About this Unit
The 109th Airlift Wing (109th AW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York. Established in 1948 as the 109th Fighter Group, it transitioned to airlift missions in the 1960s and became renowned for operating the LC-130 Hercules, the only ski-equipped aircraft in the U.S. military. The 109th AW’s unique capabilities support missions in polar regions, particularly providing vital airlift for the National Science Foundation’s research operations in Antarctica and Greenland as part of Operation Deep Freeze. Over the decades, the unit has also contributed to humanitarian relief and domestic emergency responses, cementing its reputation for versatility and excellence.
Historical Facts
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Antarctic Operations: The 109th Airlift Wing (AW) is renowned for its critical support of scientific missions in Antarctica, providing the world's only ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft capable of landing on snow and ice.
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Polar Expertise: The unit is the only military organization worldwide with the primary mission of supporting both Arctic and Antarctic operations, supplying remote research stations under extreme weather conditions.
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Origins: The 109th AW was first established as the 109th Fighter Group in 1956 and has undergone several transformations, including roles in air defense before focusing on airlift missions.
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Operation Deep Freeze: The 109th AW has played a pivotal role in Operation Deep Freeze since the late 1980s, a mission supporting the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.
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Greenland Missions: Besides Antarctica, the unit regularly flies missions to Greenland, supplying remote scientific camps and aiding in climate research projects in the Arctic Circle.
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Transition to Ski-equipped Aircraft: The 109th AW transitioned from standard C-130s to the unique ski-equipped LC-130s in the 1980s, allowing them to land on unprepared snow and ice runways.
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First All-Female Flight Crew: In 2009, the 109th AW made history by flying the first all-female LC-130 crew to the South Pole, highlighting the growing role of women in military aviation.
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Humanitarian Relief: The unit has supported numerous humanitarian missions, including relief efforts after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, deploying aircraft and personnel for emergency aid.
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Home Base: The 109th AW is based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York, and is part of the New York Air National Guard.
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Unique Insignia: The unit's emblem features a polar bear, symbolizing its unique mission in the polar regions and its reputation for operating in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
