182d Airlift Wing
Encyclopedia
The 182d Airlift Wing is an Air National Guard
unit, part of the United States Air Force
. It is located at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport in Illinois
.
Led by Lt Col Ralph Pickering, the 169th FS held its first drill in December of 1946, and it received federal recognition on June 21, 1947. By the end of the first year, the unit consisted of 40 officers and 215 airmen. The original base consisted of a shale runway and a single hangar for eight F-51 Mustang fighters, four AT-6 Texan trainers, and a B-26 Invader tow target plane. The first annual training was held at Chicago Municipal Airport (now known as Midway Airport
), with flying done at Douglas Field (now known as O'Hare International Airport
). In 1952, the 169th FS was redesignated the 169th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) and then the 169th Fighter Bomber Squadron (FBS).
By 1953, a large construction project had expanded the base facilities, and in 1954 the 169th FBS obtained the copyright for The Chief, a Walt Disney cartoon character, to display as their emblem. In 1958, the squadron received its first F-84F Thunderstreak
, and the unit flew the first ANG air-to-air refueling mission in 1961. The 169th FBS received its first federal activation in 1961 for the Berlin Crisis
. A year later, the 182d Tactical Fighter Group (TFG) was formed and assumed control of the redesignated 169th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS).
In May of 1969, the 182 TFG was redesignated as the 182d Tactical Air Support Group (TASG). In January of 1970, the wing received its first O-2A variant of the O-2 Skymaster
aircraft. Members of the 182 TASG provided relief assistance during state active duty for the Canton tornado disaster in July of 1975.
In 1976, the 182d TASG was awarded its first Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the group converted to the OA-37 Dragonfly in 1979. The 182 TASG received an "Excellent" rating on its first Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) under the 12th Air Force, and the group was awarded its second Air Force Outstanding Unit award in 1985. In 1987, construction began on the new base facilities, which were formally dedicated in December, 1990. In January of 1991, 138 personnel were called to active duty for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
In July of 1992, the 182d's operational claimancy shifted from the disestablished [Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) to the newly-established Air Combat Command
(ACC). The unit concurrently converted to the F-16 Fighting Falcon
and was redesignated the 182 Fighter Group (182 FG). In June of 1993, members served on state active duty in response to the Mississippi River flooding of southern Illinois. Due to government budget constraints and military Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC
) initiatives which reduced the number of fighter aircraft in the Air National Guard
, the 182 FG converted to the C-130E version of the C-130 Hercules
and was redesignated the 182d Airlift Wing (AW) effective October 1, 1995. When CONUS-based C-130s were transferred from ACC to Air Mobility Command
(AMC), operationally claimancy for the 182 AW was also passed to AMC. In 1996, the wing began participation in ongoing flying missions for Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. In 1997, the 182 AW celebrated its 50th anniversary and received an "Excellent" in its first Air Mobility Command
(AMC) ORI.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, members of the wing were called up to support the Air Force at various locations around the world. During a September 2002 deployment to Oman, wing aircraft flew combat supply missions into Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. On March 29, 2003, SSgt Jacob Frazier of the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) was killed in action while serving with Army Special Forces in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the wing to die in combat.
In March of 2003, immediately following mobilization, six aircraft and over 350 personnel were deployed to Minhad, United Arab Emirates, for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These airmen returned in August after providing airlift support throughout the theater. Since that mobilization, smaller numbers of wing personnel and aircraft have continually supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. On December 28, 2003, a wing crew delivered earthquake relief supplies to Iran, becoming the first US aircraft to land there since 1981.
Beginning in January of 2005, the wing converted from the C-130E to the newer C-130H3 model. In October of 2006, the wing received a rating of "Excellent" after serving as the lead wing during an AMC ORI. On February 3, 2007, the wing was awarded its third Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period from August 1, 2003 to July 31, 2005. Some personnel remain deployed to combat zones while other members of the wing continue routine worldwide support to the Air Force.
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
unit, part of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. It is located at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport in Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
.
History
What is now the 169th Airlift Squadron (AS) and the 182d Airlift Wing originated during World War II as the 304th Fighter Squadron (FS), which was activated on July 23, 1942. The 304th FS was assigned to the 337th Fighter Group (FG) at the Pinellas County Airport, Florida, and served as an operational training unit equipped with the P-39 Airacobra and the P-40 Warhawk. The 304th FS was disbanded on May 1, 1944, and on May 24, 1946, it was reconstituted and redesignated as the 169th FS, allocated to the Air National Guard (ANG).Led by Lt Col Ralph Pickering, the 169th FS held its first drill in December of 1946, and it received federal recognition on June 21, 1947. By the end of the first year, the unit consisted of 40 officers and 215 airmen. The original base consisted of a shale runway and a single hangar for eight F-51 Mustang fighters, four AT-6 Texan trainers, and a B-26 Invader tow target plane. The first annual training was held at Chicago Municipal Airport (now known as Midway Airport
Midway Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport , also known simply as Midway Airport or Midway, is an airport in Chicago, Illinois, United States, located on the city's southwest side, eight miles from Chicago's Loop...
), with flying done at Douglas Field (now known as O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport , also known as O'Hare Airport, O'Hare Field, Chicago Airport, Chicago International Airport, or simply O'Hare, is a major airport located in the northwestern-most corner of Chicago, Illinois, United States, northwest of the Chicago Loop...
). In 1952, the 169th FS was redesignated the 169th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) and then the 169th Fighter Bomber Squadron (FBS).
By 1953, a large construction project had expanded the base facilities, and in 1954 the 169th FBS obtained the copyright for The Chief, a Walt Disney cartoon character, to display as their emblem. In 1958, the squadron received its first F-84F Thunderstreak
F-84F Thunderstreak
The Republic F-84F Thunderstreak was an American-built swept-wing turbojet fighter-bomber. While an evolutionary development of the straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F was a new design. The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version....
, and the unit flew the first ANG air-to-air refueling mission in 1961. The 169th FBS received its first federal activation in 1961 for the Berlin Crisis
Berlin Crisis of 1961
The Berlin Crisis of 1961 was the last major politico-military European incident of the Cold War about the occupational status of the German capital city, Berlin, and of post–World War II Germany. The U.S.S.R...
. A year later, the 182d Tactical Fighter Group (TFG) was formed and assumed control of the redesignated 169th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS).
In May of 1969, the 182 TFG was redesignated as the 182d Tactical Air Support Group (TASG). In January of 1970, the wing received its first O-2A variant of the O-2 Skymaster
O-2 Skymaster
The O-2 Skymaster is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster utilized as an observation and forward air control aircraft...
aircraft. Members of the 182 TASG provided relief assistance during state active duty for the Canton tornado disaster in July of 1975.
In 1976, the 182d TASG was awarded its first Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the group converted to the OA-37 Dragonfly in 1979. The 182 TASG received an "Excellent" rating on its first Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) under the 12th Air Force, and the group was awarded its second Air Force Outstanding Unit award in 1985. In 1987, construction began on the new base facilities, which were formally dedicated in December, 1990. In January of 1991, 138 personnel were called to active duty for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
In July of 1992, the 182d's operational claimancy shifted from the disestablished [Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) to the newly-established Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
(ACC). The unit concurrently converted to the F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
and was redesignated the 182 Fighter Group (182 FG). In June of 1993, members served on state active duty in response to the Mississippi River flooding of southern Illinois. Due to government budget constraints and military Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC
Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure is a process of the United States federal government directed at the administration and operation of the Armed Forces, used by the United States Department of Defense and Congress to close excess military installations and realign the total asset inventory to reduce...
) initiatives which reduced the number of fighter aircraft in the Air National Guard
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
, the 182 FG converted to the C-130E version of the C-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
and was redesignated the 182d Airlift Wing (AW) effective October 1, 1995. When CONUS-based C-130s were transferred from ACC to Air Mobility Command
Air Mobility Command
Air Mobility Command is a Major Command of the U.S. Air Force. AMC is headquartered at Scott AFB, Illinois, east of St. Louis....
(AMC), operationally claimancy for the 182 AW was also passed to AMC. In 1996, the wing began participation in ongoing flying missions for Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. In 1997, the 182 AW celebrated its 50th anniversary and received an "Excellent" in its first Air Mobility Command
Air Mobility Command
Air Mobility Command is a Major Command of the U.S. Air Force. AMC is headquartered at Scott AFB, Illinois, east of St. Louis....
(AMC) ORI.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, members of the wing were called up to support the Air Force at various locations around the world. During a September 2002 deployment to Oman, wing aircraft flew combat supply missions into Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. On March 29, 2003, SSgt Jacob Frazier of the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) was killed in action while serving with Army Special Forces in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the wing to die in combat.
In March of 2003, immediately following mobilization, six aircraft and over 350 personnel were deployed to Minhad, United Arab Emirates, for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These airmen returned in August after providing airlift support throughout the theater. Since that mobilization, smaller numbers of wing personnel and aircraft have continually supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. On December 28, 2003, a wing crew delivered earthquake relief supplies to Iran, becoming the first US aircraft to land there since 1981.
Beginning in January of 2005, the wing converted from the C-130E to the newer C-130H3 model. In October of 2006, the wing received a rating of "Excellent" after serving as the lead wing during an AMC ORI. On February 3, 2007, the wing was awarded its third Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period from August 1, 2003 to July 31, 2005. Some personnel remain deployed to combat zones while other members of the wing continue routine worldwide support to the Air Force.
Major Command
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Mobility CommandAir Mobility CommandAir Mobility Command is a Major Command of the U.S. Air Force. AMC is headquartered at Scott AFB, Illinois, east of St. Louis....
(1995–Present) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
(1992–1995) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
(1980–1992) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Aerospace Defense CommandAerospace Defense CommandAerospace Defense Command is an inactive United States Air Force Major Command. Established in 1946 under the United States Army Air Forces, its mission was to organize and administer the integrated air defense system of the Continental United States , exercise direct control of all active...
(1958–1980)
Previous designations
- 182d Airlift Wing (1995–Present)
- 182d Fighter Group (1992–1995)
- 182d Tactical Air Support Group (1969–1992)
- 182d Tactical Fighter Group (1962–1969)
Units assigned
- 182d Airlift Wing
- 566th Air Force Band
- 182d Air Support Operations Center Squadron
- 169th Air Support Operations Squadron
- 264th Combat Communications Squadron
- 182d Medical Squadron
- 182d Logistics Group
- 182d Logistics Support Flight
- 182d Aircraft Generation Squadron
- 182d Maintenance Squadron
- 182d Logistics Squadron
- 182d Operations Group
- 169th Airlift Squadron169th Airlift SquadronThe 169th Airlift Squadron flies the C-130 Hercules. It is a unit of the Illinois Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 182d Airlift Wing.-Major Command:*Air National Guard/Air Mobility Command...
- 182d Operation Support Flight
- 182d Aerial Port Flight
- 169th Airlift Squadron
- 182d Support Group
- 182d Civil Engineering Squadron
- 182d Communications Flight
- 182d Mission Support Flight
- 182d Services Flight
- 182d Security Forces Squadron
Aircraft Operated
- C-130E/H Hercules (1995–Present)
- F-16A/B Fighting Falcon (1992–1995)
- C-26A Metroliner (1989–1995)
- OA-37B Dragonfly (1979–1992)
- C-131E Samaritan (1975–1989)
- O-2AC/B Skymaster (1970–1979)
- U-3A/B Blue Canoe (1969–1970)
- T-29A/C Flying Classroom (1972–1975)
- F-84F ThunderstreakF-84F ThunderstreakThe Republic F-84F Thunderstreak was an American-built swept-wing turbojet fighter-bomber. While an evolutionary development of the straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F was a new design. The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version....
(1958–1969) - T-33A Shooting Star (1955–1969)
- VC/C-47 Gooney Bird (1949–1972)
- T-28A Trojan (1956–1958)
- F-80C Shooting Star (1958–1958)
- A-26C Invader (1947–1952)
- T-6G Texan (1947–1956)
- AT-11 Kansan (1947–1947)
- F-51D/H Mustang (1947–1956)
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award