109th Airlift Wing
The 109th Airlift Wing (109 AW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Schenectady, New York. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command.
| 109th Airlift Wing | |
|---|---|
An LC-130 Hercules from the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard takes off as part of Operation Deep Freeze, in Antarctica. | |
| Active | 1 May 1956-Present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | New York |
| Branch | Air National Guard |
| Type | Wing |
| Role | Airlift |
| Part of | New York Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Stratton Air National Guard Base, Schenectady, New York |
| Insignia | |
| 109th Airlift Wing emblem | |
The wing's mission is to provide airlift support to the National Science Foundation's South Pole research program by flying LC-130H Hercules airlifters, modified with wheel-ski gear, in support of Arctic and Antarctic operations. The 109th Airlift Wing is the only unit in the world to fly these aircraft.
Along with the NSF mission, the 109th Airlift Wing also supported Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to its combat airlift mission, particularly when placed in a Federalized status, the wing also provides domestic-related functions commonly associated with Air National Guard units, such as disaster or hurricane relief.