California Air National Guard for command and control origination for units in the Southwest Region (Southern California, Arizona) of the United States. Extended federal recognition and activated on 14 September 1950. At
3192-697: Was ordered into active United States Army Air Corps service on 3 March 1941 as part of the buildup of the Army Air Corps prior to the United States entry into World War II. On 24 May 1946, the United States Army Air Forces , in response to dramatic postwar military budget cuts, imposed by President Harry S. Truman , allocated inactive unit designations to the National Guard Bureau for the formation of an Air Force National Guard. These unit designations were allotted and transferred to various State National Guard bureaus to provide them unit designations to re-establish them as Air National Guard units. The modern California ANG received federal recognition on 1 July 1946 as
3249-491: Was re-designated the 146th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (FIW) on 1 July 1955. The 146th FIW continued to fly the F-86A until 31 March 1958. On 1 April 1958, the transition was made to the F-86L Sabre Interceptor , which was designed from the onset as an interceptor, had all-weather capability, and thus was able to be used in all weather. In addition, the F-86L could be controlled and directed by the SAGE computer -controlled Ground Control Interceptor (Radar) sites which would vector
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